A U.S. trailer has arrived for “The Women’s Balcony,” a story of women fighting for justice in their place of worship. The dramedy centers on the aftermath of a bar mitzvah celebration that goes awry. The women’s balcony in an Orthodox synagogue collapses, leaving the rabbi’s wife in a coma and the rabbi in a state of shock. The synagogue is in shambles and the congregation is left reeling.
Enter a charismatic young rabbi who seems poised to save the day. “They’re starting to renovate your synagogue tomorrow. The rabbi took care of everything,” one of the women from the congregation is told. Alas, the rabbi isn’t quite the hero that he seems to be. The synagogue is cleaned up — but the women’s balcony is gone.
The rabbi “slowly starts pushing his fundamentalist ways and tries to take control. This tests the women’s friendships and creates an almost Lysistrata-type rift between the community’s women and men,” the film’s official synopsis hints.
“We’re staying here until we have a women’s balcony,” women protesting outside the synagogue explain.
The film’s ensemble cast includes Orna Banai (“Anachnu BaMapa”), Evelin Hagoel (“A Matter of Size”), and Aviv Alush (“Beauty and the Baker”).
Written by Shlomit Nehama, “The Women’s Balcony” opens in NY May 26.
