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Manasse (Jean Mihail, Romania 1925, 84 mins)

Mihail’s silent masterpiece is set in a small town in Eastern Romania at the turn of the 20th Century and features a tender love story between a Romanian man and a Jewish Woman. Strikingly presenting the theme of religious intolerance throughout, the film is powerfully dramatic and visually remarkable. Minima first performed to Manasse at the 2011 East End Film Festival, as part of the festival’s theme of immigration into the East End of London. The score for Manasse blends traditional Hebrew prayers and Jewish melodic themes with modern rhythms and ambient sonic textures.

Film credits:
Director: Jean Mihail

Adapted from the play written by Roman Ronetti

Cast:

Romald Bulfinsky (Manasse)

George Aurelian (Matei Frunză)

Dorina Demetrescu (Lelia)

Maria Ciucurescu (Ester)

Iosef Kamen (Zelig Sor)

Ion Constantiniu (Emil Horn)

Alexandru Finti (Lazăr)