Souvenirs

Souvenirim / Israel 2006 / 75min. Hebrew with English subtitles.
Directors Shahar Cohen, Halil Efrat / Producer Sharon Shamir

Souvenirs is not about the keepsakes collected by globe-trotting
tourists but rather, it is about the illegitimate children of the
Jewish Brigade soldiers‘ liaisons with local women in Europe
during World War II.

Sleiman Cohen, a sprightly 82 year old Yemenite suggested that
his unmarried and unemployed 36 year old son, Shahar, make a
film about his World War II experiences. It was not until Shahar
attended a veterans meeting and learnt about the “souvenirs”
that his interest was piqued. Bemused, the mischievous Shahar
then engages a Dutch private detective to help trace potential
half-siblings whilst doubling up as an expert sleuth and roadtrip
driver.

Cramped in a tiny restored Autobianchi Junior, father and son retrace the elder Cohen’s wartime route, from Israel through to Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. The result is an illuminating and humorous road movie interspersed with archival footage. They laugh, argue, poke fun and grow closer to each other.

Along the way, Shahar gets the opportunity to understand the complex life of his childhood hero while Sleiman comes peace with himself.

A delightful film that speaks volumes about father and son relationships.

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