Israeli Director Or Sinai Faces Political Questions at Cannes for New Film 'Mama'
Over a decade after her acclaimed short film "Anna" won Best Short Film at Cannes in 2015, Israeli director Or Sinai has completed her first feature film, "Mama." Despite the prestigious Cannes Film Festival's requirement to premiere the film last year, Sinai experienced a colder reception and was repeatedly asked political questions unrelated to her work, unlike her Italian and Spanish counterparts who were allowed to focus solely on their art.
"Mama" stars Yevgenia Dodina, who also appeared in "Anna," as a Polish woman managing a wealthy household in Caesarea. The story follows her return to her impoverished Polish village, revealing family conflicts and diverging life paths. Sinai drew inspiration from her personal experience with her mother’s Parkinson’s disease and the introduction of a foreign caregiver into her parents’ home, which shifted family dynamics and challenged perceptions of migrant women as invisible workers.
The film opens with a candid sex scene between the caregiver and her African immigrant lover, illustrating the complexity and humanity of these women beyond their labor roles. Sinai emphasized that the scene was essential to portraying the character’s full life, despite potential discomfort among conservative audiences. The film explores class disparities and immigrant experiences, with Sinai choosing to set the story in Poland to continue working with Dodina and reflecting the presence of Eastern European workers in Israel.
Sinai described the protagonist as a blend of herself and Dodina, aiming to avoid victimization and highlight strength. The film’s title shifted from "Home" to "Mama," focusing on the central mother-daughter relationship and the dramatic conflict arising from the mother’s extraordinary actions. Audience reactions have been polarized, with some siding with the mother and others with the daughter.
Filmed in Poland, Sinai noted the respectful and enjoyable production environment, contrasting it with her experiences in Israel. She remains committed to creating despite challenges facing Israeli cinema and sees artistic creation as her way to contribute. Her parents support the film but remain private about their deeper thoughts.
"Mama" is set for Israeli theatrical release this weekend and competes for Ophir Awards and the chance to represent Israel at the Oscars.
