City of Borders

Israelis and Palestinians find an island of peace at Jerusalem's only gay bar.
by
Yun Suh
2009
66 mins

City of Borders provides an original view of the vibrant underground community at Jerusalem's only gay bar where people of opposing nationalities and religions create an unexpected island of peace in a land divided by war and hate. This powerful and provocative documentary intimately portrays the daily lives of five patrons as they navigate the minefield of politics, religion and discrimination while challenging society's greatest taboos.

Vibrant documentary
LA Weekly
LA Weekly

Synopsis

Set against the construction of the separation wall between Israel and the Palestinian territories and the struggle for a gay pride parade in the Holy City, these five inter-woven stories reveal the contradictions and complexities in the struggle for acceptance. In observing the lives of the bar regulars, City of Borders explores the bond forged when people from warring worlds embrace what everyone shares in common - the right to be accepted and belong - rather than be defined and divided by their differences.

Reviews
This is a phenomenally intimate documentary which challenges its audience on multiple levels.
Chicagoist
Chicagoist
Read more at: chicagoist.com
A brilliant documentary about the uniting force of being an outcast in a perpetual warzone. A detailed, informative and hugely funny documentary I'm sure you will enjoy
Moviefone
Moviefone
Read more at: news.moviefone.com
Sublime non-fiction slice of life
Bay Area Reporter
Bay Area Reporter
Read more at: ebar.com
Involving personality mix and balance of intimate/public dramas make the pic seem fuller than its slim running time.
Variety
Variety
Read more at: variety.com

Awards and Screenings
Special Teddy Audience Award, Berlin International Film Festival
Grand Jury Prize, Montreal Human Rights Film Festival
Grand Prix, Belgrade Documentary and Short Film Festival
Best International Feature, Vancouver Queer Film Festival
Best Documentary, Barcelona International LGTIB Film Festival
Best Documentary, New Orleans Middle East Film Festival
Best Documentary, Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival
Best LGBT Film, Ann Arbor Film Festival
Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival
Amnesty International Film Festival
Los Angeles Film Festival
Seattle International Film Festival
San Francisco International Film Festival
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Cleveland International Film Festival
Nashville Film Festival
Frameline Film Festival
Viennale International Film Festival
Belfast Film Festival
Outfest
Istanbul International Film Festival

Features and Languages

Film Features

  • Subtitles

Subtitle/Caption Languages

  • English

Promotional Material

Promotional Stills

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