Life in Stills

The famous Weissenstein Photohouse in Tel Aviv is under threat of demolition. In order to preserve the life’s work of the late photographer Rudi Weissenstein, whose 96-year-old wife Miriam needs help from their grandson Ben. In Tamar Tal’s touching documentary Miriam and Ben, in the shadow of a family tragedy, seek for a balance between emotional ties and business, the past and the present. 

The phases of the Weissenstein family and the State of Israel are documented in a unique collection of nearly a million photos. It takes courage and persistence to secure the future of the national treasure. The warm relationship between Miriam and her grandson resembles the intimacy of a parent and a child, and the two create memorable scenes with their dry humour and heartfelt empathy. Despite many conflicts and the generation gap, Ben and Miriam stick together all the way through their stirring journey. 

Sanni Huvinen | Translation by Janne Hirvisaari