Avi Nesher's New Film 'Our Loves' Tackles October 7th Trauma

Director Avi Nesher's new film, "Our Loves," features comedian Shalom Michaelashvili in a dramatic role as Shimon Portel, a police intelligence officer and hero of the October 7th attacks. Michaelashvili underwent six months of training and gained seven kilograms to embody Portel, whose daughter was in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the massacre. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, presents seven interwoven stories of individuals whose lives were shattered by the October 7th events.

Nesher, who had previously announced his retirement from filmmaking, felt compelled to create "Our Loves" in response to the October 7th attacks, aiming to explain the Israeli perspective to the world and connect with the local audience. The film's screening at Toronto was met with significant security measures due to fears of protests, with the director and cast requiring armed bodyguards and armored vehicles. Despite the tense atmosphere and initial calls for boycotts, the film received a standing ovation from the audience.

The film was shot in various locations, including reconstructed sets and actual sites of the attacks like Kibbutz Be'eri and Ofakim, to authentically portray the events. Nesher emphasized the importance of filming in these real locations, stating it was crucial for Israeli identity rather than just cinematic value. The production faced disruptions, including an air raid siren during a scene recreating the Nova festival, highlighting the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

One of the film's central narratives follows Shimon Portel's harrowing experience fighting terrorists in Sderot and then racing to save his daughter in Kfar Aza. Portel described the intense combat and his desperate efforts to rescue his daughter and others, attributing his survival to luck. The film also incorporates the experiences of production staff, like Caitlin, an assistant who was present at the Nova festival and found working on the film a way to reclaim agency over her trauma.

"Our Loves" explores themes of mutual responsibility, resilience, and the Israeli spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Nesher stated that the film aims to showcase the "Israeli togetherness" as an existential need, reflecting the DNA of mutual guarantee and aid. The film opened the Haifa Film Festival, where Nesher received a lifetime achievement award on what would have been his late son Ari's birthday.