Flipping Out - Israel's Drug Generation

Flipping Out is 2007-film directed by Yoav Shamir describing the drug use of Israeli men and women in India. After finishing their compulsory military service, tens of thousands of young Israelis head for India to unwind, get stoned or, in some cases, go insane—all of which are explored in the film.

Per explanatory on-screen subtitles, many former soldiers take their discharge bonus and head to India, where 90-percent will take drugs and a good 2,000 will end up needing professional help after having suffering drug-induced mental breakdowns, or "flipping out."

The documentary shows the response of Israeli agencies to the growing problem of settlements in India with ex-soldiers involved in drug use. One telling encounter in Flipping Out is the meeting between the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Eli Ishay and former soldiers. One female soldier tells him that she is on her second trip to India and that “...here one can feel normal again .no bombings, no corruption, none of that pressure [faced] back in Israel…. one comes here and feels normal again”.

The movie stars Hilik Magnus, Or Pines, Eyal Goldstein, Ran Shamir, Eli Ishay. It was shown on Sundance Channel.

Running Time: 84 min.

Produced by Topia Communications (2003) L.T.D. and Cinephil in co-production with the National Film Board of Canada and ITVS International

Hebrew, English dialogue.