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'Bringing homosexuality up for discussion in haredi world'
Chaim Album's film, V'ahavta, depicting turmoil endured by homosexual yeshiva student who falls in love with another man, wins award for best feature film produced at Ma'ale religious film school this year. Album 'outed' himself during production of this film, and based film loosely on his own experiences as a gay ultra-Orthodox man
Yoav Friedman
In a ceremony held Sunday in Jerusalem, the film V'ahavta was declared the best feature film produced by a Ma'ale film school graduate. The movie, directed by Chaim album, depicts the struggle endured by an ultra-Orthodox yeshiva student forced to sublimate his homosexual tendencies in a largely intolerant society.
Ultimately the film's protagonist comes to the realization that his struggle is futile, and comes to accept himself as a religious gay man. He makes peace with himself and with his creator, in a haunting story line that largely parallels Album's own life story.
"I am relieved and overjoyed," Album told Ynet after being declared the school's annual winner. "I often wondered whether Ma'ale would recognize such a controversial film, and am thrilled that the school had the courage to do so.
Scene from the movie V'ahavta (Photo courtesy of Ma'ale film school)
I am also very appreciative of all the support that the school has given the film, and am relieved that a movie that is so deeply personal and intimate received this immense recognition."
Of his decision to 'come out' in an ultra-Orthodox world Album said: "Midway through my studies, I decided that I would either leave the world of film, or somehow find the courage to make this film. I believe that that it is vitally important to bring the topic of homosexuality up for discussion in ultra-Orthodox society, because it is often silenced in a violent manner.
Album encountered quite a few obstacles while making the film, especially a marked lack of assistance with production. "I tired to find locations to shoot in, but had to endure many hang-ups and slammed doors," says Album. "What I encountered was largely fear and ignorance on the part of many individuals. Even though this film deals mainly with faith and religion, and is not blatantly sexual, no one was willing to help me out. Eventually I built all the locations for the film myself," Album recounts.
In spite of these hostile reactions, Album states that no one walked out of the cinema as his film was screened. "Anyone who saw the film told me that he left feeling considerably more tolerant and understanding," Album proudly states. "When someone tells me that I have touched their heart, that is my true award."
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