FLORIDA PREMIERE

Shown with Short Film - 40 Chess Boards

Q&A 4/8 with Director Marcia Rock, Naomi Guttman-Bass and Nancy Zeitlin

This documentary reveals the true story of an Israeli equestrian champion who crossed taboo boundaries between Jews, Christians and Muslims, as she followed her passions professionally and romantically. Her story rides parallel with the growth of the State of Israel, its wars, its rapid economic growth, changing borders and external and internal conflicts.

When you think of Israel you usually don’t think about equestrian sports. What often comes to mind are conflicts based on religion, culture and nationalism. One woman crossed the boundaries between Jews, Christians and Muslims, Israelis and Palestinians, in her professional life with horses and in her personal life as well. The life of Nancy Zeitlin parallels the development of equestrian sports in Israel in the shadow of the continuing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and the internal fault lines between secular and religious Jews. Nancy Zeitlin arrived in Israel as a young girl passionate about horses. In 1968, her family moved from San Diego to fulfill their Zionist dream. At the time the equestrian sports of competitive dressage and show jumping were in their infancy and she grew to be one of the major figures in their development, carrying the high jump record for 20 years.

Nancy lived through the Yom Kippur War that changed the face of Israeli society and deepened her connection to Israel. After her army service in the Paratroopers Corps, she trained in Europe and North America, reaching the highest levels of equestrian achievement. After several years abroad Nancy aimed to be the first Israeli equestrian Olympic contender. Those hopes were dashed when the First Lebanon War broke out and there was no funding for a suitable horse. She returned to Israel and became a leading figure in the Israeli equestrian world, winning championships and coaching champions. Always a rebel, Nancy challenged the norms of her family and society. She married outside her faith, became a single mother, joined the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, and then broke free.

A chance encounter with horse-loving Palestinians led her to a collaboration that would change her life. Following the Oslo Accords and the opening of the borders, Nancy began to train young Palestinians to ride and compete internationally. In the film she visits with Khaled, a former student in Jericho who now owns a stable in the West Bank. The emotional reunion includes reminiscing about their own initial stereotypes and how they learned to work together. Nancy never waivers in her pride of country but earns the respect of her Palestinian students and peers through her professionalism and compassion. After ten productive years the second Intifada took its toll and Nancy returned to Israel. Rebuilding her career, Nancy continues to inspire riders as a trainer and competition judge. Her story is presented here for the first time, including all its twists, surprises, and a new law degree.

Nancy continues to jump over the cultural and religious divisions fracturing Israeli society, promoting coexistence and the love of horses.

QUOTES:

“Simply stated — I loved this film! Beautifully filmed and rich in its story line. Nancy Zeitlin’s personal story is interwoven with the story of Israel resulting in a rich film at so many different levels.”         –Terry Brackett, Festival Director, Retired, Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival

“We were delighted to present UnReined as a virtual film program this year. The documentary includes so many interesting and layered dimensions and provides a springboard for meaningful dialogue about many aspects of Israel, relationships and sport. We had 200 people stream he film and 50 participate in a livestreamed Q&A with cast and crew. Many others watched the recorded Q&A.”            –Deborah Brobrow, Arts & Culture Director, Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland

"Nancy Zeitlin is an amazing character and her story has been beautifully told, featuring the horses, the struggles and the romances; all in this Winnie Award winning film.” – Lisa Diersen, Founder & Director, EQUUS Film & Arts Festival

Sponsored By Karen & Ethan Lazar