Private Project

Montana

Upon learning of her beloved grandfather’s death, Effi is compelled, against all advice to contrary, to return to her birthplace, Acre (Acco), for the first time in 15 years. Yet her arrival sparks more confrontation than celebration as her family, her memories and especially her reasons for running away all those years ago conspire to put her back in an old, unwelcoming place.

When Effi revisits her old childhood house, she is surprised to find the beautiful Keren living there with her husband and small daughter. Soon, the tenuously crafted peace of Acre (Acco) begins to crack, threatening to shatter under the weight of Effi’s twin desires: love and reclamation.

  • Limor Shmila
    Director
  • Limor Shmila
    Writer
  • Chilik Michaeli
    Producer
    Among UCM films: YONA by Nir Bergman, DANCING ARABS by Eran Riklis, BIG BAD WOLVES by Navot Papushado & Aharon Keshales, A MATTER OF SIZE by Sharon Maymon & Erez Tadmor.
  • Avraham Pirchi
    Producer
    Among UCM films: YONA by Nir Bergman, DANCING ARABS by Eran Riklis, BIG BAD WOLVES by Navot Papushado & Aharon Keshales, A MATTER OF SIZE by Sharon Maymon & Erez Tadmor.
  • Tamar Leon
    Producer
    Among UCM films: YONA by Nir Bergman, DANCING ARABS by Eran Riklis, BIG BAD WOLVES by Navot Papushado & Aharon Keshales, A MATTER OF SIZE by Sharon Maymon & Erez Tadmor.
  • Noa Biron
    Key Cast
    "Efi "
  • Netta Shpigelman
    Key Cast
    "Karen "
  • Avi Malka
    Key Cast
    "Yossi"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    מונטנה
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    drama
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 19 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 1, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    300,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Israel
  • Country of Filming:
    Israel
  • Language:
    Hebrew
  • Shooting Format:
    HD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85 USA
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Toronto International Film Festival 2017 (Sep 2017)
    Toronto
    Canada
    September 1, 2017
    Worldwide Premiere
  • NewFest: The NYC LGBT Film Festival 2017 (Oct 2017)
    New York
    United States
    October 1, 2017
  • 34 th Haifa International Film Festival 2017 (Oct 2017)
    Haifa
    Israel
    October 1, 2017
    Israel Premiere
    Award for Best Actress in an Israeli Feature Film – Noa Biron
  • Palm Springs International Film Festival 2018 (Jan 2018)
    Palm Springs
    United States
    January 1, 2018
  • Festival du cinéma israélien de Montréal (May 2018)
    Montréal
    Canada
    May 1, 2018
    Best Photography - Eitan Hatuka, Best Actress - Noa Biron
  • Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival (Jul 2018)
    Los Angeles
    United States
    July 1, 2018
Distribution Information
  • UCM
    Country: Israel
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Limor Shmila

Limor Shmila was born in Acre, in 1983. She was raised by an orthodox Jewish family and educated in an Ulpana which is an all-girls religious school. At the age of 18, she volunteered in the national civil service as a counselor for youth at risk.
Two years later, she left her religious life and started her studies in the Tel Hai Academic College's film school. She graduated with distinction in 2004, with majors in directing and script writing.
During her studies, she directed two short films, "Shabbat Shalom" and "Crime Car", which were presented in various festivals in Israel and abroad.
In 2005 she started working as an assistant director and script manager, and for the last 10 years she has been one of the leading casting directors in Israel, with films such as "Big Bad Wolves", "Yona Wallach" and "Sand Storm" - for which she received the Israel Film Academy's prize for best casting in 2016 - and more.
"Montana" is her first feature film, which she wrote and directed in her birth city Acre.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My grandfather Musa Ashuel was one of the strongest and bravest persons I ever encountered. For decades he used to walk every morning to his orange orchard just outside Acre, our City. After his retirement, I spent my childhood sitting on the porch and watching him tending his beloved garden. Three years ago he walked to the sea shore, and never came back. His decision shook my world: he chose the time to leave, rather than becoming sick and dependent. The script was written in his memory and honor, and the film was shot in his house and garden.
- Limor Shmila.