It can be said without reservations that this is an extraordinary, noteworthy film. It creates a double precedent at our festival by becoming both the first animation and first documentary to be part of festival's international competition programme EurAsia. As uncommon as it sounds, it is an animated documentary. Regardless of (or thanks to) its unique genre classification, there is a fairly good chance that this film will be the most powerful film experience you will have at PÖFF. It effects so subtly and unexpectedly that you might feel as if you have been pricked by an emotional needle. One important reason is Max Richter, a talented composer who wrote the music for the film and whom you will undoubtedly hear more of.

The film tells the story of the Sabra and Shatila massacre in which the film's director was involved but does not remember anything of the events. Ari Folman's story is built on interviews with his former fellow military personnel, all of which bring viewers closer to these difficult events that cannot be understood with the logical faculties. When it comes, the payoff is sudden and eye-opening, but it offers solace and closure as well.

That the piece is named after assassined Lebanese president Bashir Gemayel, is secondary to the film. What isn't, is fact that WALTZ WITH BASHIR was in the competition programme at Cannes and won six Israeli Film Academy awards.

Kaarel Kuurmaa