Otef Project Documents Oct. 7 Trauma Through Volunteer-Made Films
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
The Otef Project, a volunteer initiative by Roman Kaplun and Zoe Albert Katz, has produced 34 documentary films in Russian about the October 7, 2023 attacks and their impact. The project aims to counter disinformation and provide a platform for survivors and victims' families. The filmmakers, who rely on personal funds and donations, describe their work as a crucial part of the information war and a mission to preserve the truth. They acknowledge the profound emotional toll of documenting these traumatic events.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Otef Project, founded by Roman Kaplun and Zoe Albert Katz, has created 34 films documenting the October 7 attacks.
- The volunteer-driven project aims to counter disinformation and preserve the truth of the events.
- Filmmakers describe their work as a crucial front in the information war against Israel.
- The project relies on personal funds and donations for its operations.
- The filmmakers acknowledge the significant emotional toll and personal scars from their work.
- The Otef Project seeks to provide a platform for survivors and victims' families to share their stories.
The Otef Project, founded by Roman Kaplun and Zoe Albert Katz, has become a prominent Russian-language documentary initiative documenting the events of October 7, 2023, and their aftermath. The project aims to counter disinformation and provide a platform for survivors, victims' families, and first responders to share their experiences.
Kaplun and Katz, working as volunteers, have produced 34 films to date, with more in production, covering the atrocities, acts of heroism, and the profound collective trauma experienced by Israelis. They describe their work as a crucial front in the information war, noting that Israel was unprepared for the global disinformation campaign that began immediately after the attacks.
The duo handles all aspects of production, from logistics and interviews to filming and editing, despite lacking formal film training. They emphasize the emotional toll of their work, often relying on each other for psychological support when dealing with deeply traumatic testimonies. Some stories have left lasting personal scars on the filmmakers.
Kaplun highlights the disconnect between the trauma experienced in southern Israel and the perceived indifference of the country's center, stating that many survivors continue to suffer from severe, unshakeable trauma. The project also actively engages in online comment sections to combat misinformation and share their films, which they hope will be recognized at international festivals.
The Otef Project is funded by personal contributions and donations through platforms like Patreon and PayPal, and in cooperation with the non-profit organization Land and Sky. Their work continues, driven by a mission to preserve the truth of October 7 and support those affected.