Natalie Portman's Directorial Debut Criticized in Israel

Oscar-winner Natalie Portman has faced a lot of criticism from fellow Israelis living by some areas she chose to shoot scenes in from her directorial debut 'A Tale of Love and Darkness', which is based on Israeli novelist Amos Oz's acclaimed memoir of the same name. Portman will also star in the film.

Criticism came from ultra-orthodox citizens, who wrote to Jerusalem deputy mayor Rachel Azaria in protest at the decision to shoot scenes there. "The film shooting is set to take place on several sensitive streets close to synagogues and yeshivas, and the scenes being filmed should have been examined first to make sure they don't offend anybody's sensitivities," the letter reads.

Portman holds Israeli citizenship and was born there, but moved to the States at the age of three.