Beyond the headlines, beyond the conflict and noise, there’s another Israel. A place of storytellers and musicians, of dreamers, makers, and communities rooted in meaning and trust. Each film in this series opens a door to a different world: textured, intimate, deeply human. These are real stories — tender, layered, and full of life. We hope they bring you a fresh perspective on Israel — and a quiet kind of joy.
About DocuNation
Our partnership with DocuNation allows the Times of Israel Community to enjoy two award-winning Israeli documentary films (with English subtitles) each month, alongside live conversations with the filmmakers, as part of a time-limited screening program.
These award-winning films illuminate fascinating aspects of contemporary and historical Israel. After each screening, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the creative process and the films’ subjects directly from the filmmakers and ask them questions.
We’re collaborating with renowned documentary filmmaker Yonatan Nir, who will host the discussions with the filmmakers.
Current Film
Live or Die in Entebbe
2012 | 52 Minutes | Directed by Eyal Boers | July 2-9, 2026
This moving documentary recounts the 1976 terrorist hijacking of an Air France flight and Israel’s military rescue raid, as told by Jonathan Khayat, the nephew of one of the hostages who did not survive. The film chronicles the events that unfolded, day-by-day, and uncovers some little-known and shocking back stories while shedding light on the four passengers who did not survive Israel’s rescue. A sensitive and riveting look at those for whom Israel’s most heroic moment was their family’s greatest tragedy.
Watch the trailer:
Click here to watch ‘Live or Die in Entebbe’ starting July 2:
Then, on July 5 at 8pm Israel/1pm ET, join our live webinar and Q&A featuring director Eyal Boers:
Upcoming Films:
1341 Frames of Love and War
2022 | 89 Minutes | Directed by Ran Tal | July 16-23, 2026
“The most horrible things are sometimes aesthetic,” says Israel’s most celebrated war photographer Micha Bar-Am, who for decades was the country’s photo correspondent for The New York Times.
For a year and a half, he and his archivist wife Orna allowed director Ran Tal (The Museum, SFJFF 2018) to enter their vast archive. As they mine this extraordinary trove of over 500,000 photos, the film seamlessly intertwines an historical narrative of a country with Bar-Am’s personal reflections on the psychological and personal toll of bearing witness to multiple wars. While the protagonist is generally quite forthcoming—frequently interrupted, corrected, or scolded by his wife—there are certain subjects which Bar-Am flatly refuses to discuss.
Watch the trailer:
Strange Birds
2024 | 65 Minutes | Directed by Shakked Auerbach | July 30 – August 6, 2026
A phone call wakes me up early in the morning. My older brother got into trouble. Again. After another entanglement, I realize that I can no longer ignore the problems that follow him around, and which seem to be taking over my life. I use the camera to get answers from my family and a wall of silence melts away. Through a mix of amusing, intense, and eye-opening encounters, I begin to understand how relations in my family, especially with my mother, were influenced by an unspoken expression – Autism. Strange Birds is an intimate film that reveals an unspoken story about special parenting, autistic parenting, and the children who grow up in its shadow.
Watch the trailer:
Kosher Beach
2019 | 62 Minutes | Directed by Karin Kainer | August 27 – September 9, 2026
The beautiful coastline of Tel Aviv draws devoted beachgoers eager to find peace and relaxation in the Mediterranean. Among these, are residents of Bnei Brak, a closed orthodox suburb who frequent a gender-segregated stretch of seaside closed off to the neighboring gay beaches by a modesty fence. Kainer’s insightful and often humorous film explores the importance of this kosher beach, even defying the wishes of rabbis fearful of the beach’s “immorality.”
Watch the trailer:
Frequently Asked Questions
-
-
-
-
- Does the series cost money?
Nope, the series is included in your ToI Community membership – there is no additional cost. - Do I need to register for DocuNation?
As a ToI Community member, you will be sent an email before each session — screenings and online Q&As — with a link and the date/time information. - How long is each film?
Each film is between 50 and 90 minutes. Each live discussion will be around an hour. - Can I access previous films and discussions?
You can only watch the films during the 7-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. - Where can I send any questions for DocuNation?
We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Just email us. - If I have a technical issue related to DocuNation, who do I speak to?
Please email DocuNation tech support.
- Does the series cost money?
-
-
-
