Mira Hamermesh
FILM CREDITS
HOLY MADNESS (1993) Channel 4
Writer/ Director/ Producer: Mira Hamermesh
HOLY MADNESS explores the phenomenon of the “Jerusalem Syndrome,” also referred to as “Jerusalem Fever.” There is a palpable sense of the faithful experiencing God’s existence in Jerusalem more than any other place on earth. There are other cities or places, but none have the power of Jerusalem to dominate the imagination and the hearts and minds of millions. In fact, Jerusalem’s inhabitants believe that the power of Jerusalem drives some people crazy.
HOLY MADNESS follows events within the tourist police station where most of the tourist-pilgrims who have committed affrays due to religious zeal arrive before being hospitalised or deported or both. It also looks at the stories of two individuals whose experiences of “Jerusalem Fever” had tragic consequences.