Lemon Tree (2008 film)

Lemon Tree (Hebrew: עץ לימון, Etz Limon) is a 2008 Israeli drama film directed by Eran Riklis. The film tells the story of a Palestinian widow, Salma Zidane, and her legal battle to save her lemon grove from being uprooted when the Israeli Defense Minister moves into a new house next to her property. Security concerns prompt the Israeli security forces to deem the lemon trees a threat.

The film explores themes of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the personal impact of political decisions, the power dynamics between the two sides, and the role of bureaucracy and legal systems in shaping individual lives and landscapes. It also touches on the complexities of human relationships that can develop even amidst political tension.

Lemon Tree received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the European Film Awards. The film sparked discussion and debate about the Israeli-Palestinian situation and the portrayal of the characters involved.