Africa

"Africa" is an Israeli drama film from 2019 which is directed and written by Oren Gerner and stars Meir Gerner, Maya Gerner, and Oren Gerner himself. The movie is an introspective examination of identity, isolation, and change tied closely with themes of aging and an existential look into the passing of time.

In "Africa", Oren Gerner plays a rendition of himself and casts his real-life parents, Meir and Maya Gerner, to portray his fictional parents. It’s an intimate drama where director Gerner trains the camera on his own life creating a blend of fiction and reality, navigating through the blurred lines in between.

The narrative revolves around Meir, a retired engineer in his sixties, grappling with a crisis marked by age and stagnation. Meir feels he has become redundant both in society and within his family and longs for a sense of purpose and vitality. The film's title, "Africa", derives from a pivotal episode in which Meir, as a young man, traveled to Africa. This forms a significant part of his past, a time of adventure and vivaciousness, the longing for which reflects his present struggle against the encroaching dullness of his life.

The theme of self-identity and the fear of becoming obsolete are explored through Meir's yearning for the past life, his effort to escape from the shackles of aging, and his dread of becoming inconsequential. These facets are beautifully encapsulated and amplified by landscape shots, where Meir is seen as a speck against the vast rural backdrop, hinting at existential solitude and insignificance in the larger scheme of things.

Oren Gerner provides a spotlight on the smaller, quieter moments in life—Meir tinkering around in his workshop, quiet breakfasts as a family, a makeshift safari in the backyard—that build an atmosphere rich with detail and emotional depth.

The powerhouse performances of Meir and Maya Gerner add incredible poignancy and authenticity to the film. Maya's character, as Meir's ever-comforting wife, is particularly compelling. Together, they deliver an intricately layered portrayal of a long-term marriage, and the oftentimes unspoken resilience and understanding that underpins it.

One of the key plot points revolves around Meir's involvement with the organization of the annual village festival, which he has been orchestrating for the past 25 years. This becomes a significant element used to underscore Meir's sense of displacement, as he discovers that he's no longer heading the yearly event.

Gerner utilizes the ordinary and the everyday to ask profound questions about life and age. A tangible existential dread hovers over the film, only to be punctuated by surprising moments of levity and humanity. The movie's skillful blending of documentary-style shooting with structured storytelling makes it a fascinating exploration of age, identity, and longing.

The subtext of struggle with the passage of time and personal identity has been deftly conveyed in Gerner's film, "Africa". The photography, the performances, and the storytelling combine to create a deeply moving, introspective narrative that engages the audience in the intimate world of its protagonist. Be it the elusive adventure he missed out on in his youth or the growing detachment from today’s fast-paced world, Meir's character symbolizes the quiet, internal battles we fight in different stages of our lives.

Despite its apparent simplicity, "Africa" is a film teeming with layers of complexity. Gerner has developed a narrative that fosters exploration and reflection on the inescapable progression of time and growth. It is a film that arouses empathy and connection as it unravels the human condition, making it a highly recommended watch for anyone looking for depth, emotion, and introspection in cinema.