My Friend, Yaniv

Yaniv is 28, and he thinks it’s about time he should leave his parents’ house. The only problem is that he suffers from muscular dystrophy, and he needs around-the-clock care. But Yaniv’s fragile, wheelchair-bound frame houses a lively and rebellious spirit that will not be held back by physical limitations. Although he can barely use his hands, he is able to write a blog. And sometimes he leads the life of a student, staying up late – much to the dismay of his parents. Yaniv may be rebellious, but he’s also witty and charming. He gently mocks his good friend and filmmaker Maayan Schwartz, describing the documentary in which he is the protagonist as “a vague movie, no beginning, middle or end.” In its personal approach, the film resembles an authentic home movie, but Schwartz has a keen eye for picking out the most telling moments in Yaniv’s life: the pizza-and-soccer evenings with friends, the telephone conversations about everyday matters as well as the growing concerns for his quality of life, and his uncertain future.