39 Pounds of Love
Israeli director receives best documentary award at international film festival in Palm Beach
TEL AVIV - Israeli director Dani Menkin’s 39 Pounds of Love was awarded the best documentary prize Thursday at the Palm Beach International Film Festival.
“The panel of judges unanimously agreed that the documentary film is worthy of being nominated for an American Academy of Film award,” the festival’s official website said.
Menkin’s film, which opened the Tel Aviv DocAviv documentary film festival two weeks ago, was recently sold to U.S. television network HBO and has also been purchased by Israel’s Channel 2 television station.
A tale of bravery
The film tells the story of 34-year-old Ami Ankilewitz, who weighs just 39 pounds. He was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy and is paralyzed in all four limbs, except for one finger.
As a child, Ankilewitz was give 6 years to live, but has defied medical expectations. Today he is a talented 3D animator, who has succeeded in moving audiences throughout the world with his emotional tale of bravery.
Menkin says he believes all audiences can find meaning in Ankelovich’s story.
“I have a feeling it will become a cult film,” he said. “Ami’s story is universal and the audience today apparently prefers stories about life’s meanings.”
