Man Without a Cell Phone

Jawdat, a young Israeli Arab, just wants to have fun with his friends, spend hours chatting on his cell phone, and above all, find love. But he keeps going on failed dates with Muslim, Christian, and even Jewish girls, while desperately trying to pass his Hebrew test to get into university and leave his village. Things get complicated when Salem, his father, an olive farmer, wants him to join him in his fight against the antenna installed in a neighboring field by the Israeli telephone company, which he suspects is irradiating the villagers.

Directed by Sameh Zoabi, Man Without a Cell Phone leans on a strong ensemble — Razi Shawahdeh, Loai Nofi, Bassem Loulou — 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 screen titles of 2012.