Vasermil

A thoughtful Israeli film centering on three teenagers from marginalized communities in the town of Be'er Sheva, director Mushon Salmona's Vasermil offers an illuminating view of second- and third-generation immigrant life. Adiel (Adiel Zamro) is an Ethiopian Jew more inclined toward Rastafarianism and regularly subjected to racism and attacks. Dima (David Taplitzky), a Russian Jew from a troubled family, is caught up in his neighborhood's drug trade. Shlomi (Nadir Eldad) is an impulsive kid who not only feels trapped and frustrated by unfair treatment at the hands of an abusive boss, but is also under the thumb of local enforcers. Their paths cross on one fateful night—resulting in all three being forced to play on a youth soccer team headed toward a championship. Unexpected alliances and loyalties develop that will have surprising consequences for each boy. While this may sound like yet another Rocky-esque tale of misfit losers who face obstacles and are redeemed by a sport, Vasermil (named for a Be'er Sheva stadium) is much more complicated, serving up a story of destinies at least partially determined by inescapable ties and family roots. An award-winning festival favorite, this powerful slice-of-life drama is recommended. (T. Keogh)