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The Quest For The Missing Piece

Directed by: Oded Lotan
52 Minutes, 2007

As a young Jewish gay man living in Tel Aviv with his German partner, Oded Lotan is in an intriguing position to examine the ritual of bris, or male circumcision. What is the significance of this `missing piece` in 21st century Jewish life? Hubby is, after all, `intact`, and can`t see what the fuss is about.

Presented as a gently humorous fairy tale bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, this quest addresses personal feelings towards the ritual, the fear of exclusion, and the need to belong. Aided by wonderful animated sequences, Lotan pieces together the story of his own bris while reflecting on the complex role his sexuality and time spent away from home in Germany has played in shaping his Israeli identity. Lotan is an endearing `hero` and a filmmaking talent to watch, negotiating an emotive topic with considerable wit and panache.

Credits

Director: Oded Lotan

Producer: Claudia Levin

Producer: Claudius Films

Cinematographer: Yosi Aviram

Editor: Tali Halter-Shenkar

Original music: Jonathan Bar-Giora