Der Kuchenmacher האופה מברלין (The Cakemaker) (2017)

“The Cakemaker” is a 2017 Israeli-German drama film directed by Ofir Raul Graizer. The movie revolves around a German pastry maker named Thomas (Tim Kalkhof), who travels to Jerusalem after the death of his secret lover, Oren (Roy Miller), who was married with a child. In Jerusalem, Thomas befriends Oren’s widow, Anat (Sarah Adler), who is unaware of their relationship, and starts working at her café, creating pastries that remind her of Oren.

As Thomas becomes more involved with Anat and her family, he struggles to conceal his true identity and the nature of his relationship with Oren. The film explores themes of love, loss, grief, and cultural differences.

Review:

“The Cakemaker” received positive reviews from critics, who praised its tender and nuanced portrayal of grief, love, and human connection. The film was also praised for its beautiful cinematography, understated performances, and its exploration of the complexities of identity and sexuality. The film’s themes and storytelling were considered by many to be universal, despite its specific cultural setting.

Awards:

“The Cakemaker” won several awards at film festivals worldwide, including the FIPRESCI Prize at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, the Best Film and Best Actor awards at the Israeli Film Academy Awards, and the Best Actor award at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film was also selected as the Israeli entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards, although it did not receive a nomination.