Oma

A nonconforming granddaughter (with shaved temples and piercing) comes to a retirement house to film a documentary about her boisterous grandmother who survived the Holocaust and Auschwitz. They are divided by more than half a century, they are united by their uncompromising attitude, but they are able to find a common language. This chamber conversational drama about dialogue across two generations states that as long as you argue, as long as you disagree, as long as you can raise your voice - you are alive. The granddaughter is played by the film’s director Daniella Rabbani (who also appeared in minor parts in The Americans and Ocean's 8), and to her, Oma is an adaptation of a personal experience. “When I was a child, my grandparents didn’t tell me about how they survived the Holocaust. My grandfather made attempts to open up, but I would always change the subject. I had no idea about the cleansing effect that such conversations could have”

Directed by Daniella Rabbani, Oma leans on a strong ensemble — Lynn Cohen, Daniella Rabbani, Tibor Feldman — 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 2017.