Summary
The documentary Even the Walls Cry, directed by Oscar-nominee Dror Moreh and produced by Uri Shinar, premiered recently, capturing the harrowing experiences of everyday Israelis during the tragic events of October 7, 2023. Made with the help of 135 volunteers, the film aims to portray the emergence of ordinary individuals as heroes amidst a national crisis, focusing on personal testimonies from victims and first responders.
In the wake of the October 7 attacks, which resulted in significant loss of life and trauma, Moreh and Shinar sought to document the immediate human responses to the tragedy. The film features interviews with four individuals directly impacted by the violence, including a farmer, a survivor of a music festival, an ultra-orthodox musician, and a mother of a kidnapped son. Their stories are woven together to highlight the resilience and bravery displayed in the face of horror. The project began as a series of short films and evolved into a feature-length documentary, emphasizing the raw emotions and experiences of those affected. With its first screening held in Tel Aviv, Even the Walls Cry is set to be showcased at MIPCOM in Cannes, with proceeds from its distribution intended to support the project’s costs.
Themes and Objectives
Human Connection Over Politics Moreh’s intention was to avoid political discourse and instead foster a human connection through the shared experiences of those interviewed. He encourages viewers to reflect on their own potential reactions to such a crisis, emphasizing empathy over division.
Ongoing Trauma The film addresses the continuous trauma faced by the nation, with Moreh noting that the memories of October 7 are now ingrained in the collective consciousness of Israelis, similar to other historical tragedies. This ongoing pain underscores the documentary’s urgency and relevance.
Future Prospects
With its global sales handled by Fremantle, Even the Walls Cry aims to not only document a significant moment in Israeli history but also to contribute to a broader understanding of the human impacts of conflict. Moreh and Shinar hope that by capturing these personal stories, the documentary can foster dialogue and reflection in the years to come.
Oct. 7 / Deadline / Captures the urgency and emotional weight of *Even the Walls Cry*, highlighting the rapid volunteer response and the documentary's unique focus on personal stories rather than political narratives. “ EXCLUSIVE: In the immediate aftermath of October 7 , Oscar-nominee Dror Moreh and producer Uri Shinar started working on a documentary that would show how...
