Dancing in Jaffa 2013

Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times: "Dancing in Jaffa" is a charming, often moving documentary about how dance can work magic in breaking down barriers. Read more

Ronnie Scheib, Variety: A surprising, well-crafted look at a ballroom-dancing program aimed at bridging gaps between Jewish and Palestinian children in Israel. Read more

Ben Sachs, Chicago Reader: Dulaine comes off as grossly opportunistic, playing the compassionate clown with the children and using the most self-aggrandizing language imaginable to explain his methods to teachers and parents. Read more

Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter: This heartwarming doc illustrates the power of dance to bring people together. Read more

Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times: A documentary that doesn't force-feed its message of hope but genuinely earns it. Read more

Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News: The initially reluctant, moving duets they finally perform make you feel like, yes, dancing. Read more

Andy Webster, New York Times: The film's comforting denouement almost disperses any worries about what a fraught society these preteenagers stand to inherit. Read more

Michael Sragow, Orange County Register: The ebullient presence of master ballroom dancer Pierre Dulaine energizes Dancing in Jaffa, a clear-eyed account of his quest to bring 11-year-old Palestinian Israelis and Jewish Israelis together on the dance floor. Read more

Ellen Dunkel, Philadelphia Inquirer: We barely get to know the children or see much of their dancing. By the time the winner of the competition is announced, it is not much of a surprise, and there is little emotional payout. Read more

Cath Clarke, Time Out: This doc is a little scrappy, but it's very sweet. Read more

Daphne Howland, Village Voice: Hilla Medalia's documentary Dancing in Jaffa derives its strength, much like a dancer's, from various isolated strains. Read more

Stephanie Merry, Washington Post: While the movie can feel disjointed at times, bouncing around to cover so much territory, the climax of the kids's ballroom competition makes up for any quibbles. Read more