Winner of the Best Actor award at the 2004 Israeli Film Academy Awards for writer-star Shuli Rand, director Gidi Dar's film Ushpizin (roughly translated to "holy guests"), is a revelatory and humorous look at the daily lives of ultra-Orthodox Jews in modern-day Israel.

Disarmingly funny, the film startles in its universality, depicting members of the community in scenes of ordinary living, drinking, smoking, dancing, arguing, reconciling and grappling with their faith. Ushpizin is a completely unique movie experience; equal parts Isaac Bashevis Singer and It's A Wonderful Life.