AllMovie

Israeli filmmakers David Ofek and Yossi Madmoni write and direct the family drama Ha- Mangalistim (The Barbecue People). The ensemble film revolves around a 1988 family barbecue held in honor of Israel's 40th anniversary. Originally born in Iraq, Arab Jewish patriarch Haim (Victor Ida) lives for his fond memories as a weapons smuggler known as "the Player." Challenged by his rival Ezra (Makram Khouri), Haim travels to the Bronx to reunite with an old relative and see his son Eli (Israel Bright). Meanwhile, his daughter Tikva (Dana Ivgy) has gotten pregnant during her stint with the military and his wife Naima (Raymonde Abecassis) has gotten involved with ex-lover Ezra. Igal Adika stars a man at the barbecue who tells war stories about the 1948 battle between the Arabs and Jews. The Barbecue People was shown at the 2003 Vancouver Jewish Film Festival.