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
Enjoy two award-winning Israeli documentary films with English subtitles each month, followed by live conversations with the filmmakers.
The carefully selected 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 your questions about their work.
All of the funds earmarked for this project go directly to Israeli documentary filmmakers at this difficult time, when they encounter global cultural boycotts. Our partnership with DocuNation is available exclusively to members of our reader support group, The Times of Israel Community.
We’re collaborating with renowned documentary filmmaker Yonatan Nir, who will host the discussions with the filmmakers.
If you’re already a member of the Times of Israel Community, you can access the DocuNation films here:
Upcoming Films
Bird In The Room
2015 | 65 Minutes | Directed by Ari Davidovich | August 13-20, 2026
Two poets, father and daughter, in a dangerous game of words. This film explores the mysterious life and turbulent artistic legacy of Tirza Atar, daughter of Israel’s iconic national poet, Nathan Alterman. Though she wrote beloved songs, poems, and children’s books, Atar’s short and fragile life was deeply intertwined with her charged relationship with her father. Blending family archives, music, and lyrical reenactments, ‘Bird In The Room’ is a breathtaking journey into the hearts and minds of two giants of Hebrew literature.
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:
Family Matters
2015 | 67 Minutes | Directed by Noa Roth | September 3-10, 2026
The film follows a family divided between the conflicting worlds of the Ultra-Orthodox and the secular. It tells the story of how, 30 years ago, the divorce of a woman who went on to become a renowned Israeli author, and her husband, an esteemed Talmud scholar, shook the religious city of Bnei Brak and dramatically affected the lives of their seven children. The director, the couple’s young daughter, embarks on a journey among the ghosts of her childhood, trying to reunite her fractured family and to start one of her own.
Watch the trailer:
There Is No Other Place
2021 | 72 Minutes | Directed by Anat Tel | September 24 – October 1, 2026
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, the most sacred place in Christendom, is shared by different Christian sects: Orthodox, Catholics, Armenians, Copts, Syrians, and the Ethiopians – all of whom are constantly trying to maintain the ancient, fragile Status Quo.
The guardians of the key to the Church are two Muslim families, both of which claim the right to be the keepers of the important key. Each of them has a credible story, as well as original documents given to them centuries ago. Johnny is an Israeli Police officer who is responsible for keeping the peace in the Church.
Watch the trailer:
Frequently Asked Questions
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- 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, our reader support group, click here. - Do I need to register for DocuNation?
ToI Community members 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 upon request, 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?
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