The Little Traitor

LA Jewish Film Festival commemorates Israel's 60th Birthday
at opening gala, May 8, 2008 premiere of The Little Traitor

What better way to celebrate Israel's 60th birthday, with all its cultural richness, than with the opening gala of the LA Jewish Film Fest, now in its 3rd year... hel

at the Writer's Guild in Beverly Hills, May 8th, 2008.

The film, The Little Traitor, directed and produced by Lynn Roth, is based on Amos Oz' novel, Panther in the Basement, and focuses on an exceptionally brilliant, precocious, spirited youth, Proffy, in 1947, right before Israel becomes a state. By a chance encounter with a British officer, brilliantly portrayed by Alfred Molina, the two build a close friendship that changes their lives forever.

In this work of passion and dedication, Lynn Roth declares her need to share important stories, events, and characters of depth, that led up to Israel's independence. As Proffy, played by Ido Port, a rising child star in Israel, bonds, and makes friends "with the enemy," (British soldier, Sargent Dunlop, played by Molina); his peers and community consider him a "traitor," yet the relationship that ensues is truly the heart and soul of the film's storyline, and a true picture of humanity. The young star of the film brings an extraordinary freshness and sense of innocence to the screen, as his portrayal is sincere and natural, despite the
quite demanding role for one his age.

Lynn Roth made a major effort to be loyal to Amos Oz's book, in depicting this story, and quite effectively captured the essence of the environment/
atmosphere and accurately portrayed a pivotal time in Israel's history. It is both a coming of age story of young Proffy, exploring his interest in girls; bonding with male role models; as well as a semi-documentary with genuine footage of historic events at the time, when Israel was declared an independent state in 1948.

The legendary Theodore Bikel, who plays a cameo role in the film, was honored at this evening's event, for his range of work within the Jewish community.
Upon accepting this honor, Bikel spoke about the importance of presenting Jewish culture as a "living, breathing expression of a people-a need to be nurtured,
not just an heirloom of our ancestors, hidden away in an attic.... Yesterday points to today.. and then to tomorrow..."

The LA Jewish Film Festival runs through May 15th, and each unique film screening is not only carefully selected, but "Chosen!"

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