by Orit Fouks Rotem
In budding director Rona's video course, eight women of Arab and Jewish origin from all over Israel come together once a week to learn the basics of filmmaking. On screen, they present short clips from their everyday lives and learn about each other’s completely different circumstances. Topics such as relationships, motherhood and independence lead to both arguments and feelings of familiarity between the women. But as they reveal their innermost dreams, doubts begin to arise about Rona's motives. CINEMA SABAYA is a warm-hearted ode to the unifying power of art in a war-torn country.