The Band's Visit
Release Date:
February 8, 2008
Limited release
Movie of the Day for Thursday, December 13, 2007
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The Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra, an Arab military police band, has arrived in Israel to play the opening of an Arab cultural center. Not only is their arrival in Israel a key event in the progression of their society in that country, but their group is also facing budget cuts that might eliminate their existence. And so when upon their arrival there is no one to greet them, they start to be a bit concerned that things might go awry.
Stranded at the airport, one of their members, Khaled, attempts to get some assistance. Unfortunately, a series of miscommunications finds them lost in the desert. Their conductor, Tewfiq, takes the disgruntled group to a small local cafe, where the restaurant owner, a woman named Dina, has compassion for them. She invites the men to stay with her and a few of her friends. Tewfiq and Khaled stay with Dina, while the other men fan out to other locations. What results is an eventful and charming series of events where the locals interact with their visitors - making the band's visit an eventful one indeed.
Sony Pictures Classics is releasing this film, which means it will receive a small-scall theatrical distribution. Given its uplifting-sounding story, it is sure to be popular amongst the art house crowd. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
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