Better Friends than Enemies

Ali is a young man who has had a rough life so far. Raised in a Palestinian refugee camp, he's 14 years old and angry at the world, particularly the Jews. When his family moves to Berlin, Ali begins running with a gang of like-minded Muslim youth. To prove himself, he breaks into his elderly neighbor's apartment and is quickly caught. He's faced with either a criminal sentence and certain deportation, or the choice of making amends with his victim. Ali accepts the latter, and finds himself drawn into the world of Alexander, a retired Russian war vet and also a Jew. The unlikely pair discover a real friendship that crosses the age barrier, and their respective prejudices. Kaddish for A Friend is a coming of age story at both ends of the age spectrum, and is based on real events. The film screens at 5:30 p.m. tonight at the Landmark Plaza Frontenac Cinema (1701 South Lindbergh Boulevard, Ladue; www.stljewishfilmfestival.org) as part of the St. Louis Jewish Film Festival. Tickets are $8 to $11.
Tue., June 11, 2013