Avodah (1936)

This documentary celebrates the pioneering labors of early Jewish settlers in Palestine With striking visuals and a remarkable soundtrack the film records the technological and agricultural accomplishments of the pioneers and extols the idea of a socialist Jewish state Footage includes shots taken at the Jaffa port and on various kibbutzes of the time Lerskis expressive style creates an almost mythic image of the Jew in Palestine toiling and triumphing amidst the sweeping desert landscape