We shot the places which my brother visited and lived in Tel Aviv.  It was a very short day- about two hours and Jon did really well- accept for a point when we arrived by his old house where he started to feel a bit faint.  I know that this must be so hard on him, but he is being very strong and also we were there to help him feel protected.  Again, my father and I have different points of view in our questioning techniques - but, he is the director and I have to listen to his plan and vision. 

Sometimes I feel that his questions are not as direct as they should be - (of course mine are almost always too direct) Jon is super smart and sensitive - and can handle much more than any us - he has a great memory and going through a tour of his past is not only interesting, but also brings a reality to his paranoiac and true feelings. 

It was always very difficult for me to think about being sent to a country alone, scared, not understanding the language and having Huge issues (such as drugs) on his back. (This drug issue is something I wish we would let go of- but it keeps coming up.)

I went to visit him when he arrived 8 years ago and the situation he was in brought angry felling towards my parents-my family who was here - and probably internal guilt.  It was not the place I wanted to see my brother in. Broke, and living in a shit hole. I know that something which he says are true (most of them) but they are extremely exaggerated at some points- but I hope that he is able to internalize the fact that things were safe for him. He has developed so much from the start of the illness - its quite amazing - I am super proud of him.

Abner Preis

Let me introduce you to Abner, my middle son, who is a full participant in the film. He'll be blogging with me and sending pictures. Eran Preis

I am here to help with the movie- last night was the first time I saw the movie intro.  I am quite certain that this film will be good.  I'm always trying to make sure that my brother and all others who are in the situation of dealing with mental illnesses are represented correctly- and I'm feeling good about this.  It will be really critical for us to keep our personal feeling out of this so that others can understand that they are affected by mental illness- "its either your brother or your cousin".

Anyway-I was a bit worried if this was really going to help my brother with his recovery- going back to the place which he believes are the cause of his fears.  Could you imagine if what he thought was true? then who is the really sick one?

Abner Preis