Salata Baladi

They live in Egypt, but filmmaker Nadia Kamel's family constitutes an extraordinary mix of cultures and religions. For example, her mother Naela (Mary) was born of a Jewish father and an Italian mother. In World War II, the family converted to Christianity and later on, because of her marriage to a Muslim, Mary also became Muslim. Her husband had a mixed background as well - his father was from Odessa and his mother was from Turkey. Mary tells her life story to her grandson, taking him and her daughter Nadia on a trip to Italy to visit some distant relatives. Eventually, she even decides to go to Israel to visit family members she has not seen in 50 years. This family history reflects an erratic world history. The spontaneous and unrestrained questions the little boy poses to his grandmother clarify the complex way in which the different borders and immigration streams have developed in the course of the past century. In Salata Baladi, many languages are spoken, but the communication between the various family members exudes an atmosphere of warmth and tolerance. Apparently, family ties can rise above what ideologies and prejudices can destroy.