Here’s a picture I took from the balcony of the performing arts center last night of Israeli director Eran Kolirin, talking with the Portland International Film Festival audience about his movie, “The Band’s Visit.”

PIFF: Question & Answer…

Kolirin admitted having had a few beers, which made him more endearing to listen to, frankly. And he probably needed them to cope with a couple of the inane questions shot at him by the audience. But the movie was excellent. It’s about a fictional visit by the Egyptian Ceremonial Police Orchestra to a town in Israel.

Such a visit is impossible in the real world of Arab/Israeli tensions, of course. Indeed, the film doesn’t feature any Palestinian actors—those playing Palestinian roles had to learn a new language to play the parts. And controversially, the Oscar Board has refused to accept the film as a 2008 “foreign film” entry. Which I find weird, and so does Kolirin.

But, as I say, the movie was excellent. Nothing really happens, but it’s full of romance and longing, and frustrated sexuality. Not to mention Chet Baker. It all reminded me of a story my mother tells from the early ’70s about going to the dentist for a root canal in Saudi Arabia—he was smoking throughout, gave her a lily to hold instead of an anesthetic, and let his soldier friend come into the surgery to watch. The way she tells it, it was one of the best experiences of her life. My mother, eh. Sick!

Want more? Check out the Mercury’s PIFF recommendations here. I’ll see you there…