Inventing Our Life: The Kibbutz Experiment

A sense of regret, as well as simple nostalgia, permeates Toby Perl Freilich's affecting documentary about Israel's kibbutz movement—which now finds itself compelled to change with the times or fall by the wayside. The kibbutzim originated in Palestine in the early 20th century as small utopian communities that combined the ideals of socialism and Zionism, eventually coming to represent the Israeli spirit of national commitment and self-sacrifice after the country was founded—with the kibbutzniks playing a disproportionate role in Israel's defense. Over time, however, the prospect of a more varied, fulfilling, and prosperous life lured many of the younger residents away, and as the remaining members aged and financial circumstances became more precarious, the communities had to adapt by compromising their founding principles in order to survive amidst an increasingly diverse population and profit-oriented environment. Freilich sketches the entire history of the movement through archival footage of early settlements; descriptions of how their innovative methods revolutionized Israeli agriculture; interviews with first-, second-, and third-generation kibbutzniks (including many who left); and visits to present-day kibbutzim, some of which are engaged in vigorous internal debate about how to adopt needed changes without abandoning their essential character. The combination of personal reminiscence and broader context makes Inventing Our Life an evocative account of a noble experiment that is endangered by the realities of contemporary life in Israeli society. DVD extras include bonus scenes, an audio interview with Freilich, and a text director bio. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)