And Thou Shalt Love (Hebrew)

Ohad is a young attractive 20 year old Jewish guy who is studying in the special "Hesder" program for orthodox soldiers. He feels lonely while concealing about his homosexuality. When he calls a religious hotline for help, he is advised that forty days of fasting and repentence will extinguish his homosexual tendencies. Ohad takes the required steps, and after the proscribed period is convinced that he is "cured". Enter Ohad's best friend Nir, who returnsfrom the army, and Ohad realizes that he really has not been cured. All his feeling return back stringer than ever. He even risks everything when he comes on to his friend Nir, who shouts back in return and asks him to leave the school. Ohad is torn between the man he loves and God. He ultimately comes to understand that to struggle is useless and accepts himself as a gay religious man and makes peace with his creator and himself.

The film is apparently semi-autobiographical by the director and it is interesting to watch. I am very curious to know what the reaction would have been when this film was originally screened. Mixing sexuality with religion , specially in orthodox jewish culture is not easy and is bound to evoke criticism. I wish the folks in Israel are more tolerant towards gays after watching this short film. Brilliant. (8/10)