At the Berlinale film festival, Israeli writer-director Assaf Machnes presents his feature debut, Where To?, a poignant exploration of the human connection between Israelis and Palestinians. The film captures the unlikely bond formed between a Palestinian Uber driver and an Israeli passenger, delving into themes of trauma, masculinity, and identity.
Character Dynamics and Themes
In Where To?, Ehab Salami plays Hassan, a 55-year-old Palestinian driver who navigates Berlin’s vibrant nightlife. His life changes when Amir, portrayed by Ido Tako, a 25-year-old Israeli, enters his car. Amir’s journey of self-discovery includes grappling with his sexuality while far from home. Over two years, the two share numerous rides, creating a surprising father-son-like relationship.
As Hassan faces estrangement from his daughter, who is intent on marrying her German boyfriend, he finds solace in Amir’s stories of heartbreak. This bond highlights the shared pain and unspoken experiences that resonate deeply within both characters. Machnes reflects on this connection, noting that he wanted to depict individuals who seem to have moved beyond their trauma yet have never shared their stories.
Inspiration and Cultural Context
The film’s inspiration stems from Machnes’ own experiences in Berlin. He recalls a “confusing love story” during a winter visit when he found connection in the silence shared with a Palestinian Uber driver. This encounter sparked the question of what would happen if he continued to meet this driver over time. As he developed the story, Machnes shifted focus to Hassan as the protagonist, emphasizing the importance of narrative in confronting personal trauma.
Machnes also addresses the timing of the film’s release, with the narrative moving into October 2023, around the time of Hamas’ attacks on October 7. While acknowledging the pre-existing tensions, he emphasizes that the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict persist beyond individual events. “The problem was the same problem before, and it’s still the same problem after,” he states, encapsulating the ongoing struggle.
In creating Where To?, Machnes has fostered collaboration among Israelis, Palestinians, and Germans, both in front of and behind the camera. The film features creative contributions from first-time director of photography Maayane Bouhnik, an Israeli, and Palestinian composer Habib Hanna Shehadeh. This collaboration underscores Machnes’ belief in the value of unity amid a climate often marked by division.
Ultimately, Where To? serves as a reminder of the shared humanity that can exist even in the most divided of contexts. Through its exploration of personal stories, the film invites viewers to reflect on the silent struggles many face and the potential for connection across cultural divides.
