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Shai Carmeli-Pollak , IL 2025
Feature film | 93 min. | Hebr./Arab. OV w. Engl. ST
Buch Shai Carmli-Pollak Kamera Shai Goldman Schnitt Yosef Grunfeld Sound Nati Zeidenstadt, Ravid Dvir Musik Avi Belleli Produktion Baher Agbaria Mit Khalifa Natour, Mohamad Ghazawi, Marlen Bajali, Hilla Surjon, u.a.
Khaled is twelve and lives in a village in the West Bank. He has never seen the sea and is excited about his first school trip there – until he is the only one turned back at the checkpoint. Determined to visit the sea, he sets off alone, despite all the dangers.
The film sparked controversy after receiving numerous prizes at the Israeli Academy Awards –Likud Culture Minister Miki Zohar threatened to withdraw the funding for the Ophir Awards in 2026.
Opening address by & conversation with Shai Carmeli-Pollak
Jerusalem Film Festival 2025: Best Feature, Best Ensemble, Best Original Score
Ophir Awards 2025: Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Score
INSIGHTS
© Robert Newald
David Bacher / HAARETZ
Shai Carmeli-Pollak is a multi-award-winning Israeli filmmaker. His work explores issues of human rights, memory and identity. His films have been screened at international festivals and have won numerous awards.
His latest feature film, The Sea (IL 2025), won five Ophir Awards and three prizes at the Jerusalem Film Festival.
About the Director
Catering & Goodies
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