DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - FOR MY FATHER

1. Tarek and Keren clearly come from different backgrounds, but they also have a lot in common. What cinematic techniques do the filmmakers employ to illustrate their similarities and differences?
2. Describe the film’s depiction of Tel Aviv. How does it compare to other films set in the Israeli coastal city? How does it compare to your own notions of Tel Aviv?
3. When Keren tells Tarek how Katz’ son was killed in the army, she explains: “Katz always says he died because everyone here is stupid.” What do you think he meant by that?
4. What parallels can you draw between this story and “Romeo & Juliet?” What other films can you think of that draw on Shakespeare’s story of star-crossed lovers?
5. This film deals with differences between cultures, but also differences within cultures. What are some of the conflicts that arise within Keren’s community? And Tarek’s? Do you think intercultural or cross-cultural conflicts pose a greater threat to society? Which does this film portray as more damaging?
6. Discuss Tarek’s character arc‡. What are his intentions when the film begins? Do you notice a change in these intentions? If so, at which point(s) in the film? Discuss why Tarek’s motivation may have changed over the course of this story.

‡ A character arc is the status of the character as it unfolds throughout the story, the storyline or series of episodes. Characters begin the story with a certain viewpoint and, through events in the story, that viewpoint changes.