Bucharest International Film Festival to show Nadav Lapid's movie 'YES' within the upcoming month.
The Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF) is set to premiere the provocative and politically-charged film, "Yes," during its 21st edition, scheduled for September 19-28. The film, directed by Nadav Lapid and Shai Goldman, will be a highlight of the festival, with the directors attending the premiere and hosting a masterclass on cinematic expression.
Nadav Lapid, known for his fearless and confrontational style, is regarded as one of the most provocative and innovative voices in contemporary cinema. His work critically explores Israeli society and nationalism, often through bold satire and intense engagement with Israel's cultural and political landscape.
"Yes," Lapid and Goldman's latest film, premiered at the Cannes and Jerusalem Film Festivals and is described as a "furious satire of Israeli nationalism and societal decay." The film, set in the aftermath of the Gaza war starting October 7, 2023, follows a jazz musician tasked with composing a new national anthem amid a country grappling with denial, propaganda, and militarism. The film has sparked intense debate and backlash within Israel.
Lapid's filmography is recognized for its fearless, confrontational style, with modern cinema critiques calling it "splenetic" for its vivid critique of Israel and its identity. Some of his other notable films include "Ahed's Knee" and "Synonyms," which will be included in a retrospective dedicated to Lapid's work during the BIFF.
The 21st edition of BIFF will be the only feature film competition organized in Bucharest. The festival will feature a curated selection of international films in national premiere across five sections: feature film competition, short film competition, panorama, Romanian authors, and history & cinema.
The masterclass on cinematic expression hosted by Lapid and Goldman during the festival is open to both industry professionals and the general public with an interest in auteur cinema. Each screening of the retrospective will be followed by Q&A sessions with Lapid and Goldman, providing an opportunity for festival-goers to delve deeper into the themes and ideas presented in the films.
Lapid was honored by the French government with the title Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres for his significant contribution to cinema and intercultural dialogue. With his latest film, "Yes," set to premiere at BIFF, audiences can expect a thought-provoking and challenging exploration of Israeli nationalism and society.
References: 1. Yes (2025 film) 2. Yes (2025 film) at Cannes Film Festival 3. Yes (2025 film) at Jerusalem Film Festival 4. Review of Yes (2025 film) 5. Interview with Nadav Lapid
Entertainment seekers attending the Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF) will have the opportunity to witness the European premiere of the provocative and politically-charged film "Yes," directed by Nadav Lapid, a respected voice in contemporary cinema known for his fearless exploration of Israeli society and nationalism. This masterpiece, which has already caused a stir at the Cannes and Jerusalem Film Festivals, is a furious satire of Israeli nationalism and societal decay, and will be accompanied by a masterclass on cinematic expression by Lapid and co-director Shai Goldman.
