Israeli Film Funded by Samaria Foundation Earns Critical Praise Despite Controversy

The debut film "My One and Only," produced with support from the Samaria Film Fund, has received notable praise from Israeli film critics despite reservations about its funding source. Written and directed by David Tauber and produced by Elia Tauber, the film centers on Shira, a young religious woman convinced her husband was replaced by a double shortly after the birth of their first child. The story blends psychological drama and thriller elements, bridging religious and secular worlds.

Oron Shamir of Haaretz described the film as a rare and welcome Hebrew-language mystery drama, commending its plot integration, cinematography, music, editing, and cinematic language. While acknowledging the Samaria Film Fund as "controversial and problematic," Shamir affirmed the film's rightful place in the Israeli film industry. The film was screened out of competition at the Jerusalem Film Festival and was an Ophir Award contender. Shamir urged audiences not to boycott the film due to its funding, stating, "Now it is the audience's turn to accept it and not boycott it because of the source of funding."

Similarly, Ynet critic Shmulik Duvdevani called the film "one of the refreshing surprises of the year," noting its originality in Israeli cinema and its innovative approach to Jewish themes. Despite understandable concerns about the Samaria Fund's involvement, he recommended giving the film a chance.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council and chairman of the fund, welcomed the positive reviews, emphasizing that even critics from opposing political camps could not deny the fund's artistic achievements and quality productions. He pledged the fund's continued investment in creators to bring groundbreaking Israeli cinema from Judea and Samaria to the screen.