Man Without a Cell Phone

An Israeli telecom company erects a cell phone tower in an Arab village near Nazareth, causing Salem, a farmer (and professional grump) to rail against his people’s treatment as second-class citizens and organize a grassroots protest: Yes to Olives. No to Radiation! Meanwhile, Salem’s family—especially his son, Jawdat, a handsome dreamer who uses his cell to juggle multiple romantic prospects—scoff at the old man and relish the fact that the town now gets great reception. Man Without a Cell Phone is a rarity: a funny, lighthearted film about Israeli-Palestinian relations. Director Sameh Zoabi grew up in the village where the movie takes place. His talented actors make you root for the film’s charming characters, including Muhammed, Jawdat’s loyal cousin, and Rana, a beautiful student leader who urges Jawdat to focus on his education. As the action jauntily unfolds, Jawdat undergoes a political awakening that brings father and son closer than ever.