We are very proud to screen the amazing Israeli debut feature "Karaoke" by Moshe Rosenthal, produced by Frat Cohen, as the closing film of the Critics’ Picks. Moshe masterfully builds a highly original plot around the married couple Meir and Tova, who live a middle-class life, but are haunted by a strong feeling of regret over not being able to achieve their dreams. When Itzik, a flamboyant model agent, moves into their building, their lust for life seems to be back…

As entertaining and controversial as Karaoke is, each second of this brilliant debut will make you laugh – or cry. Like in real karaoke – not everybody is pleased by the role that they must perform. You pretend to sing (or dance) – but is it really your true nature?

Moshe’s incredible talent is supported by a fantastic cast who superbly carry the comic plot. The female lead Rita Shukrun’s performance is simply "To Die For" (like Nicole Kidman once), and her husband Sasson Gabay (“The Band's Visit”) is as marvellous as always. Itzik, played by Lior Ashkenazi, is considered to be the Israeli Richard Gere. Lior actually acted alongside Richard Gere in “Norman”, produced by the multi-Oscar-winner director and scriptwriter Oren Moverman.

Niki Nikitin