Abstracts

Priya Carol J (Bio)

Ricochets of Reality: Gila Almagor’s Holocaust Narratives, Cinematic Postmemory, and the Socio-Political Nexus

This paper navigates the intricate dynamics between speech and silence, drawing inspiration from Gila Almagor’s cinematic oeuvre to illuminate the conditions under which the unsayable emerges in language. Rooted in Almagor’s reflections on war, trauma, and postmemory, we unravel the paradox of articulating the inexpressible through pauses, both fleeting and prolonged, as she adeptly weaves narratives resonating with contemporary challenges, especially those involving Israel.

Grounded in Almagor’s cinematic repertoire, which includes Siege (1987), The House on Chelouche Street (1973), Summer of Aviya (1988), and Under the Domim Tree (1994), this study dissects profound reflections on postmemory and their resonance in contemporary conflicts. Siege serves as a poignant commentary on the human toll of conflicts, prompting critical reflections on contemporary warfare dynamics. The House on Chelouche Street provides insights into Israel’s formative years, unraveling its historical identity and shaping perspectives on present-day conflicts.

In Summer of Aviya, Almagor offers a personal lens on post-Holocaust trauma, engaging viewers with historical wounds persisting in the region. Within the context of contemporary conflicts, the film becomes a conduit for fostering empathy and understanding. Under the Domim Tree explores the complexities of postmemory, scrutinizing the lives of Holocaust survivors and their enduring impact on subsequent generations, contributing to dialogues on conflict resolution and peace-building.

Amid contemporary challenges, Almagor’s cinematic works emerge as potent catalysts for dialogue on trauma, resilience, and the enduring echoes of conflict. Through the lens of postmemory, this paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of the intersections between cinematic art, historical memory, and the socio-political challenges of our contemporary world. In exploring Almagor’s films, we engage with the central inquiries surrounding the sayability of the unsayable, the socio-political implications of silence and speech, and the role of silence in the constitution of the coming community.