Where Life Begins (Tu Choisiras La Vie)

Massachusetts Premiere!

In this beautifully rendered and calibrated romantic drama, Esther Zelnik (Lou de Laâge, The Innocents) arrives with her ultra-orthodox French family from Aix-les-Bains for their annual stay at an idyllic seaside Calabrian farm at the toe of Italy’s boot, to help with the harvest of the etrogim (kosher lemons) used for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. 

But while everyone carries on with their routines, Esther is in inner turmoil, questioning her faith, chafing at the bonds of her religious upbringing, and resentful of her imminent arranged marriage. When she feels a growing attraction for the farm’s owner, Elio De Angelis (played by Italian heartthrob Riccardo Scamarcio), an artist recently returned from Rome after his father’s death, she dares to imagine a different, potentially happier path for herself. In subtle but profound ways, the two form a bond that may alter their futures. The directorial debut of veteran French actor Stéphane Freiss (Call My Agent!).

Please note: by purchasing a ticket to this screening, you agree that your contact information will be shared with the National Center for Jewish Film for the purpose of including you on their mailing lists.