Facing the Wall

Facing the Wall (in Hebrew: עם הפנים לקיר) is a 2016 Israeli short film, written and directed by Aalam-Warqe Davidian. The film won the best picture award at the International Student Film Festival and the Van Lir best short film award at the 2016 Jerusalem Film Festival.

Plot summary
The film follows Surni, a 14 year old Ethiopian girl who is newly arrived in Israel. Surni wakes up to her first day in an immigrant absorption center, without the boy she loves. She shuts herself in her room, refusing to open her eyes or get out of bed. Her mother, who is also missing home, tries to help her find a way for the both of them to say goodbye to the world they left behind.

Awards and festivals

 * 2016 - Ophir awards - best short film (nominated)
 * 2016 - International Student Film Festival, best independent short film
 * 2016 - Jerusalem Film Festival, Van Lir award, best short film
 * 2017 - Festival de Cine Africano, best short film award
 * 2017 - Toronto International Film Festival
 * 2017 - Toronto Jewish Film Festival
 * 2017 - Festival Olhares do Mediterrâneo
 * 2017 - Rhode Island Flickers International Film Festival
 * 2018 - Hearland Festival
 * 2018 - San Diego Jewish Film Festival