Tel Aviv on Fire 2019
Directed by
Sameh Zoabi
Made by
Cohen Media Group
Plot Summary
Salem, portrayed by Kais Nashif, is a Palestinian production assistant working on the popular soap opera Tel Aviv on Fire, set in Ramallah. The series, beloved by both Palestinians and Israelis, tells a gripping tale of a Palestinian spy who finds herself in love with an IDF officer. During one of his daily passes through the checkpoint managed by Yaniv Biton, who plays Asi, Salem discovers Asi’s disdain for the show’s military dialogues, leading Asi to write his own script.
With a stroke of luck, Salem decides to incorporate Asi’s authentic dialogue into the series, much to the delight of the producers and the leading actress, Lubna Azabal, who plays Tala. This unexpected twist propels Salem into the role of a full-time screenwriter — a position he feels woefully unprepared for since he has little experience in screenwriting.
Desperate to avoid losing this newfound opportunity, Salem strikes a bargain with Asi: in return for delicious Palestinian hummus, Asi will help him craft compelling screenplays, agreeing that the show’s climax will involve a wedding. As the season progresses, Salem manages to persuade the producers to feature a wedding as the season finale. However, complications arise when Palestinian investors insist on a darker turn, demanding that the spy detonates a bomb at the wedding, resulting in chaos for all involved, including the IDF officer and his comrades.
In a creative twist, Salem cleverly writes Asi into the show as a character that interrupts the wedding before calamity strikes, thus allowing Tel Aviv on Fire to secure a second season and save his job. Meanwhile, he finds another layer of motivation — to win back his girlfriend, Maryam, played by Maisa Abd Elhadi, who previously expressed doubts about his reliability and job stability. Through humor and heart, Salem navigates the challenges of love and work in a tumultuous yet captivating environment.
Timeline
Salem's Introduction
Salem, a Palestinian production assistant, is introduced as he works on the popular soap opera 'Tel Aviv on Fire.' Set in Ramallah, the show draws both Palestinian and Israeli audiences, showcasing the complex narratives of interwoven relationships.
Encounter at the Checkpoint
During his daily routine, Salem encounters Asi, a soldier who manages the checkpoint. This meeting reveals Asi's growing dissatisfaction with the script's military dialogues and sparks a creative collaboration between the two.
Incorporating New Ideas
Inspired by Asi's authentic perspective, Salem pitches the idea of incorporating his rewritten dialogue into the soap opera. The producers and the show's lead actress, Tala, are thrilled by this fresh approach, propelling Salem into the spotlight.
Salem Becomes Screenwriter
With newfound excitement, Salem is unexpectedly promoted to a full-time screenwriter, a role he feels unprepared for. As he grapples with the pressure, he acknowledges the challenge of crafting captivating narratives.
The Bargain with Asi
In a creative twist, Salem strikes a deal with Asi—he offers delicious Palestinian hummus in exchange for writing support. This quirky arrangement paves the way for compelling storylines as they work together on the script.
Wedding Climax Proposal
As the season progresses, Salem proposes a wedding as the climax of the season finale. This idea is initially well-received, reflecting cultural significance and adding a romantic twist to the series.
Conflict with Palestinian Investors
Tensions arise when Palestinian investors insist on a darker storyline, demanding a bomb detonation at the wedding. This conflict highlights the complex dynamics of storytelling amidst real-life conflicts and challenges.
Salem's Creative Solution
Thinking quickly, Salem incorporates Asi as a character to interrupt the wedding, averting disaster. His clever storytelling saves the plot while balancing the demands of different stakeholders in the production.
Securing a Second Season
Thanks to Salem's ingenuity, 'Tel Aviv on Fire' is secured for a second season. This success alleviates Salem's job instability, emphasizing his growth as a writer and his adaptability in a challenging environment.
Rekindling Love with Maryam
In addition to navigating the show, Salem is motivated to win back his girlfriend, Maryam, who has doubts about his stability. His journey through love and career intertwines, creating a comedic yet heartfelt narrative.
The Season Finale
The season finale culminates in a wedding filled with emotional highs and unexpected twists. As events unfold, the blend of drama and humor leaves audiences captivated and eager for more.
Salem's Growth
Throughout the plot, Salem evolves from a production assistant to a confident screenwriter. His experiences on the set teach him about relationships, responsibility, and the power of storytelling.
Cultural Reflections
The narrative reflects the real-life tensions and cultural nuances between Israelis and Palestinians. 'Tel Aviv on Fire' serves as a bridge, highlighting both the humor and gravity of the situation.
Impact of Collaboration
The successful collaboration between Salem and Asi represents the importance of dialogue across differences. Their partnership showcases how creativity can emerge from unlikely friendships, enriching the story.
Looking Ahead
As the second season looms, the challenges and dynamics promise to intensify. Salem's journey is far from over, as he prepares to balance personal aspirations with the demands of the ongoing show.
Characters
Salem Abbass (Kais Nashif)
Salem is a Palestinian production assistant navigating the complexities of screenwriting and personal relationships. Initially unprepared for his role as a writer, he demonstrates resourcefulness and creativity under pressure. His determination to balance work and love reflects his growth and resilience amid external challenges.
Tala (Lubna Azabal)
Tala is the leading actress in *Tel Aviv on Fire*, confidently navigating her dual role as performer and cultural representative. She embodies the complexities of Palestinian identity and artistic expression, adding depth to Salem's narrative through her influence and collaboration. Her charm and professionalism serve as an anchor in the story.
Mariam (Maisa Abd Elhadi)
Mariam is a significant figure in Salem's life, representing his personal struggles and aspirations for love. Her doubts about Salem's job stability reflect the challenges faced by those close to individuals in tumultuous careers. Mariam's character serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved in both professional and romantic endeavors.
Captain Assi Tzur (Yaniv Biton)
Asi, the IDF officer, brings a contrasting perspective to the story. His discontent with the show's military depictions aids Salem's creative process, highlighting the tension between personal beliefs and artistic representation. His engagement with Salem reveals layers of complicity and change within both characters.
Setting
Location
Ramallah
Ramallah is a vibrant city in the West Bank known for its rich culture and political significance. It serves as a central hub for Palestinian society and the arts, including film and television. The city embodies the struggles and aspirations of the Palestinian people and has been a backdrop for various artistic endeavors.
Themes
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Love and Conflict
The film explores the theme of love against the backdrop of political and social turmoil. Salem's desire to reconnect with Mariam highlights personal relationships strained by larger societal issues. The intertwining of romance and conflict offers a unique perspective on how love can both inspire and complicate lives in challenging circumstances.
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Creativity Under Pressure
Salem's journey as a reluctant screenwriter showcases the pressures of creativity within an industry shaped by conflict. He navigates expectations from producers and cultural sensitivities while trying to maintain his artistic integrity. This theme reflects the struggle of artists to express themselves amidst external challenges and influences.
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Cultural Identity
Food, such as the Palestinian hummus, represents cultural identity and connection among the characters. Salem's reliance on this culinary aspect to forge alliances emphasizes how food can bridge gaps between people. The inclusion of cultural elements enriches the narrative and demonstrates the importance of heritage in personal and collective identity.
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