Under The Domim Tree

The events take place in the winter of 1953 in Israel, a period of rebuilding and adjustment after the Holocaust and the 1948 war. Life in the village blends ordinary routines with the heavier weight of past losses, as the community balances memory with hopes for the future. The cold season and changing seasons frame the children’s cycles of solidarity, curiosity, and resilience.

The story unfolds in a rural, communal farming youth village where orphans and Holocaust survivors live in a close-knit boarding house. The domim crab apple tree nearby serves as a quiet symbol and gathering point for the children. Surrounded by woods and a river, the setting provides a backdrop for late-night wanderings, friendships, and the ongoing process of healing after trauma.

🕯️ Memory

Memory of the Holocaust and personal losses continually shape how the children relate to one another and to the adults around them. The film centers on ghosts of the past, cemetery visits, and the need to remember those who were left behind. Moments of tragedy, such as Misha's death, reveal how trauma persists and must be confronted collectively.

🌱 Community

The youths build a fragile but steadfast community, choosing to support one another through doubt, fear, and ambiguity. They rally around Mira, defend the idea of staying together for Yurek and Ze'evik, and collaborate on plans like planting tulip bulbs around the domim tree to symbolize renewal. The collective kindness demonstrates how chosen family can be a strong foundation for healing.

⚖️ Truth & Justice

Mira's contested origin triggers a court case that tests trust and the meaning of family beyond bloodlines. The children's unwavering support helps uncover truth and protect vulnerable memories from exploitation. The sequence emphasizes honesty, protection, and the idea that justice can be served through communal empathy as much as by formal institutions.