Tropicana, Omer Tobi's powerful and demanding film, stunned audiences at the 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on Saturday with a jaw-dropping sex scene never seen in Israeli cinema.
Without delving into spoilers, it’s safe to say it will be widely discussed. The scene stars Irit Sheleg, who, at 66, delivers a remarkable, bold, and revealing performance, including full frontal nudity, carrying the film on her shoulders.
"I had some reservations beforehand, but you can't pass up such a unique experience and challenge," Sheleg told Ynet about the film, which is currently competing in the Proxima section—the second most prestigious category at the renowned festival, reserved for daring and innovative cinema. "After I said yes to the offer, I had no more doubts. It’s not about bravery—it’s curiosity. Working with Omer is a total experience; he opened a door for me, and I walked through it."
The world premiere of the Israeli film took place at the Municipal Theatre in Karlovy Vary. The ornate and luxurious theater, adorned with gold decorations, was built in the 19th century and recently renovated.
Contrary to initial concerns, there were no anti-Israeli protests outside the venue, nor were there any disruptions during the screening. "It’s interesting that, unlike protests at cultural events worldwide, here we actually feel at home," Tobi remarked. "The Czechs love Israelis, and the Israeli flag flies at the festival and in some hotels. The atmosphere is very warm, welcoming, and emotional. It was amazing to feel the audience's reactions and their movements in their seats. I was surprised by how the audience walked with us and felt a connection to the heroine."
The Tropicana delegation—Tobi, Sheleg, producers Hilla Medalia and Gil Sima, editor Guy Nemesh, and costume designer Nelly Horowitz—walked the red carpet, wearing yellow pins advocating for the return of the hostages.
Unlike at festivals like Cannes and Tribeca, Karlovy Vary did not oppose wearing the pins. "In such painful, complicated, and difficult times in Israel, I am proud to represent Israel here," Sheleg said. "I hope for security and peaceful days, and I want to tell the hostages that your freedom is our freedom. People around the world are working day and night to get you out of this hell. Please stay strong; it’s so important." Meanwhile, producers Medalia and Sima called for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages—a plea met with loud applause.
Tropicana follows Orly (Sheleg), a hard-working married cashier living in a remote desert town. She divides her time between the monotonous work at the supermarket and caring for her demanding mother and family.
The mysterious murder of the head cashier leads to Orly's promotion. She not only inherits the head cashier’s position but also her turbulent past. Soon, Orly finds herself on a dark journey of sexual discovery, revealing her repressed desires and yearning for human warmth and closeness. One of the scenes, set in a swingers club, was filmed in an abandoned military base.
"I grew up in Be'er Sheva, and Tropicana is an extreme version of the south that I remember and imagined as a child. It’s an attempt to find renewed beauty in these landscapes," Tobi said.
Although Tropicana is Tubi's first feature-length film, his portfolio is rich and includes short films, the Mediterranean musical drama series The Heiress, and dozens of music videos for artists such as Ivri Lider, Ran Danker, Sarit Hadad, Dana International and Netta Barzilai. Tubi is also one of the founders of Arisa, the subversive gay Mizrahi party line that revolutionized the queer-Mizrahi cultural scene. After Karlovy Vary, Tropicana will head to the Jerusalem Film Festival in July, where it will compete in the Haggiag Competition for the Best Israeli Feature Film.