The Optimist and the Buddhist

Noam Pinchas

After a separation of more than a decade, Noam, the conscience-ridden director of the film, returns to the kibbutz where he grew up to save Zach, his childhood friend who has become a reclusive handicapped refusing rehabilitation. Noam devises a consistent and exhausting training routine with the aim of helping Zach run again, or at least move more easily. A touching and humorous friendship between two men who try to change their lives and fight their relentless emotionally charged past.

Directors: Noam Pinchas

Script: Nohar Haseen, Noam Pinchas

Producers: Ronen Ben-Tal

Production company: Plan B Productions

Editing: Nohar Haseen

Filming: Shiri Bar On

Soundtrack: Gil Toren

Music : Erez Ruso

50 minutes | Israel | 2012 | Hebrew

Produced by
  • The Second Authority for Television and Radio
Festivals and awards
Docaviv, Israel, 2012 Official Selection