Berlin’s “Where To?”: A Glimpse into the Future of Cross-Cultural Cinema
Assaf Machnes’s debut feature, “Where To?” premiered at the 2026 Berlinale Film Festival, offering a compelling narrative of connection amidst cultural divides. The film, starring Ehab Salami and Ido Tako, centers on a Palestinian Uber driver and a young Israeli passenger in Berlin and signals a potential shift towards more nuanced and intimate portrayals of the Israeli-Palestinian dynamic in cinema.
The Rise of Intimate, Character-Driven Stories
For years, films addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have often focused on large-scale political events or dramatic confrontations. “Where To?” distinguishes itself by focusing on the personal journeys of its characters, exploring themes of trauma, masculinity, and queer identity within the context of their shared experiences as outsiders in Berlin. This approach reflects a growing trend in filmmaking – a move away from broad geopolitical narratives towards more intimate, character-driven stories that resonate on a human level.
Machnes’ inspiration stemmed from a personal experience, highlighting the power of unexpected connections. This focus on individual stories, rather than overarching political statements, may prove increasingly appealing to audiences seeking relatable and emotionally engaging content.
Berlin as a Cinematic Crossroads
The choice of Berlin as the film’s setting is significant. The city’s diverse population and history as a crossroads of cultures provide a unique backdrop for exploring themes of displacement, identity, and belonging. “Where To?” joins a growing number of films utilizing Berlin as a symbolic space for examining complex social and political issues. The film’s screening in the Berlinale Perspectives section, dedicated to first features, underscores Berlin’s commitment to showcasing emerging voices and innovative storytelling.
Co-Productions and Funding Models
“Where To?” is a German-Israeli co-production, supported by a range of funding bodies including the Israel Film Fund, ARTE/ZDF, and the Gesher Multicultural Film Fund. This collaborative funding model is becoming increasingly common in independent filmmaking, allowing for greater creative freedom and access to wider audiences. The involvement of multiple production companies – Tootim Productions, the Rogovin Brothers, Lev Cinemas, and Iconoclast Films – demonstrates the growing interest in cross-border collaborations.
Navigating Controversy and Artistic Expression
The premiere of “Where To?” coincided with a protest by film industry figures criticizing the Berlinale’s response to the situation in Gaza. This highlights the challenges filmmakers face when addressing politically sensitive topics. The festival’s jury president, Wim Wenders, acknowledged the difficulty of navigating political issues, but the controversy underscores the importance of providing a platform for diverse voices, and perspectives.
The Future of Israeli-Palestinian Representation in Film
“Where To?” offers a fresh perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian narrative, moving beyond traditional tropes and stereotypes. The film’s success at the Berlinale suggests a growing appetite for stories that explore the complexities of human relationships in the context of conflict. This could pave the way for more nuanced and empathetic portrayals of both Israelis and Palestinians in future films.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is “Where To?” about?
A: It’s a comedy-drama about a Palestinian Uber driver in Berlin and a young Israeli passenger who develop an unexpected bond over two years.
Q: Who directed “Where To?”
A: Assaf Machnes directed the film.
Q: Where did the film premiere?
A: It premiered at the 2026 Berlinale Film Festival.
Q: Is the film politically charged?
A: While set against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the film focuses on the personal journeys of its characters and explores universal themes of connection and identity.
Q: What production companies were involved?
A: Tootim Productions, the Rogovin Brothers, Lev Cinemas, and Iconoclast Films.
Did you know? Assaf Machnes’s previous work includes the short film “Seven Minutes,” which screened at the Berlinale in 2017.
Explore more films pushing boundaries and fostering dialogue. Share your thoughts on the evolving landscape of cross-cultural cinema in the comments below!
