Bourekas film

Bourekas films are a genre of Israeli cinema popular from the 1960s through the 1980s. These films are typically melodramatic, comedic, and often deal with social issues related to the cultural clashes between Mizrahi (Middle Eastern/North African) and Ashkenazi (European) Jews in Israel. The term "bourekas" refers to a savory pastry popular in Israel and often associated with Mizrahi culture, symbolizing the common, "everyman" characters and the everyday settings depicted in these films.

Hallmarks of the genre include broad, often stereotypical, characters, slapstick humor, and storylines that explore themes of identity, tradition, and integration in Israeli society. While sometimes criticized for their simplistic narratives and reliance on stereotypes, Bourekas films were commercially successful and played a significant role in shaping Israeli popular culture. They provided a platform for Mizrahi actors and filmmakers, giving voice to experiences often underrepresented in mainstream Israeli media at the time. Over time, the genre's portrayal of cultural differences has been re-evaluated, with some seeing them as a reflection of real societal tensions and a valuable historical record of a specific period in Israel's development. Key characteristics also include a strong emphasis on family and community values, and a generally optimistic outlook.