Film by Nadav Lapid, titled "YES," set for screening at Bucharest International Film Festival in the coming month.
In the world of contemporary cinema, Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid stands out as a provocative and innovative voice. Known for his politically charged films that offer a critical perspective on Israeli society and nationalism, Lapid's work has gained widespread international recognition.
Lapid's latest offering, "Yes", a fiercely provocative satire, is set to premiere during the 21st edition of BIFF, scheduled for September 19-28. This film, which critiques Israeli nationalism and societal decay, follows a jazz musician who is unexpectedly commissioned to write a new national anthem, leading to a surreal exploration of denial, propaganda, and militarism in Israel.
The premiere of "Yes" will be a significant event at BIFF, as the film has already sparked intense debate and faced backlash in Israel[1][2][5]. Lapid, along with his co-director Shai Goldman, will attend the premiere. Each screening of the retrospective will be followed by Q&A sessions with Lapid and Goldman, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with the filmmakers.
The retrospective will also include Lapid's acclaimed films "Ahed's Knee" and "Synonyms". "Ahed's Knee", which won the Jury Prize at Cannes, centers on Y, an Israeli filmmaker visiting a remote village to present a film while coping with news about his mother’s illness. "Synonyms", which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, is a personal exploration of identity inspired by Lapid's own experience as an emigrant in Paris.
The 2025 BIFF will present a diverse range of films from various sections. The selection will be divided into five sections: feature film competition, short film competition, panorama, Romanian authors, and history & cinema. The festival will also feature a curated selection of international films across these sections, including national premieres.
Lapid's contribution to cinema and intercultural dialogue was recognized by the French government, who honoured him with the title Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2022[3]. This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature, and Lapid's work has undoubtedly made a mark in both fields.
Further details about the 2025 BIFF can be found online. For those interested in exploring Lapid's provocative and thought-provoking filmography, this is an event not to be missed.
- https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-10-07/nadav-lapids-yes-divides-israeli-audiences-with-its-biting-satire-of-nationalism/
- https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/oct/07/yes-nadav-lapid-israeli-film-nationalism-militarism
- https://www.france24.com/en/france/20221013-israeli-filmmaker-nadav-lapid-honoured-by-french-government-with-chevalier-des-arts-et-des-lettres
- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3591618/awards/
- https://www.thejewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/nadav-lapid-yes-divides-israeli-audiences-with-its-biting-satire-of-nationalism/
The film "Yes" by Nadav Lapid, a fiercely provocative satire that has sparked intense debate and faced backlash in Israel, will premiere at the 2025 BIFF, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with Lapid and his co-director Shai Goldman during Q&A sessions. This film, set to premiere at the festival, is part of a retrospective that will also include Lapid's acclaimed films "Ahed's Knee" and "Synonyms," both of which have gained significant international recognition for their critical perspectives on Israeli society and nationalism.
