Michael (John Benjamin Hickey), a New York Times travel writer visiting Tel Aviv to research his latest article, get some space from his relationship, and recharge his batteries amid the thriving gay scene. Intending to sublet an apartment in Israel’s most populous city, he spontaneously agrees to share the modest one-bedroom space when it becomes clear that handsome tenant Tomer (Niv Nissim) has nowhere else to go. The age gap between the reserved Michael and the free-spirited Tomer lends the film a subtle humor and charm that grows as the pair get to know one another. As Michael shares his wisdom and soaks up the youthful energy that surrounds them, his guard begins to drop and he finds the inspiration to embrace his life again.

Director: Eytan Fox

Eytan Fox has become one of Israel’s most prominent and most internationally acclaimed directors. His movies have been accepted and watched worldwide, won many awards, especially in LGBT film festivals.

Fox was born in New York City and moved with his family to Israel when he was two. He grew up in Jerusalem, served in the army, and studied at Tel Aviv University’s School of Film and Television. He is openly gay and many of his films contain themes of homosexuality, as well as the effect the Israeli–Palestinian conflict has on interpersonal relationships. Sublet is his fourth film at Tribeca. Yossi & Jagger, a groundbreaking love story about male Israeli soldiers, won Best Actor in 2003. Its 2012 sequel, Yossi, opened the competition. The Bubble was shown in 2007.