Bruce Feiler - Where God Was Born, Abraham, Walking The Bible

Hope Is Not Hopeless
Sunday, February 25, 2007

Of course it's an old Oscar cliche that if you're not sure whom to predict in the live action short or documentary or any other minor category, look for any film that's about the Holocaust. It's sure to win. Mrs. Feiler Faster and I are watching the Oscars and the nominees for live action short passed by, including "West Bank." We didn't even know what it was about but both said, "It will win!" Naturally, it did, but then the filmmaker, Ari Sandel, gave a passionate, articulate speech about his film that showed why the Feiler Slower rule of Oscar speeches can make your career.

First, he described his film about two falafel makers in the West Bank who dream of peace. He gave what should become one of the more memorable lines of the night, "Hope is not hopeless." Then he defined and described why his genre is still important, as it gives little filmmakers and chance to get discovered. Then, and only then, he thanked his parents, tastefully, emotionally.

"And," Mrs. Feiler Faster announced, as if this were greater than the Oscar itself, "I think he's cute!"

Posted by B Feiler at 9:07 PM
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