Florence Bloch

In the imaginary village of Entshongweni, very far from western civilization, the young James is chosen to undertake a mission - a pilgrimage to holy Jerusalem. (Zeitgeist Films)

A thirtysomething Israeli wife and mother balances an affair and pressures of working at her father's accounting firm in the bleak, claustrophobic drama "Avanim." Though markedly superior in all departments to French-American helmer Raphael Nadjari's previous New York-set trio of films, pic demands much of auds, with little in the way of emotional payoff. Fest dates feel most appropriate, with some theatrical action possible before low-keyed ancillary afterlife.

Follows three brothers who are going to discover the greatest secret of their late mother. This trip is going to change their lives.