Voices

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2008

Keep Not Silent: Ortho-Dykes

A film by Ilil Alexander
Israel, 2004, 52 minutes
Hebrew, Subtitled

 

 

FILM:

Winner of the Israeli Oscar for Best Documentary, as well as eight international awards, Ilil Alexander's stunning debut film boldly documents the clandestine struggle of three women fighting for their right to love within their beloved Orthodox communities in Jerusalem. All three are pious, religiously committed women. All three are lesbians, and members of a secret support group called the "Ortho-Dykes."

Though their life choices exact a devastating price, these women are committed to confronting their duality, and accept the toll with a profound compassion toward their society. Miriam-Ester fights her aversion to a man's touch for the sake of her family and ten children, while Ruth's husband shockingly permits his wife to see her female lover twice a week. Yudith, a Rabbi's daughter, declares her sexuality openly as she believes "lies are the worst sin on earth."

Ingenious cinematic techniques underscore the excruciating pain of constant self-suppression, and provide the anonymity necessary for these women to continue living in their communities. Their courageous fight for self-realization, honesty and acceptance is an extraordinary model for those who struggle with issues of religious and sexual identity.

 

PERFORMANCE / READING:

“The Final Solution”  and “The Artist” poems by Pamela Sneed from

Imagine Being More Afraid of Freedom than Slavery

 “Marked” from Marked by Melanie Green

 

DISCUSSION:

Dr. Deborah Hertz, UCSD, Wouk Chair in Modern Jewish Studies