Acre Dreams

Azam Salameh, a Palestinian theater director, directs an autobiographical play in the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Acre. The play takes place in 1947, during the final days of the British Mandate, and tells a love story between his grandmother, the singer Layla and Dr. Alfasi, the last Jewish citizen who remained in the city of Acre during the War of 1948. The play comes under threat and never sees the stage. This film is the only remaining testimony. —Haifa International Film Festival

Directed by Daniel Wachsmann, Acre Dreams leans on a strong ensemble — Liraz Charhi, Hitham Omari, Daniel Wachsmann — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2018.