Israeli Director Or Sinai Shares Journey Behind Her Debut Film 'Mama'
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
First reported by Walla · Jul 7, 2026
What happened
Israeli director Or Sinai shares the personal and creative journey behind her debut film "Mama," inspired by her family experience with a foreign caregiver. The film, initially set in Ukraine, was relocated to Poland due to war, and premiered at Cannes amid emotional challenges. Sinai highlights the film's exploration of family and identity through the story of a foreign worker returning home.
- 01Or Sinai's debut film "Mama" centers on a foreign worker returning to her Polish village.
- 02The story was inspired by Sinai's experience with a foreign caregiver for her mother.
- 03Originally set in Ukraine, the film's location moved to Poland after the 2022 war began.
- 04Sinai wrote the script during COVID-19 and secured funding from Israeli and Ukrainian film funds.
- 05Lead actress Yevgenia Dodina brought depth to the character of Mila.
- 06The film premiered at Cannes shortly after post-production, with Sinai finding the experience emotionally intense.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
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