Here We Are 
Israel, 2020 
Directed by Nir Bergman
Drama
Hebrew with English subtitles
92 minutes

This Israeli drama beautifully explores the relationship between father Aharon and his son Uri, an autistic young man in his 20s. Uri is attached to his routines, resistant to eat much apart from pasta stars and obsessed with watching Charlie Chaplin films on his portable DVD player. He must have his dad around to help him navigate the world at all times. Aharon, once a successful graphic designer, has essentially turned taking care of Uri into his life’s work to the point where both men are entirely interdependent on each other. Uri’s mother Tamara doesn’t live with them any more, but she can see more clearly than Aharon that Uri needs to be around peers and learn how to live semi-independently, if only to help him prepare for a time when Aharon and Tamara themselves won’t be around. Tamara and social services have found a place for Uri in a residential community where he will have friends, art workshops and horseback riding.
Uri is understandably terrified of the upcoming change and Aharon, instead of guiding him through it, is in denial that his son needs more than he can give him. When it comes time for Tamar and Aharon to take Uri to the residential facility, Aharon cannot face it. They escape to Eilat for a vacation, where it becomes clear to Aharon how unrealistic his plans are.  He finally accepts the reality of their situation, and brings Uri to the residence. “Here We Are” was accepted to the Cannes Film Festival in 2020 and would have had its world premiere there had the festival not been cancelled. It did win four Ophir Awards (the Israeli Oscars) for the director, for the brilliant, nuanced screenplay, and for both of its lead actors in their extraordinary performances. It has since played in festivals all over the world and has won a number of awards, usually including the Audience Award.