Euthanasia is controversial and opinion dividing in several countries, but the makers of Israeli movie, “The Farewell Party” are hoping the jury at Venice agree on its the film’s merits. <br /><br />It centers on a group of Jerusalem retirement-home residents who create a euthanasia machine to put a dying friend out of his misery — they then face a moral dilemma when others come seeking the same service.<br /><br />Though Israel’s film industry is vibrant for a country its size, it is often overshadowed but the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.<br /><br />Actor Ilan Dar says it is a story everyone can relate to: “It’s a weird story of love between people, old people. And love exists, even when you are 70, you still love people and you want to help them. And it’s such a human story that is universal.”<br /><br />The film stars veteran Israeli actors who had to deal with the delicate question of euthanasia in a country where assisted suicide remains illegal.<br /><br />Actress Levana Finkelstein believes everyone should be free to choose on how they end their days.<br /><br />“You don’t know until you touch the minute that you make such a decision. Otherwise, I don’t know how I personally will behave if, God forbid, but I think everybody has to choose the way they choose and that’s the freedom of everybody.”<br /><br />“The Farewell Party” has been well received by audiences and critics and it is a strong contender to be nominated for Best Foreign Film at next year’s Oscars.
