Seven Blessings

The Edward S. Finkelstein Harrisburg Jewish Film Festival 

Season Finale Mini Fest

Israel, 2023/Drama, 111 minutes/Hebrew, French, Moroccan, w/subtitles/Screenplay by Eleanor Sela & Reymonde Amsellem/Directed by Ayelet Menahemi

Marie (Reymonde Amsellem, Matchmaking, Apples from the Desert) was just two years old when her mother, who was blessed with many children, “loaned” her to her barren sister to raise as a daughter, a common custom practiced by Moroccan Jews back in the day.  

Forty years later, in 1990s Israel, Marie returns from France after a long disconnect from her family to marry her fiancé, and is walked down the aisle by both of her “mothers.”  The following day marks the beginning of the Seven Blessings tradition, a week of festive meals prepared by members of Marie’s large family in honor of the bride.  But Marie still harbors feelings of anger and pain from her puzzling childhood.  She is desperate for an apology – while her family believes that she should be the one thanking them.

Winner of 10 Israeli Film Academy awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Screenplay; Best Narrative Feature, Toronto Jewish Film Festival

A pre-recorded interview with screenwriter/actor Reymonde Amsellem will follow the screening.