Introduction to a Controversial Documentary
Sometimes, a documentary can be so thought-provoking that it grabs your attention and clearly proves that every attempt to create an "apolitical" film about a sensitive topic is, in itself, controversial. The documentary in question, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff Docs), is designed to be provocative and, based on reactions before and after its premiere, it seems to have achieved its goal.
The Filmmaker’s Decisions
The filmmaker, Barry Avrich, has made certain decisions that might limit the documentary’s ability to reach a wider audience. However, these decisions have also inspired a number of spectators, while others may find them offensive. It’s worth noting that this documentary was never intended to bridge the gaps between different perspectives, but rather to present a specific story in a particular way.
The Story Behind the Documentary
The documentary tells the story of Amir Tibon and Miri Tibon, who lived near the Gaza Strip in Nahale Oz, a Kibbutz in southern Israel. On the morning of October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists carried out a fatal attack on Israel, Amir, Miri, and her two daughters sought refuge in the safe room of their house. Amir’s father, Noam, a retired Major General with 35 years of experience in the Israeli military, received a text from his son and immediately set out to rescue him, despite not knowing the full extent of the situation.
A Minute-for-Minute Account
The documentary provides a minute-for-minute account of that fateful morning, with intense and nightmarish immediacy. The story is told through the perspectives of Amir, Miri, and other members of the Kibbutz, including the security manager’s wife. The film also includes footage streamed live by Hamas fighters during the attack, which adds to the overall sense of urgency and horror.
A Complex and Emotional Story
As the story unfolds, Noam and his wife, Gali, embark on a perilous journey to rescue their family, which takes on a heroic quality. The documentary aims to treat Noam as a father and grandfather who saves his family, while also honoring the memory of Israeli victims and hostages. However, the film struggles to balance its emotions, particularly anger, and doesn’t quite know how to address the frustration and unanswered questions that arise from the events.
A Simplified Understanding
Ultimately, the documentary tries to force the audience to remember the complicated world before and after the events of October 7, 2023, without providing clear answers to the greater questions of war. While the story itself is worth telling, the documentary’s attempt to provide a simplified understanding of the situation falls short. The result is a film that, despite its emotional impact, fails to make a significant statement that doesn’t feel overly simplistic.
