<p>A comedy about the Arab-Israeli conflict? There are few filmmakers willing to take on such a risky project, but in <strong>Tel Aviv on Fire </strong>Sameh Zoabi proves it is still possible to find something to laugh about. Starting from a&nbsp;made-up romantic series about a female spy who marries an Arab man in 1967, but also has to engage with a member of the Israeli military. As the viewers don’t&nbsp;yet know who the woman will finally choose, the programme becomes hugely&nbsp;popular on both sides of the wall.</p>

<p>Salem works as a production assistant on the set and therefore has to pass a very strict border official every day. When he demands that the Israeli soldier be given a more positive role, Salem feverishly tries to influence the narrative&nbsp;of the TV series, as it becomes increasingly clear how futile this is. In this&nbsp;way, Zoabi is able to tackle a painful truth, zooming in on this decades-long conflict&nbsp;with the light touch of a compelling soap opera.</p>
