Contemporary ballet and environmental activism do not often go hand in hand. The Vertigo Eco-Arts Village, however, is a place where dance and ecology come together. The Eco-Arts village is an extension of the Vertigo Dance Company, the celebrated Jerusalem dance group founded by Noa Wertheim and her husband, Adi Sha’al. 'Renewal' provides new perspectives on the Middle East by showcasing Jerusalem’s distinctive dance culture. The documentary features captivating scenes of the Vertigo company in performance and rehearsals, and in their ecological pursuits including gray water recycling and permaculture. Investigating sustainable living, the film provides tangible examples of accessible ecological practices – all while asking larger questions about art, family, and nature. How do we continue to sustain ourselves?

Directed by Stacey Menchel Kussell
Israel / United States, 2015
Documentary, Dance, Jewish Culture, Israeli Culture
English, Hebrew (with English subtitles)
40 minutes