Filmmaker Tom Gihat Wins Awards for Documentary on Reserve Duty Doubts

Filmmaker Tom Gihat's debut film, "One Eye Open," has garnered critical acclaim and awards, including Best Film at the Wolgin Awards and Best Debut Film at the Docaviv Festival. The documentary explores Gihat's personal journey and internal conflict as a reservist soldier following the October 7th attacks. Gihat, who enlisted immediately after the attacks and served multiple reserve duty rotations, began filming three weeks later, initially capturing his experiences in the Hermon region.

As the war progressed, Gihat became increasingly aware of growing fissures: the mission's clarity diminished, the personal cost of absence from civilian life mounted, and the gap between the front lines and public discourse widened. He expresses disillusionment, stating, "The country is flooded with holiness and bereavement, and I can no longer manage to pray." His faith in institutions has been shaken by what he perceives as leaders prioritizing personal gain over national duty. Despite these doubts, he continued to answer reserve duty calls, driven by a sense of necessity and responsibility, writing to himself, "I try to hold onto the faith that despite everything, I am needed here, that there is no choice."

The film delves into Gihat's internal turmoil, particularly after being tasked with evacuating a Palestinian mourning tent in southern Hebron. This experience led him to question his role, asking, "Who said I am part of the good side of this story?" He admits to feeling shame in uniform for the first time and questioning if he had crossed a red line. "One Eye Open" focuses on the internal struggles of a soldier who believes in his country and serves it, yet is filled with doubt, distinguishing itself from films that make definitive claims about war crimes.

Gihat describes the creative process as initially unintentional, stemming from a film school assignment at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. He began filming in the Hermon, seeking solace in nature, but gradually shifted to documenting the absurdity and the disconnect between his reality and the outside world. The film evolved into a full-length feature alongside his reserve duties, with his former lecturer Ohad Milstein serving as producer. The film has resonated with diverse audiences, including secular and religious individuals, and those from across the political spectrum, who Gihat says connect with his honest portrayal of his experience.

Gihat acknowledges the personal toll of his service, including the strain on his relationship and the worry it caused his family, especially his mother. He also reflects on the broader political context, citing statements by Minister Bezalel Smotrich about conquering and settling Gaza, which fueled his doubts about the war's true objectives. He emphasizes that his critique stems from concern for his people and a desire to foster understanding, not to undermine national security. The film's title, "One Eye Open," is inspired by Chaim Gouri's reflections on the War of Independence, suggesting that soldiers must sometimes close one eye to focus on the mission, only to open it later and confront the difficult truths they suppressed.