Sublet

By pulling earnest, first-rate performances from Tony Award winner John Benjamin Hickey (The Normal Heart) and newcomer Niv Nissim, director Eytan Fox (Yossi & Jagger, The Bubble) presents two sympathetic characters that audiences will fall in love with. Michael (Hickey) is a New York City travel writer visiting Tel Aviv to research his latest assignment. Rather than explore Tel Aviv like a tourist, he wants to see the region through a local’s eyes. When he arrives at the apartment of Tomer (Nissim), Michael not only learns that he will be residing in one of Tel Aviv’s most coveted neighborhoods, but also that his temporary home is nowhere near ready for his occupancy. It soon becomes apparent to Michael that the handsome, scrappy young filmmaker who rented out his apartment to him has nowhere else to go. It is easy for Michael to empathize. After leaving behind an estranged relationship with his husband in New York City, Michael feels a certain kinship with Tomer. As they get to know one another, they find the age gap between them presents less of a hindrance and more of an advantage. Slowly, Michael and Tomer begin to let their guard down and allow for new possibilities to take root in their lives. Funny, touching, and perfectly understated, Sublet is both heartbreaking and brilliant.

Accompanying the film premiere is a discussion with director Eytan Fox, star Niv Nissim, and moderator Ruben Rosario. To view the conversation please click here.