By: Ina Bochian
Mira Tzur, an Israeli-American actress, writer, producer, former counterintelligence officer and Senior Vice President of Tru Universe, is proud to bring you the much anticipated movie, “Arugam Bay.” Mira plays the role of Brooke, an American actress who leaves her vain Hollywood lifestyle behind to explore a spiritual journey in an exotic surfing oasis in Sri Lanka. The complexity of her character is highlighted when she pushes boundaries and helps others reach their inner potential. Through friendship, love, and adventure, the characters mitigate the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Arugam Bay”, directed by Marco Carmel and co-written by Mor Polanuer, tells the story of three Israeli soldiers serving in the military during the Lebanon War. Marco Carmel, a prominent Israeli director and screenwriter, known for his other films “Noble Savage,” “Father’s Footsteps,” and “My Lovely Sister.” Carmel goes beyond the surface of simple stories to create intricate characters with many complex layers.
On a post-military service trip, Michael, played by Maor Schwitzer, Gal, played by Yadin Gellman, and Kim, played by Joy Rieger, all noted Israeli film stars, embark on a journey to Arugam Bay, a tropical island in Sri Lanka. The trip honored a pact the two other soldiers made with their friend killed in battle. Prior to his death, they vowed to take a surfing trip and convinced the late friend’s girlfriend, Kim, to come along.
The three companions travel from Israel to Arugam Bay. This stunning location is a well-known destination for professional surfers. The bay is a 10-hour car drive from the main airport of the largest city, Colombo. The allure of this paradise destination, with its world-class surfing waves, vibrant parties, and breathtaking landscapes, promises an escape from their everyday lives. However, their time on the island takes an unexpected turn: suppressed battlefield memories resurface and the characters experience a poignant reflection on the loss of their childhood friend, army commander, and Kim’s late boyfriend. The flashbacks, coupled with the tension between Michael and Gal over Michael’s developing relationship with Kim adds friction.
As the trio delves deeper into their trip, they encounter diverse and intriguing characters, including two prominent Iranian surfers and an American woman, Brooke, portrayed by Mira Tzur, who introduces them to psychedelic drugs. It is during these psychedelic experiences that their inner demons and lingering PTSD comes to the forefront, forcing them to confront their buried demons. As they work through their obstacles, other problems arise. Brooke and Kim become friends and Kim’s loyalty to her other friends is tested.
The dynamics between the Israelis and Brooke are insightful on many levels because their relationships show a juxtaposition between the hardships life can present and the ecstasy of letting go. The storyline and chemistry of the characters is captivating and alluring, especially in a post October 7th world. Additionally, the subject matter of PTSD intertwining with the current events in Israel is extremely time sensitive, especially considering some of the cast and crew are currently in the reserves serving in the Israel Defense Force.
One of the most enlightening parts in the movie is the humane connection formed between the soldiers from Israel and Iran riding the waves. Though they may have been on different battlefields outside Arugam Bay, as surfers they are all on the same team. Another memorable interaction takes place when one of the Israeli soldiers has a conversation with the Iranian soldiers, who are in line to get food. A conversation that seemed tense at first turns out to be a bonding moment when the Israeli soldier pays for the Iranian’s pastries.
Given the growing economic struggles of Sri Lanka, which recently led the country to bankruptcy and political upheaval, filming conditions during the shoot were extremely difficult. Food shortages, lack of fuel, no air conditioning, and power outages, were just some of the obstacles the cast and crew had to overcome. Nevertheless, challenges only empowered the filmmakers and actors. Furthermore, their presence helped drive commerce because filming on location brought economic prosperity to local businesses. The Israeli crew, the Sri Lanka crew, and the locals, formed a meaningful bond which extends past creating a movie.
It was no surprise that one of the film’s sponsors is the Italian footwear company, P448, a sneaker brand that focuses on sustainability. The brand uses mixed leathers from lion fish, which surfers especially wear to keep our oceans purified.
While the film has a distribution deal in Israel, the official release date remains unknown due to the ongoing war. While the production team is aiming for a summer release, anticipation of the film is creating buzz among Israeli activism organizations that have been requesting early copies of the movie. This is uncommon, but due to the topics pertaining to PTSD and overcoming war trauma, the significance of this film will open much needed dialogue.
Currently, the film is part of several film festivals and has been shown at the European Film Market Festival in Berlin in February. It will premiere in Paris in March, Brussels in April, and London in May of 2024. “Arugam Bay,” is anticipated to be opening in Israel nationwide during the Summer 2024 with distribution partners including United Kings, United Channels Movies, and One Circle Production.
“Arugam Bay” Teaser
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Published by: Khy Talara
