Movie spotlight
No One's Son
Ivan is a 36-year old ex-rock singer and a disillusioned war veteran who lost both legs in the recent Croatian Homeland War. His father, Izidor, was a well-known political prisoner in the former Yugoslavia, and is now standing as an independent candidate for the Croatian Parliament. Then a face from the past re-appears: an impoverished Serbian refugee called Simo, who has recently returned to the town. As an ex-communist official, Simo imprisoned Izidor decades ago. He knows certain facts about Izidor that could destroy his reputation and wreck his political campaign. Simo demands money, in return for his silence and he also has a secret rendezvous with Ivan's mother, Ana. Soon a long-buried secret surfaces once more - with huge repercussions for Ivan. He starts to provoke hard-line Croatians by singing Serbian nationalistic songs, daring them to kill him.
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Plot Summary
This documentary offers an intimate and often challenging look at the life of Assaf Heymann, the younger brother of director Tomer Heymann. Assaf, who has Down syndrome, navigates his life with a unique perspective, revealing his dreams, relationships, and struggles. The film explores his journey from childhood to adulthood, highlighting his desire for independence and his complex relationship with his family.
Critical Reception
No One's Son was widely acclaimed by critics for its raw honesty and empathetic portrayal of Assaf's life. Reviewers praised Tomer Heymann's intimate filmmaking style and his ability to capture profound human experiences. The documentary is noted for its sensitive handling of disability and its exploration of family dynamics, making it a compelling and moving watch.
What Reviewers Say
A profoundly moving and honest portrait of a man with Down syndrome and his family.
Director Tomer Heymann masterfully captures the nuances of Assaf's life and aspirations.
The film is celebrated for its sensitive and unsentimental approach to disability and family relationships.
Google audience: Audiences consistently praise 'No One's Son' for its emotional depth and the powerful, authentic portrayal of Assaf Heymann. Many viewers found the film inspiring and a testament to the human spirit, highlighting its ability to foster understanding and empathy.
Awards & Accolades
Won the Audience Award at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival and was nominated for Best Documentary at the Ophir Awards (Israeli Film Academy Awards).
Fun Fact
Director Tomer Heymann himself is the older brother of the documentary's subject, Assaf Heymann, making the film a deeply personal and autobiographical endeavor.
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