Critical Film 'The Bibi Files' to Screen at European Parliament
Four weeks before Israeli elections, a critical documentary titled "The Bibi Files," which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly attempted to block, is set to be screened at the European Parliament in Brussels. The film incorporates leaked investigation materials related to Netanyahu, which have not had widespread commercial distribution in Israel. The screening is scheduled to be attended by Members of the European Parliament and their aides amidst the ongoing Israeli election campaign.
The film draws on footage from Netanyahu's police interrogations, the release of which previously led to legal battles initiated by him. In Israel, visual and audio publication of such materials requires court permission. The Brussels screening is an initiative of M5S Europa, the European Parliament delegation of Italy's Five Star Movement, with invitations sent by MEP Valentina Palmisan. The screening is not an official event of the European Parliament or the European Union.
According to the filmmakers, they received over a thousand hours of investigation material in 2023 from an anonymous source via the Signal app. The leaked materials include recordings from the interrogations of Benjamin Netanyahu, his wife Sara, their son Yair, and others involved in the investigations. The filmmakers worked with a Hebrew-speaking editor to sort, synchronize, and decipher the content. The film presents Netanyahu in interrogation rooms discussing topics such as receiving gifts, including cigars and champagne, and his relationships with business figures and media organizations.
Alongside the police materials, the documentary features interviews with individuals familiar with Netanyahu and his circle, such as former state witness Nir Hefetz, former Shin Bet chief Ami Ayalon, and former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The film offers a sharp political interpretation of Netanyahu's recent years in power, linking his legal and political struggles to key Israeli developments, including political alliances, judicial reforms, and his government's conduct during wartime. This interpretation is presented as the filmmakers' thesis and has not been established as a finding in Netanyahu's ongoing legal proceedings. Netanyahu denies the charges against him, asserting they are the result of political persecution and selective enforcement.
Outside of Israel, "The Bibi Files" has gained international exposure, screening in cities like Toronto and at festivals in Europe, including DOC NYC. In December 2024, it was shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature but did not reach the final nominations. The Brussels screening precedes further European distribution, with additional screenings planned in Italy on September 30th, including a discussion with filmmakers.
