Where to Stream Delegation (2023) – Holocaust Drama with a Modern Twist

Delegation (Ha’Mishlahat) is a 2023 drama film directed by Asaf Saban, which explores the personal and historical journey of three Israeli high school students during a class trip to Holocaust memorial sites in Poland. This emotionally charged film takes the audience on a thoughtful exploration of adolescence, history, and the weight of cultural memory, blending the personal struggles of its young protagonists with the profound historical backdrop of the Holocaust.

Plot Summary

The film follows Frisch (Yoav Bavly), Nitzan (Neomi Harari), and Ido (Leib Lev Levin), three close friends who, like many Israeli students, embark on a traditional school trip to visit former Nazi concentration camps and memorials in Poland. For these teens, the journey is not just a way to connect with their history but also the last adventure they will share before graduating high school and joining the army.

As they walk through sites like Auschwitz and Treblinka, the overwhelming historical tragedies of the Holocaust often clash with the more immediate concerns of teenage life—friendship, unrequited love, and future uncertainties. Nitzan secretly harbors feelings for Ido, who seems disinterested, while Frisch, who accompanies his Holocaust survivor grandfather, is more concerned with fitting in and having fun than confronting the weight of the past.

These parallel stories of youthful concerns and the historical trauma surrounding them create a dynamic that allows Delegation to offer a poignant and layered narrative, showcasing how the personal and political often intersect in unpredictable ways.

Themes and Significance

At its core, Delegation explores the delicate balance between the personal experiences of its young characters and the overwhelming historical context of the Holocaust. The film asks questions about identity, memory, and responsibility—what does it mean to grow up in the shadow of such a monumental tragedy? For Frisch, Nitzan, and Ido, the trip to Poland becomes a metaphorical crossroads between their past, present, and uncertain future.

Saban’s direction is remarkable in its subtlety and restraint. Rather than dramatizing the historical sites, he allows the power of these places to speak for themselves. The film doesn’t shy away from showing how the weight of history can be both a burden and a source of strength for the younger generation.

While Delegation is set against the backdrop of Holocaust memorials, it’s also a coming-of-age story. The teenagers’ interactions—whether it's their awkward flirtations, rebellious behavior, or introspective moments—feel real and relatable. Their journey is not just one of historical discovery but of self-discovery.

Performances and Direction

The performances in Delegation are raw and authentic, especially from its young cast. Yoav Bavly’s portrayal of Frisch captures the anxiety and humor of a boy torn between his desire for belonging and the gravity of his surroundings. Neomi Harari brings emotional depth to Nitzan, whose internal struggles are more about her personal feelings than the historical context she finds herself in. Leib Lev Levin, as Ido, embodies the aloof yet conflicted teenager, more concerned with his place in his social circle than the lessons of history.

Saban’s direction skillfully weaves together these personal and historical narratives. He captures the contrast between the vibrancy of youth and the stillness of memorials, creating a film that is both reflective and emotionally charged. His use of silence, particularly in scenes at the concentration camps, is powerful, letting the audience feel the weight of these spaces without overwhelming them with unnecessary dramatics.

Critical Reception

Delegation has been well-received by critics for its nuanced portrayal of the intersection between the personal and historical. It premiered at the 2023 Berlinale in the Generation 14plus category, receiving praise for its thoughtful exploration of youth, history, and identity. The film’s unique approach to tackling such a sensitive topic—through the eyes of teenagers—sets it apart from other films in the Holocaust genre.

Critics have highlighted the film’s ability to juxtapose the trivialities of teenage life with the profoundness of history. As one reviewer from HighOnFilms noted, “What sets Delegation apart is its raw, unflinching dedication to unraveling layered personal identity, tied to cultural tradition and the weight of historical atrocities.” Others have praised Saban for his ability to blend the personal with the political in a way that feels authentic and impactful.

Delegation is a film that transcends typical coming-of-age stories by placing its characters in the middle of one of the most significant historical tragedies of the modern era. It’s a film that explores what it means to grow up in a world where the past constantly informs the present. For the characters, the trip to Poland is not just a school trip but a journey of self-discovery, one that will shape how they see themselves and their future.

In the end, Delegation is not just about the Holocaust or the struggles of youth—it’s about the search for meaning and identity in a world that is both haunted by the past and uncertain about the future.

This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in thoughtful cinema that addresses history, identity, and the complexities of growing up. Whether you’re drawn to its coming-of-age narrative or its historical context, Delegation offers something profound for every viewer.

1. What is Delegation about?
Delegation is a 2023 drama directed by Asaf Saban, focusing on three Israeli high school friends on a class trip to Holocaust memorial sites in Poland. As they confront the tragic history of the Holocaust, they also deal with personal struggles of love, friendship, and their future in the Israeli army.

2. Who are the main characters in the film?
The main characters are Frisch (Yoav Bavly), Nitzan (Neomi Harari), and Ido (Leib Levin), three teenagers navigating complex emotions during their school trip. Frisch’s Holocaust-survivor grandfather, Yosef (Ezra Dagan), also plays a significant role.

3. Is Delegation based on real events?
While the film is not based on specific real events, it reflects the common practice of Israeli school trips to Holocaust memorials in Poland. It explores themes of identity, memory, and personal growth against the backdrop of historical tragedy.

4. Where was Delegation filmed?
The movie was filmed in Poland at several Holocaust memorial sites, including Auschwitz and Majdanek, offering an authentic portrayal of these historically significant locations.

5. What themes are explored in Delegation?
The film tackles themes of identity, coming-of-age, personal responsibility, memory, and the impact of history on contemporary life. It also delves into the struggles of youth as they confront the weight of their heritage while dealing with personal issues like love and growing up.

6. How does the film blend personal and historical stories?
Delegation weaves the personal journeys of its characters with the historical gravity of the Holocaust. The characters’ internal struggles—romantic entanglements, friendship tensions, and future worries—unfold in the emotionally charged context of Holocaust memorial sites.

7. Who directed Delegation?
Delegation was directed by Israeli filmmaker Asaf Saban, known for his ability to blend personal and political stories with nuance and emotional depth.

8. What awards has Delegation won?
The film premiered at the Berlinale Generation 14plus in 2023 and won Best Feature Film in the Youth Category at the Zlín Film Festival the same year.

9. How does the film depict Israeli youth culture?
The film offers a glimpse into Israeli youth, particularly their relationship with the country’s complex history and the transition from high school to military service. It shows how personal identity is intertwined with collective memory and national responsibilities.

10. How has Delegation been received by critics?
Delegation has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of adolescence, history, and identity. Critics have highlighted the film's balance of humor and drama, its authentic depiction of teenage life, and its exploration of how young people relate to their heritage.