My Father My Lord review

Having a Rabbi for a father can make life tough...

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Hard to believe that David Volach’s debut feature was made for $200,000 – only the concise running time suggests a tight budget.

The setting reflects Volach’s own upbringing in the orthodox Haredic community of Jerusalem.

Nine-year-old Menahem is full of curiosity but his father, Rabbi Abraham, has strict ideas on what’s acceptable. When Menahem brings home a photo of some smiling Africans, he’s told it’s ‘idolatry’ and made to tear it up.

Volach never demonises Abraham – he honestly believes he’s bringing up the boy according to God’s will. But the rigidity of his vision is chilling.

A compelling, saddening film.