AFI Fest 2014

Self Made

2014 • Drama • 89 minutes • 53 ratings • 12 reviews

Directed by Shira Geffen

Starring Sarah Adler, Samira Saraya, Doraid Liddawi, Na'ama Shoham and Ziad Bakri

Self Made tells the story of two women - one Israeli, the other Palestinian- who are trapped within their respective worlds. After a mix-up at a checkpoint, they find themselves living the life of the other on the opposite side of the border.

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Reviews

  • ★★★★½ review by Michael Nazarewycz on Letterboxd

    The screenplay for Self Made (a terrific title) reminds me of screenplays like Pulp Fiction and The Usual Suspects in that it is intricately designed, wildly unique, never boring, and requires considerable attention be paid to it. In this era of “elevator pitch” ideas—films that can be summarized and sold in seconds—it is refreshing to know films are still being made (globally, and by women) that require a complete commitment to the entire film, not just the idea of it. Self Made is worth committing to.

    My full WTI review: waytooindie.com/review/movie/self-made-tjff-2015/

  • ★★★½ review by Horican on Letterboxd

    At it's best moments. it's like an Israeli version of Quentin Dupieux's Wrong. Which is pretty exciting.

  • ★★★★ review by Richard Vialet on Letterboxd

    Still should take time to think about this one a bit. I definitely was affected by this look at two women on opposite sides of Israeli-Palestinian border, both having a life-altering day. It was an intriguing allegory showing that on a human level, both sides aren't all that different at all. The movie was at times very funny, but ultimately very bizarre, with a final act that is interesting, but might come on a little too strong it's symbolism (you mean NO ONE could tell these women apart? haha).

  • ★★★★½ review by Robert Fuller on Letterboxd

    This one blind sided me. It was just filler in between movies that I actually wanted to see, and it turned out to be my favorite film of the festival thus far. Persona meets Wrong meets Divine Intervention with sublime invention and hilarious absurdity. I think I need a second viewing to articulate what it all means, and why the final shot nearly brought me to tears, but it's an overlooked gem for sure.

  • ★★★★½ review by dph on Letterboxd

    Countdown to Halloween, 2014

    Conflicting sides having the same batshit misfortune of having "one of those days". Clever, winsome ideas and images. Dazzling and definitely my kind of black humor. A-

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