Tablet Studios How to Be a Jew … Like Israel's Most Famous Female Architect
May 7, 2025
Yael Melamede, a filmmaker and daughter of esteemed architect Ada Karmi-Melamede, shares insights on her documentary 'ADA: My Mother the Architect.' They delve into Ada's impactful designs, like the Israeli Supreme Court building, and her journey in a male-dominated field. Yael discusses the intricacies of family ties during the filmmaking process and the philosophical connections between architecture and identity. Their conversation highlights the richness of Jewish cultural experience through art and personal narratives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Filmmaker Joins Her Subject
- Yael entered the frame of the documentary to reveal Ada's reserved personality.
- The film unexpectedly became a shared exploration of their relationship.
Film Structure Mirrors Architecture
- The film’s structure was organically shaped by Ada's book chapters and architectural themes.
- Visual innovation, like vertical shots and multi-image frames, reflect architectural language.
Complex Notion of Home Explored
- The film explores the complex notion of "home" from multiple perspectives.
- It contrasts the deep-rootedness of Israel for Ada with a more fragmented sense of home for her daughter.
