Watch Tel Aviv on Fire

Tel Aviv on Fire is a 2018 comedy-drama film directed by Sameh Zoabi and starring Kais Nashif, Lubna Azabal, and Yaniv Biton. The film tells the story of Salam (Nashif), a Palestinian man who works as a production assistant on a popular Palestinian soap opera called "Tel Aviv on Fire". Salam's life takes a dramatic turn when he is stopped at a checkpoint by an Israeli commander, Assi (Biton). Assi recognizes Salam from his work on the soap opera and starts to give him suggestions on how to improve the show's storyline. What follows is a hilarious and satirical look at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the lens of television production.

The movie begins with Salam driving to work on his scooter, struggling to pass through a checkpoint on the way. He works on the set of "Tel Aviv on Fire", a popular Palestinian soap opera that follows the lives of a young Palestinian spy and her Israeli handler during the 1967 Six-Day War. Salam is a low-level production assistant on the show who has dreams of becoming a writer. When Salam is stopped at a checkpoint and recognized by Assi, an Israeli commander, he is given a suggestion to change the storyline to favor the Israelis. Salam reluctantly agrees but soon realizes that he has to keep this new storyline a secret from the Palestinian crew and his bosses. This leads to a series of comical and unpredictable events that affect the show's future.

As Salam tries to balance pleasing Assi and keeping his bosses happy, he is pulled into a complicated world of politics and propaganda. Along the way, he meets Mariam (Azabal), a beautiful French-Palestinian woman with a passion for the Palestinian cause. She challenges Salam's views and pushes him outside his comfort zone, forcing him to confront the complexity of the conflict in which he is embroiled.

The movie is full of sharp wit, political satire, and unexpected twists that keep the audience engaged throughout. The acting is superb, with Nashif and Azabal delivering standout performances that lend depth and nuance to their respective characters. Biton also shines in his role as Assi, bringing a subtle mix of humor and menace to the character.

The film's production values are equally impressive. The sets, costumes, and props are all beautifully crafted and give the movie an authentic feel. The cinematography is also excellent, capturing the vibrant colors and bustling energy of contemporary Tel Aviv.

Perhaps most impressively, the film manages to tackle a highly polarizing topic with both humor and sensitivity. It does not take sides or offer easy answers, but instead encourages viewers to explore the conflict from a new perspective. The film ultimately suggests that art can offer a unique space to explore the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and that humor can help bridge the divide between opposing viewpoints.

In conclusion, Tel Aviv on Fire is a highly entertaining and thought-provoking film that skillfully blends comedy and drama to explore the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its outstanding acting, production values, and political satire make it a must-see for fans of both international cinema and political humor.

Tel Aviv on Fire is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 70.