Choreographing Chaos: A New Approach to Observing Disorder

The French actress Irène Jacob is the main character featured in the latest work of the acclaimed Israeli director Amos Gitai, titled “Shikun”. In this movie, Irène’s character begins as a guide but gradually becomes speechless and loses control. The film is a cinematic and theatrical examination of the question of Israel’s survival. It contemplates whether rhinos will soon be the only inhabitants of the country, drawing parallels to Eugène Ionesco’s play on opportunism and herd instinct.

Gitai, a balanced and critical opponent of Israeli government policy, filmed this movie before the October 7th massacre. He condemns the brutal murders committed by Hamas, but he also criticizes the ideological tsunami led by Netanyahu and his right-wing extremist, ultra-Orthodox, and racist coalition. The film serves as a response to the protest movement against the rightward shift and the government’s judicial reform that took place last summer.

“Shikun” is part of the Berlinale Special series. The film runs for 84 minutes and features actors Iréne Jacob, Bahira Ablassi, and Hana Laslo. The screenings will take place at different times and venues.

The film only includes parts of Ionesco’s anti-totalitarian play “The Rhinos”. The setting is a massive public housing complex in Be’er Sheva, which is said to be the longest building in the Middle East. The camera follows Irène Jacob as well as refugees, architects, and others. A variety of languages can be heard throughout the film. The continuous flow of the camera captures the constant change of languages, presenting Israel as both a Jewish and multi-ethnic state.

Gitai, who fell seriously ill after October 7th, came to Berlin with the film team. He has explored the traumas and dilemmas of his country in over 60 films. Gitai continues to focus on peaceful coexistence, despite the challenges. “Shikun” was produced in collaboration with Israeli and Palestinian actors.

“Shikun” collages changing perspectives, bandwagonism, love of enemies, cowardice, moral courage, and accusations. The film is a note of protest and a puzzle, a utopia and a dystopia at the same time. The questions that “Shikun” raises have become even more pressing since October 7th.