Funding for Ophir, Israel'swire transfer system similar to Caesar, has been halted due to a movie perceived as pro-Palestinian.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Israeli film 'Hayam' has found itself at the centre of a heated debate, with Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar accusing the film of portraying Israeli soldiers in a defamatory and lying manner. This comes after the film won five Ophir Awards, including Best Actor for Mohammad Ghazaoui, the youngest recipient of this prize.
The film, directed by Shai Carmeli Pollak, is a narrative drama that tells the story of a 12-year-old Palestinian boy living in occupied Cisjordania who desires to see the sea in Tel Aviv. 'Hayam' automatically became Israel's candidate for the 2026 Oscar for Best Foreign Film due to its win at the Ophir Awards.
Zohar, a member of Likud, the ruling right-wing party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been vocal about his disapproval of the film. He described the Ophir Awards 2025 as shameful for awarding 'Hayam' the Best Film prize and announced the freezing of funding for the Ophir Awards ceremony in 2026. The Israeli government has not funded any Ophir Awards ceremony since the awarding of 'Hayam' in 2025.
The Israeli Academy of Film and Television, however, reaffirmed its commitment to cinematic excellence, artistic freedom, and freedom of expression. This stance was echoed by several filmmakers who arrived dressed in black and called for an end to the war in Gaza at the Ophir Awards ceremony in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land,' co-directed by Palestinian Basel Adra and Israeli Yuval Abraham, explores the Israeli occupation in Cisjordania through the eyes of residents of a Palestinian village. Despite its critical portrayal of the Israeli occupation, 'No Other Land' did not receive funding from the Israeli government.
Zohar had previously described the Oscar win for 'No Other Land' as a 'sad moment for the world of cinema.' His decision to stop funding the Ophir Awards ceremony with Israeli citizens' money due to the awarding of 'Hayam' has been met with criticism from Israeli film professionals, who perceive it as an attempt to silence dissenting voices and muzzle freedom of expression.
As the debate continues, the future of the Ophir Awards and the role of art in reflecting and challenging societal issues remains a topic of intense discussion in Israel.
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