Alon Aboutboul wins Best Actor in Goa
Israeli actor impresses panel of judges at one of most significant film festivals in Asia with his performance in 'A Place in Heaven' directed by Yossi Madmoni. 'I'm glad the film is reaching audiences outside Israel,' Aboutboul says
Two years ago, Israeli director Yossi Madmoni and actor Sasson Gabai
traveled to the Indian state of Goa with the film "Good Morning, Mr. Fidelman" to participate in the official competition of the local film festival, where Gabai won the Silver Peacock award for Best Actor.
The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held in Goa for the 44th time and is considered one of the most significant and prestigious cinema events in Asia and in the world. This year it included 335 films from 77 countries.
On Saturday, the same honor was given to Israeli actor Alon Aboutboul for his role in the drama "A Place in Heaven," which was also directed by Madmoni.
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In "A Place in Heaven" Aboutboul portrays a Palmach officer, and the film follows the story of his life and his family's life over the years between faith and secularism, and between sensitive and tough manhood in a changing Israel.
Aboutboul received a prize worth $20,000 for his "unforgettable and powerful" performance, according to the panel of judges.
"'A Place in Heaven is a special film for me," he said. "I am happy and proud of it and I'm glad it is reaching audiences outside Israel."
Madmoni, who accepted the award on behalf of the actor, who had previous commitments in Israel, said that "Aboutboul gave a huge performance in the film. He carries the film on his soldiers and plays a character through four decades. I am delighted for him."
"A Place in Heaven" arrived in Goa after participating in film festivals in Karlovy Vary, Toronto, Vancouver, Hamburg and Mannheim. It is also scheduled to be screened in Palm Springs, California, and later in Seattle, Miami and San Francisco.
The film will hit the screens in Israel in February 2014.
