Karaoke

An off-beat, comedic, cautionary tale about love, friendships and the art of karaoke, this Israeli film was nominated for 14 Ophir Awards (Israeli film academy) and has pleased crowds in Israel, New York, Australia and Estonia.

Join us on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at 10 a.m. for Karaoke as Cinema Art Bethesda continues in-person screenings and discussions at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema. As always, coffee/tea and bagels/cream cheese will be provided starting at 9:30 am. Admission is $15 per person (cash or checks only) for the entire program.

Karaoke follows the story of Meir (played by Sasson Gabay of The Band’s Visit) and Tova (Rita Shukrun), who are celebrating 46 years of marriage. They live a comfortable albeit passionless life, with Meir currently on sabbatical from his academic professorship, and Tova running a boutique shop. Their lives get a jolt of excitement when their new upstairs neighbor Itzik (Lior Ashkenazy), a former Miami-based modeling agent, invites them to his flashy penthouse for karaoke nights. The couple’s lust for life is reignited as they become part of Itzik’s energetic lifestyle.

As Meir and Tova join the parties, they examine the way they see themselves and their changing relationship. Reviews describe director Moshe Rosenthal’s debut feature as “funny, heartfelt and sharp,” capturing “the nature of long-term relationships and the aspirations and dreams shared by many Israelis today.”

Karaoke runs 1 hour 40 minutes; dialog in Hebrew with English subtitles.

Trailer