Director: TAMAR TAL
Producer:  BARAK HEYMANN
Co-Producer: TAMAR TAL 
Cinematographers: DANIEL KEDERM, TAMAR TAL
Editor: TAL SHEFI
Additional Editing: EYAL TSARFATI
Music: ALBERTO SHWARTZ

With the support of :
Yes Docu/Makor Foundation For Israeli Films

At the age of 96, Miriam Weissenstein never imagined that she would be facing a new chapter in her life. But when “The Photo House” – her late husband Rudi’s life’s work – was destined for demolition, even this opinionated and uncompromising woman knew she needed help.

Under the cloud of a family tragedy, a special relationship is forged between Miriam and her grandson, Ben, as they join forces to save the shop and its nearly one million negatives that document Israel’s defining moments.

Despite the generation gap and many conflicts, Ben and Miriam embark on a heart-wrenching journey, comprising many humorous and touching moments – a journey that requires a lot of love, courage, and compassion.

“Wonderful film … says something nice and inspiring about human nature.”  

Gili izikovich, Haaretz

“A bittersweet, moving, funny and very human film that warms up the heart and wakes up nostalgic feelings”  

Nir Kipnis, Globes

“One of the most charming documentaries we have seen here lately”  

Yediot Acharonot

“Funny and moving… a film that lovers of Tel-Aviv and of cinema would not dare miss”  

Israel Hayom

PRESS LINKS

23 May 2011 Globes: “Grandma’s Tales” Film Review (Israel, Hebrew)

23 May 2011 Haaretz: “A film that says something nice and inspiring about human nature.” Film Review (Israel, Hebrew)

• Israeli  Academy Award for Best Documentary

• Grand Prix –  Bar International TV Festival

• Talent Dove Award – Dok Leipzig International Film Festival
• Best Film Award and Best Editing Award – DocAviv International Documentary Film Festival
• Best Documentary Film – the 9th Jameson CineFest International Film Festival
• Best Documentary – Magnolia Award of Shanghai TV Festival
• Best Documentary – Great Lakes International Film Festival
• Best Documentary Film – the 9th Jameson CineFest International Film Festival
• Best Documentary – WOMEN IN FILM International Film Festival
• Best Film in Generation Category – Documentary Edge Film Festival

• Audience Award – Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival
• Audience Award – Krakow Internatinal Film Festival
• Audience Award – Berlin Jewish Film Festival
• Audience Award – SãoPaulo Jewish Film Festival
• Audience Award – THIS HUMAN WORLD International Film Festival
• Audience Award – SAGA Stockholm International Women’s Film Festival
  

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• Special Mention Award – DocuDays Film Festival for Human Rights
• Special Jury Mention at the XII IDFF “Flahertiana” Perm, Russia
• Special Jury Mention –  Zagreb Film Festival
• The Student Jury Award –  One World International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival

“When I first walked into the PhotoHouse it was like magic. The past came into life through the smells, and through the incredible photographs that rest in the wooden drawers and tell the story of Tel Aviv and Israel.  I was fascinated most of all by Miriam’s outstanding character and decided to document her life’s work.  it was only after completing a short film on Miriam and the PhotoHouse, that I got acquainted with her grandson, Ben who had joined the family business.  I observed their unique relationship grow stronger, as they faced the threat to lose their shop.

It became clear to me that it’s my duty to continue documenting their story. 

As for a photographer, it was important for me to integrate the historical photographs, the 8mm family movies in order to tell a complete story, a story of global and personal conflict.

It was a great privilege for me to have gained Miriam and Ben’s confidence, to have been allowed to be part of their lives and invited to share their most intimate moments.”

– Tamar Tal

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