At the beginning of 2016, radio producer Mark Baker accompanied his partner, who got a job with an NGO in Jerusalem. Throughout the year, Mark documented his encounters and his struggles, dealing with life as a ‘trailing spouse’, and presents them in this witty and moving chronicle.
The presenter paints a vivid picture of all the obscurities of Jerusalem, from the extremism of religion and the “constant text message alerts” about the conflict, to the awkwardness of shopping in a foreign country and not speaking the language.
Mark’s personal observations are balanced with interviews with locals and fellow ex-pats. His autobiographical approach means this is no regular documentary or a typical travelogue. Mark speaks candidly about his experiences such as being invited to a Muslim wake by a local shopkeeper, accidentally being blessed on the way to the western wall, and getting hit by a pilgrim’s cross during an Easter procession.
Jerusalem has always captured the imagination of the entire world and there are endless sources and documentaries based on the city - however there are very few accounts from such a unique point of view as ‘A Year In Jerusalem’.
‘A Year In Jerusalem’ will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Saturday 3rd June 2017 at 10pm, and repeated on Sunday 4th June at 8am.
BROADCAST TIMES: ‘A Year In Jerusalem’ will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Saturday 3rd June 2017 at 10pm, and repeated on Sunday 4th June at 8am.
LISTEN LIVE: ‘A Year In Jerusalem’ can also be listened to online at: www.newstalk.com
PODCAST: Podcast available at: www.newstalk.com/documentaryonnewstalk after the broadcast.
CREDITS: ‘A Year In Jerusalem’ was produced and presented by Mark Baker, and funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.
