I’ve made the jokes, I knew it was only a matter of time, now someone’s finally gone and done it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, West Bank Story

Made by an Israeli film student at USC, the short film features original music, dance sequences, the whole shebang.

West Bank Story is a musical comedy about David, an Israeli soldier, and Fatima, a Palestinian fast food cashier – an unlikely couple who fall in love amidst the animosity of their families’ dueling falafel stands in the West Bank.

Could have been total cheese, but after screening at over 25 film festivals including Cannes, reports seem to indicate it’s actually well done and funny.

Look for it at a film fest near you.

About the author

Laya Millman

12 Comments

  • Sounds great, but I fear it might steal the thunder of “Upper West Side Story,” which is the story of a Reform man and an Orthodox woman who meet and fall in love on Shabbat in Riverside Park. The centerpiece of this musical is the “rumble” between the communities that happens at the Salute to Israel Parade, in front of the mayor and the entire city of New York.

    The phrase “dueling felafel stands” is rife with comic potential. Especially given what we now know about the trayfness of hummus.

    I’ll keep my eyes peeled for it…thanks for the heads-up!
    Sounds great…

  • I ve watched the trailer and I think the movie looks mediocre at best. Unfortunately Cannes doesn’t guarantee anything anymore. Have any of you, non-oversees ppl seen it yet?

  • It’s true that Cannes doesn’t guarantee anything. How many Amos Gitai movies have I seen that were a Cannes pick? And how many of them made me want to hurl?

  • Have you seen Kedma? That movie (which was a Cannes pick) seriously made me want to gouge out my eyes after it was done.

  • (Possible Fatima Song?)

    Al-Qalqilyah, my heart’s devotion!
    … Let it sink back in the ocean.
    Always the rocks they are throwing…
    ALWAYS the population growing!
    And the money owing!
    And the Ma’gav screaming,
    And the falaffels steaming!

    I like the heights of Tel-Aviv…
    To be a Ye-hudi and be chayiv!

  • Your chance to see West Bank Story will happen in L.A. on Thursday, July 28th. It will be part of a film event called “Cine-Peace”, which will show 4 film shorts related to the Israeli-Arab conflict, peace, and co-existence. Should be a great night. For more information, go to http://www.peacenow.org/socal.

  • West Bank Story is hilarious! The audience loved it! And it clarifies the simplicity of the situation — we’re all human beings and it’s time to settle up and live together in peace!