Cinematheques to screen film intended for women only

A dogged Orthodox American filmmaker has managed to bring in her latest movie to the Cinematheque theaters in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on condition they be targeted to women-only audiences. The screenings mark the first time these venues - considered strongholds of secularism - have made such a concession.

Marketing materials for the upcoming Jerusalem screenings of "A Light for Greytowers," to be held on December 10 and 24, will include a disclaimer explaining that the Haredi actresses don't want men to see them singing or dancing for reasons of modesty and "kindly request that only women and girls attend." Yet men will not be prevented from entering the theater, organizers said.

Director Robin Garbose hailed the theaters' decision as groundbreaking. "It's an opportunity for unity, understanding, expansiveness and meaningful dialogue through art," she said. "It's an opportunity to allow the artistic voice of Haredi women to emerge."

Garbose said she had a tougher sell with Ilan de Vries, director-general of the Jerusalem Cinematheque , thlan with Alon Garbuz of the Tel Aviv Cinematheque. Garbuz concurred, telling Anglo File that he indeed hopes that Haredim would enjoy the movie and consider to return to the Cinematheque for other screenings as well.

De Vries, however, was initially against women-only screenings, as he felt this would be discriminating against men. It took several ideological debates before he allowed the event, she said, only after insisting on the exact the wording of the disclaimer. "What made it work for the [Jerusalem] Cinematheque was putting it as a 'request' from us, not a militant demand," the L.A.-based Garbose explained.

"We are happy to screen the film but we didn't agree to saying that anyone would not be allowed to see it," De Vries told Anglo File yesterday. "We believe in pluralism and democratic values and our program is open to all who are interested, regardless of their sex."

Last year, the Jerusalem Jewish Film Festival - sponsored by the city's Cinematheque - rejected the film over the audience issue. In October, the Victorian-era musical about a Russian-Jewish girl in an English orphanage celebrated its Israel premiere at film festival in Ashkelon.

"If I hadn't seen with my own eyes in Ashkelon the tears and joy of the secular women in the audience, I might not have chosen to challenge [de Vries]," said Garbose, who this week arrives in Israel. "I was surprised and moved by their reaction." she added.