Browse Films

CITY OF BORDERS provides an original view of the vibrant underground community at the only gay bar in Jerusalem where people of opposing nationalities, religions and sexual orientations create a sanctuary among people typically viewed as each other’s “enemy.” This powerful and provocative documentary intimately portrays the daily lives of five Israeli and Palestinian patrons as they risk their lives challenging taboos and navigating the minefield of politics, religion and discrimination to live and love openly.

Set against the construction of the separation wall between Israel and the Palestinian territories and the struggle for a gay pride parade in the Holy City, these five inter-woven stories reveal the contradictions and complexities in the struggle for acceptance. In observing the lives of the bar regulars, CITY OF BORDERS explores the bond forged when people from warring worlds embrace what everyone shares in common—the right to be accepted and belong—rather than be defined, or divided by their differences.

Vibrant documentary
LA Weekly
full review

This is a phenomenally intimate documentary which challenges its audience on multiple levels.
Chicagoist
full review

Sublime non-fiction slice of life
Bay Area Reporter
full review

Lively and precise
Philadelphia City Paper
full review

Involving personality mix and balance of intimate/public dramas make the pic seem fuller
Variety
full review

More Reviews

AWARDS & SCREENINGS:

• Special Teddy Audience Award, Berlin International Film Festival 

• Grand Jury Prize, Montreal Human Rights Film Festival

• Grand Prix, Belgrade Documentary and Short Film Festival

• Best International Feature Award, Vancouver Queer Film Festival

• Best Documentary Award, New Orleans Middle East Film Festival

• Best Documentary Award, Barcelona International LGTIB Film Festival

• Best Documentary, Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival

• Best LGBT Film Award, Ann Arbor Film Festival

• Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival

• Los Angeles Film Festival

• Seattle International Film Festival

• San Francisco International Film Festival

• Palm Springs International Film Festival

• Cleveland International Film Festival

• Nashville Film Festival

• Amnesty International Film Festival

• Viennale International Film Festival

• Belfast Film Festival

• Frameline Film Festival

• Istanbul International Film Festival