God’s Neighbors

A young religious hot-head experiences a falling out with a gang of violent extremists who terrorize a suburban Israeli neighborhood in GOD’S NEIGHBORS, a raw and provocative drama-cum-thriller from first-time writer-director Meni Yaesh.

Leading a brigade of Orthodox watchdogs, Avi (an award-winning performance by Roy Assaf) and his testosterone-fueled cronies take it upon themselves to patrol the streets of coastal Bat Yam. Although under the tutelage of a charismatic rabbi (Gili Shushan), their behavior – berating immodestly clothed women, harassing store owners who do not observe Shabbat, and bloodying Arabs that stray onto their turf – is less than pious. Order is upended with the arrival of attractive and independent-minded Miri (Rotem Ziesman-Cohen), stirring a romance while triggering a crisis of faith for the conflicted Avi.

A prize winner at numerous international film festivals including Cannes and Jerusalem, GOD’S NEIGHBORS was also nominated for nine Israeli Academy Awards with wins for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.

Where: Regal Atlantic Station
When: Saturday, Feb. 09, 2013 | 8:00 PM

Where: Lefont Sandy Springs
When: Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 | 8:00 PM
          Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 | 2:30 PM