A Bottle in the Gaza Sea

Directed by Thierry Binisti
Film Movement
2011
99 Minutes
France
French, Arabic, Hebrew
Coming of Age, Jewish, Drama
Not Rated
play trailer
DVD
$19.95 Members
$29.95 Non-Members
Watch Online
$3.99 3-Day Rental
Also available on:

17-year-old Tal has emigrated from France to Jerusalem with her family. She writes a letter expressing her refusal to accept that only hatred can reign between Israelis and Palestinians. She slips the letter into a bottle, and her brother throws it into the sea near Gaza, where he is carrying out his military service. A few weeks later, Tal receives an e-mail response from a mysterious "Gazaman," a young Palestinian named Naim. Thus begins a turbulent but tender long-distance friendship between two young people that are separated by a history they are trying both to understand and change. This engrossing and hopeful drama starring Hiam Abbass is based on the award-winning novel by Valérie Zenatti.

Cast

  • Mahmoud Shalaby
  • Agathe Bonitzer
  • Hiam Abbass
DVD Features

Bonus short: An Oasis on the Hill directed by Igal Kohen

Sound: 5.1 Surround Sound

Discs: 1

  • Highest Rating
    "[For] anyone who's just interested in a gripping, unsentimental drama with a lot of action and a pacifist message of hope and reconciliation, A Bottle in the Gaza Sea is must-viewing."
    Jeff Henrich, Montreal Gazette
  • Highest Rating
    "Heartfelt! [Bottle] is a gentle pairing of youthful idealism and tenacious hope."
    Jeannette Catsoulis, The New York Times
  • Highest Rating
    "This is the story of people who dream big and find a common understanding...No matter where your sympathies lie,it’s hard not to get behind that."
    Robert Levin, AM New York

Awards & Recognition

You May Also Like...