At a time when Israeli artists and creatives find it increasingly difficult to share their work around the world, The Times of Israel Community is here to celebrate and support them. We’re excited to announce a carefully curated new series of outstanding Israeli documentary films for you to stream online from the comfort of your home.
In Docu Nation, you can watch eight award-winning Israeli documentary films – and meet their creators in exclusive, live online discussions. The films illuminate fascinating aspects of contemporary and historical Israel. After each screening, you’ll get the opportunity to learn about the creative process and the films’ subjects directly from the filmmakers. Register here as a ToI Community member:
Docu Nation is available exclusively to you, the Times of Israel Community. All of the funds earmarked for this project go directly to Israeli documentary filmmakers. For this series, we’re partnering with renowned documentary filmmaker Yonatan Nir, who will host the discussions with the filmmakers and also share two of his own films.
His “My Hero Brother,” part of our Docu Nation series, was the first and only film to win both Best Documentary Award and Audience Choice Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
His latest film “Picture of His Life,” also part of our series, was executive produced by Nancy Spielberg. It won the Audience Award at the San Francisco International JF Festival and the United Nations Association Film Festival.
Nir is a TEDx speaker and an internationally leading expert in Docutherapy.
How it works:
Each film — with English subtitles — will be available to watch for five days over a weekend. On that Sunday, you can join our live webinar, conducted in English, with the filmmaker. We will send out a reminder for each event.
We begin on March 28, 2024 and present a film approximately once every two weeks, so the entire series will run until the end of June 2024.
Have a question about the series? Email us.
Have a technical issue? Email Docu Nation tech support.
Past films (no longer available to stream):
My Hero Brother – Yonatan Nir
78 min | 2016
A group of remarkable young people with Down Syndrome embark on a demanding trek through the Indian Himalayas, accompanied by their brothers and sisters. Watch the trailer.
Life in Stills – Tamar Tal Anati
58 min | 2011
At the age of 96, Miriam Weissenstein never imagined that she would be facing a new chapter in her life. But when their store “The Photo House” – her late husband Rudi’s life’s work – was destined for demolition, even this opinionated and uncompromising woman knew she needed help. Watch the trailer.
Picture of His Life – Yonatan Nir & Dani Menkin
72 min | 2019
Produced by Nancy Spielberg, Ori Eisen and Andy Byatt, this film is an extraordinary yet intimate account of the life and work of legendary wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum. Watch the trailer.
The Flat – Arnon Goldfinger
98 min | 2011
Film launch: May 2nd, 2024
Live discussion: May 5th, 2024, Holocaust Remembrance Day
As a documentarian cleans out the flat that belonged to his grandparents–both immigrants from Nazi Germany–he uncovers clues pointing to a complicated, shocking story. Watch the trailer.
Probation Time – Avigail Sperber
90 min | 2014
Film launch: May 16th, 2024
Live discussion: May 19th, 2024
Ariella forces her family to contend with problems of all sorts: alcoholism, petty thefts, and prison. Can she accept the love and concern that surrounds her? Watch the trailer.
High Maintenance- Barak Heymann
66 min | 2020
Film launch: May 30th, 2024
Live discussion: June 2, 2024
As he approaches 90, internationally acclaimed sculptor Dani Karavan embarks on an emotional, political journey. En route, the complex and fascinating character of one of the greatest artists of our time is revealed. Watch the trailer.
Children of the Sun – Ran Tal
70 min | 2007
Film launch: June 13th, 2024
Live discussion: June 16th, 2024
Children of the first kibbutzim in Israel were born in the early 20th century to youthful parents, full of hope. They have been called “Children of the Sun”, because they considered them children of the “Sun of Nations” Revolution in Israel. Watch the trailer.
A Heartbeat Away – Tal Barda & Noam Pinchas
55 min | 2015
Film launch: June 27th, 2024
Live discussion: June 30th, 2024
A pediatric cardiologist travels to Africa to save children and falls in love with a Tanzanian boy with a rare heart defect that is most probably, impossible to cure. Watch the trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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- When does Docu Nation start?
The first film launch is scheduled for March 28th and the first live interview is scheduled for March 31st. - Does the series cost money?
Nope, the series is included in your ToI Community membership – there is no additional cost. If you still need to sign up for the ToI Community, click here. - How do I register for Docu Nation?
If you’re a ToI Community member, you can sign in and register here. You will be sent an email before each session with a link and date/time information. - How long is each film?
Each film is between 50 and 90 minutes. Each live discussion will be around an hour. - If I sign up for the ToI Community after March 31, can I access previous films and discussions?
You can only watch the films during the 5-day period scheduled for each. We do, however, record every webinar discussion with the filmmakers, which you can watch at your convenience, even if you sign up after the series starts.
- When does Docu Nation start?
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