Dinner with Weil es Mitte März ist (Because It’s the Middle of March)
An interview with Leri Matehha, director of Weil es Mitte März ist (Because It’s the Middle of March)
How did you get into shooting at Bat Jam beach?
My grandparents have lived there since I was four years old, so I have been there quite often. With years, I realized that Bat Yam is a very particular place in comparison to Tel Aviv for instance.
How did you get to film bodybuilders?
Since I was a kid, I had been wondering about all those men just exercising by the beaches of Israel. With years (also because I was an athlete myself), I understood that they can’t possibly be that trained only by those few times I see them exercising. So, I started to see a whole system behind their bodies.
Is there so much more bodybuilding in Israel than in other countries?
I am not sure if there is more bodybuilding than in other countries. But there is definitely a historical awareness of being strong or weak – and this is basically why I did this movie.
On your opinion, is Israel a fully-fledged country?
If I understand this question right – then it’s very complicated to answer it, because there is no clear national identity and I feel this is a struggle.
Are you interested in appearances and will you make further films on this theme?
Generally, I am very interested in bodies and constructions of it. Especially in sports, which was such a big part of my childhood and adolescence. The routines of exercise, the psychology of forcing your body to work in a very specific way. So yes – almost all my projects are to some extent about the psychology of bodies. For example: the movie I am shooting this April is about a very tall boy who is a professional high jumper…
What sort freedom would you say the short format allows?
The short film for me is a very contemporary form of transporting any kind of artistic message. I think it still demands a commitment to watch a movie (in comparison to an internet video), but it also considers the fast-forward mentality of our time.
If you’ve already been to Clermont-Ferrand, could you share with us an anecdote or story from the festival? If not, what are your expectations for this year?
I haven’t been to Clermont-Ferrand before, but I am very excited to get into conversation with an international audience, because this movie was only shown in Germany before.
Are other releases scheduled?
I am planning to finish my movie, Unbalanced Bear, in the coming months. Then, I am hoping for a nice festival start for this movie too.
Are you taking part in other events during the Clermont-Ferrand film festival?
Since I haven’t been in Clermont-Ferrand before, I will stay throughout the whole festival.
Weil es Mitte März ist is being shown in Lab Competition L2.
