Next month, the film "YES" by Nadav Lapid will be shown at the Bucharest International Film Festival.
Nadav Lapid, an Israeli filmmaker renowned for his provocative and artistically daring films, is set to attend the 21st edition of the Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF) with his latest work, "YES".
Lapid, who is regarded as one of the most provocative and innovative voices in contemporary cinema, has made a name for himself with films that critically examine Israeli society and identity. His work is marked by a fearless engagement with complex national and cultural issues, often eliciting strong reactions both domestically and internationally.
"YES", directed by Lapid and Shai Goldman, will be part of the feature film competition at BIFF. The film, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, is expected to spark intense debate, much like Lapid's other works.
The film tells a surreal, satirical story of a jazz musician commissioned to write a new national anthem in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 events. It explores themes of denial, propaganda, and militarism within Israel, making it a powerful commentary on Israeli nationalism and societal decay.
Lapid and Goldman will attend the BIFF premiere and host a masterclass on cinematic expression during the festival. The masterclass is open to both industry professionals and the general public, offering a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most influential filmmakers of our time.
The BIFF premiere of "YES" will be followed by Q&A sessions with Lapid and Goldman, allowing audiences to delve deeper into the film's themes and the filmmakers' creative process.
In addition to "YES", the retrospective dedicated to Lapid's work will include screenings of his acclaimed films "Ahed's Knee" and "Synonyms". Each screening will be followed by Q&A sessions, providing a comprehensive overview of Lapid's career and his unique approach to filmmaking.
"Ahed's Knee", winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes, is a thought-provoking narrative that follows a celebrated Israeli filmmaker visiting a remote desert village while grappling with personal grief. "Synonyms", which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, further established Lapid’s international reputation for challenging narratives on identity and belonging.
The 2025 edition of BIFF will present a curated selection of international films in national premiere. The selection will be divided into five sections: feature film competition, short film competition, panorama, Romanian authors, and history & cinema.
BIFF remains the only feature film competition organized in Bucharest, making it a significant event in the Romanian film industry. The festival is scheduled for September 19-28, promising a week filled with thought-provoking cinema and insightful discussions.
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/may/22/nadav-lapid-aheds-knee-cannes-film-festival-review [2] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/yes-review-nadav-lapid-cannes-1235155985/ [3] https://www.indiewire.com/2023/05/synonyms-berlin-review-nadav-lapid-1202222782/ [4] https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4150486/awards [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadav_Lapid
Entertainment and movies-and-tv collide as Nadav Lapid's latest film, "YES," is set to compete in the feature film competition at the Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF), sparking intense debates due to its thought-provoking themes and fearless examination of Israeli society.
In conjunction with the premiere of "YES," Lapid will host a masterclass on cinematic expression, offering an opportunity for attendees to learn from one of the most provocative and innovative voices in contemporary cinema.
