In 1995, as Israel buzzed with anticipation and peace seemed just around the corner, this night-time soap told the story of a group of young people living in Florentene, a bohemian part of Tel Aviv. In a country better known for machismo and the military, Florentene created a stir as the first TV drama to show not only gay characters, but also their sex lives. The scenario: when film student Tomer loses an old school friend in battle, he goes into shock and drifts aimlessly overseas. On returning to Israel, Tomer moves in with Shira and Tuti, also friends since high-school, and their gay friend Iggy. Over 13 episodes, we follow the lives of these twenty-somethings as they struggle with work, relationships, their families, and all manner of happenings along the way.

Our special TGLFF screening of Florentene is comprised of episodes four to six, which focus on Tomer's coming out process, and reach a climax just as news of Yitzhak Rabin's assassination hits the streets of Tel Aviv.

Don't forget to catch Fox's early short film Time Off, and his latest effort Gotta Have Heart, in The World of Men and Family of Love programs respectively.

Sponsored by the Embassy of Israel and Israel Channel 2

Florentene
Dir. Eytan Fox
(1997/Israel/Video/100min)

see also: Family of Love
The World of Men