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SYNONYMS

Year 2019
Runtime 123 mins
Language French, Hebrew
Subtitles English Subtitles
Alberta Premiere

A bold and energetic love letter to Paris that won the top prize at this year’s Berlin Film Festival.

After completing his military training, Yoav (Tom Mercier) decides to abandon his native Israel and arrives in Paris to a completely empty apartment. Even before he can get a grip on his new life, his only possessions, including his clothes, are stolen leaving him literally naked. After a young French couple rescue him, Yoav throws himself wholeheartedly into his new life, refusing to speak Hebrew and attempting to speak French. Even though Yoav has embraced the Parisian life, his identity and past continue to simmer beneath the surface resulting in a drastic release.

Nadav Lapid's previous two films (THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, POLICEMAN) do not prepare for the tour-de-force that is SYNONYMS. Powered by Tom Mercier's career-defining performance, Lapid’s film raises plenty of worthy questions about establishing a new life in a foreign country and the emotional ties with one’s homeland.

Written by Sachin Gandhi

Countries

France Germany Israel
Awards
Berlin International Film Festival, Golden Berlin Bear, FIPRESCI Prize
Festivals
Berlin International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, New York Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, Midnight Sun Film Festival, Hong Kong International Film Festival
Director
Nadav Lapid
Producer
Saïd Ben Saïd, Michel Merkt
Screenwriter
Nadav Lapid, Haim Lapid
Cinematographer
Shai Goldman
Editor
Neta Braun, François Gédigier, Era Lapid
Cast
Tom Mercier, Quentin Dolmaire, Louise Chevillotte, Uria Hayik