Shai Carmeli-Pollak’s film The Sea turns a compassionate gaze on a painful and complex situation. Moving and suspenseful, with vivid characters, at the heart of the film is a 12-year-old Palestinian boy Khaled who wants to see the Mediterranean Sea for the first time. Muhammad Gazawi, in his first acting role, delivers a striking and poignant performance as Khaled. In focusing on a protagonist who is on the cusp of adolescence yet still has the openness and some of the innocence of childhood, a child with a simple desire – to go to the sea – and a narrative with an ensemble of characters that are seen as individuals, Carmeli-Pollak has created a film that has universal resonance. The film has won several Ophir Awards including Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Actor for Muhammad Gazawi, Best Supporting Actor for Khalifa Natour, Best Music for Avi Belleli, and it is Israel’s selection for representation in the international feature competition at the Oscars.
Khaled lives in a village near Ramallah, which is in the West Bank, territories occupied by the State of Israel. Although Ramallah is governed by the Palestinian Authority, in order to reach the sea, a Palestinian living there would need a permit to enter Israel. Khaled’s story begins on a joyful morning, as his friend Sami comes calling him to hurry to school – their class is going on a field trip to the sea. But when their bus reaches the checkpoint, the Israeli soldier tells the teacher that Khaled does not have a permit to enter Israel. There is nothing to be done, and Khaled’s uncle is called to collect him and bring him home.
Khaled lives in the midst of a warm and loving family that has known loss – his mother died two years ago. While Khaled’s father Ribhi (Khalifa Natour) labors as an undocumented worker in Israel for weeks at a time, Khaled and his siblings are cared for by their loving grandmother (Marlene Bajali). Sitting at home while knowing that his friends and classmates are having fun on the beach, Khaled’s frustration, anger, and resolve mount. He decides that he will set out at night, evade the border control to enter Israel, and go to the sea on his own.
Khaled’s journey is even more perilous because he does not know Hebrew. As he makes his way through different neighborhoods, seeing people and places he has never seen before, the viewer sees them through his eyes. Gazawi conveys the confusion, wonder, determination and resourcefulness of Khaled with impressive depth. His many encounters along the way are lively, often amusing, and peopled with a diverse cast of characters. There is a particular moment that I think may challenge some viewers’ pre-conceived notions – a subtle reminder of how we humans tend to judge one another by superficial appearances and difference.
While Khaled makes his way through the streets of Israel, his family realizes that he is missing and they call Ribhi, his father. Undocumented, and working in construction for an Israeli contractor, if he goes to look for his son, Ribhi risks losing everything, including his freedom. The film illuminates the relationship between father and son, each on his quest.
The Sea is a gentle and compassionate film. Through Khaled and Ribhi’s journeys it lets the viewer feel the oppression of occupation yet refrains from enumerating its harsher aspects or entering a political arena. But its message is clear. There is a very strong scene when Khaled’s class is on the bus, on their way to the sea. Like any group of 12-year-olds they are chattering and laughing, noisy and happy. Then their teacher lets them know that they are approaching the checkpoint. Their silence is instantaneous and heart-breaking. No child should feel that way. The Sea is grounded in our common humanity and the simple desire we all share for a good life; in whatever way we may define it. Through Khaled and Ribhi’s experiences, the film awakens our empathy, and the hope that we may wish for a good life for all.
The Sea
Written and directed by Shai Carmeli-Pollak; Producer: Baher Agbariya; Cinematography: Shai Goldman; Editor: Yosef Grunfeld; Music: Avi Belleli; Cast: Muhammad Gazawi, Natour Khalifa, Marlene Bajali, Hilla Sarjon
