Hundreds of Israeli Filmmakers Support Directors of Gaza War Film Amid Backlash

Over 700 Israeli filmmakers have signed an open letter supporting Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, the directors of the film "No Other Land" (Nezah), which recently won an award at the Venice Film Festival. The signatories condemned what they described as an unprecedented campaign of incitement against the filmmakers, stating that the distance between the rhetoric and physical threats to their lives is shrinking. Among the prominent figures signing the petition are Ari Folman, Hagai Levi, Shira Geffen, and Shlomi Elkabetz.

The filmmakers expressed concern over the escalating discourse surrounding the film, criticizing individuals, academics, and journalists who have spoken out against it without viewing it. They noted that while criticism of art is legitimate, the "incendiary and violent discourse" directed at the creators for expressing their views is alarming, regardless of one's personal opinions on the film's content. The signatories also expressed hope that "No Other Land" will be widely distributed in Israel, allowing the public to see it, form their own opinions, and engage in a much-needed discussion about the war in Gaza and its consequences.

The controversy erupted after Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar denounced the film, calling it "despicable" and accusing the directors of "betraying the country." Zohar also announced his intention to seek the revocation of Abraham and Shore's Israeli citizenship, a move that is legally complex and not within the minister's direct authority. The filmmakers themselves have stated they have not yet seen the film but are concerned by the attacks on its creators.

The backlash has reached the highest levels of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi convened a special consultation, asserting that the film is based on "blood libels, deliberate distortion of reality, and false and severe accusations against IDF soldiers and commanders." He instructed the Military Advocate General to explore possible legal actions and to investigate whether classified materials were leaked for the film's production. The IDF spokesperson had previously rejected the film's claims, labeling a specific allegation about an approved strike with expected high civilian casualties as a "complete lie."

Abraham, one of the directors, urged critics to watch the film before passing judgment and stated their intention to ensure its release in Israel so the Israeli public can be exposed to its testimonies and form their own conclusions. The film itself, which focuses on the war in Gaza, reportedly includes testimonies from Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel.