The Viewing Booth

Forum 2020

In a laboratory-like setup, The Viewing Booth recounts a unique encounter between a filmmaker and a viewer. The film explores the way we make meanings for nonfiction images, and how what we see in such images, is related to our belief systems. Ra’anan Alexandrowicz, whose films The Law in These Parts (2011) and The Inner Tour (2001) have exposed different aspects of the Israeli occupation, compiles online video footage depicting the harsh reality of Palestinian existence under Israeli military rule. He then shows this footage to American students and films their reactions, focusing on one of them, Maia Levy, an enthusiastic supporter of Israel. Six months later, Alexandrowicz invites Levy to watch more footage. This time, Maia views edited footage of herself while she was watching the images of the occupation. What is revealed in the process is multi-layered, puzzling, insightful and extends beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Maia’s candid and reflective analysis of her previous commentary gives the viewer a staggering demonstration of the idea that seeing is not always believing.

by Ra’anan Alexandrowicz
with Maia Levy Israel / USA 2019 English, Hebrew, Arabic 70’ Colour Documentary form

With

Maia Levy

Crew

Written and Directed by	Ra’anan Alexandrowicz
Cinematography	Zachery Reese
Editing	Neta Dvorkis, Ra'anan Alexandrowicz
Sound Design	Rotem Dror
Producers	Ra'anan Alexandrowicz, Liran Atzmor
Executive Producers	Annie Roney, Kirsten Johnson, Susan Norget

World sales

ro*co films

Produced by

Ra'anan Alexandrowicz

Liran Atzmor

Ra’anan Alexandrowicz

Born in Jerusalem, Israel in 1969. He completed his studies at Jerusalem’s Sam Spiegel Film and Television School in 1996.

Filmography

1996 Rak B'Mikrim Bodedim (Self Confidence Ltd.); 20 min. 1999 Martin; 52 min., Forum 2000 2001 The Inner Tour; 85 min., Forum 2001 2003 James’ Journey to Jerusalem; 91 min. 2011 The Law in These Parts; 101 min. 2019 The Viewing Booth; 70 min.

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2020