It is, sadly, all too common to sit through a film which is fairly predictable. What is rare, however, is to see such a film and yet to thoroughly enjoy it.

CUPCAKES, a film directed by Eyton Fox, with a cast of actors and actresses so talented you simply do not realise that they are acting, falls squarely into the latter category.

At its core it is a gentle satire of the Eurovision song contest, an event familiar to most people, but it adds layers of real-life personal challenges and telling observations about today’s society. It emanates warmth, vibrant colour, wit, and great foot-tapping music [the last song being particularly appropriate].

The film’s story-line, while it does deal with matters such as self-awareness, practicality, relationships, and the use of power, is really uncomplicated. Essentially it is about friendship, and just how good that can be. The dialogue is sharp-even the title is meaningful. It is a fast-paced production, perhaps a touch too fast in that it takes some effort to both keep up with the action and read the sub-titles in full.

It will be no surprise at all if CUPCAKES, a film in French and Hebrew with English subtitles, becomes one of the hits of the Festival. Few films can bring both a smile to your face and joy to your heart, without being over the top. This one does.

The film will screen at Event Cinemas Bondi Junction at 9pm on November 13, 2013 as part of this year’s Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF). The Festival’s official website is http://www.jiff.com.au.

Tickets for CUPCAKE can be purchased in a number of ways,- from the website- http://jiff.com.au/films/cupcakes, by calling the Event Cinemas Box Office on 93001555, or by purchasing tickets from the Event Cinemas Box Office located at Level 7/8 Westfield Shopping Town, 500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction.