Avi Nesher's Our Loves, a film depicting characters caught in the October 7 massacre, will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival in TIFF's prestigious Centerpiece section, marking a significant breakthrough against what industry insiders describe as an unofficial but real international boycott of Israeli cinema. The announcement comes as international entertainment companies FOX Entertainment Studios and Access Entertainment signed on as co-producers, with Access having produced Oscar-winning films including The Zone of Interest and Conclave.
The film's selection for one of North America's largest and most prestigious festivals represents what SIPUR CEO Emilio Schenker called "perhaps the most significant opportunity Israel has been given to present the human story of October 7 to the world." Industry insiders praised TIFF for choosing to spotlight an Israeli film in such a divisive time. The addition of major international partners marks what producers describe as a crucial step in breaking through barriers facing Israeli cinema, particularly for films telling explicitly Israeli stories in Hebrew.
Breaking Through the Walls
The film was originally produced by United King Films and SIPUR, an Israel-based international entertainment studio, along with Artomas Communications and Zoa Films. The involvement of FOX Entertainment Studios and Access Entertainment, headed by Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen, is expected to give the film an opportunity to reach millions of viewers worldwide. Cohen, a former director of BBC Television, spoke at a panel during the Jerusalem Film Festival last month where Our Loves was presented as a case study in overcoming the international boycott of Israeli film.
Schenker added that "the film's extraordinary power has succeeded in breaking through the walls of the infuriating boycott directed against Israeli cinema." He said the story from "the most painful and difficult day in the country's history" will now be presented on one of the world's most important and respected cinematic stages. Liron Edery, United King Films' head of marketing and distribution, said the producers are pleased to see that "the boycott of Israeli cinema is gradually crumbling and that Israeli films continue to receive a platform at the world's most important festivals because of their quality and power."
The Film's Narrative
Our Loves follows seven characters whose lives become intertwined. Each is trapped in a dysfunctional relationship, and they all share one thing: their absolute belief that October 6, the day their relationships ended, was the worst day of their lives. The following day, as the events of October 7 force them into desperate efforts to survive, previously hidden truths and insights about their pasts and futures begin to emerge. The film stars leading Israeli actors including Shalom Michaelshwilli, Magi Azarzar, Yaniv Biton, Noa Cohen, Hadas Yaron, Evelin Hagoel, Lena Fraifeld, and others.
Nesher, whose 21st film this is, stands as one of the most popular and prominent filmmakers in Israeli cinema. His previous works include The Troupe from 48 years ago, Turn Left at the End of the World from 22 years ago, and The Matchmaker from 16 years ago. He's frequently drawn inspiration from real events, as he did in Image of Victory from 5 years ago, a movie about Jews and Egyptians during the War of Independence.
Awards Prospects and International Recognition
The announcement came shortly after this year's Ophir Awards nominations were announced, with Our Loves receiving 12 nominations, including best picture, director, screenplay, cinematography, editing, and original music. Access Entertainment president Danny Cohen addressed the film's potential at the Jerusalem panel, saying, "I genuinely believe it has Academy Award potential. I've worked on a number of Oscar campaigns. I think Avi's work deserves that platform. And I hope the Israeli Academy selects this film as Israel's submission for Best International Feature."
Edery said the selection for Toronto "is a significant statement. This is a film that tells the Israeli story and what we experienced on that terrible day. But no less importantly, it is a film about the possibility of repair, healing, and change, and about the strength to grow even out of the greatest fracture." She added that the producers were convinced the film will touch international audiences, saying, "Ultimately, good cinema succeeds in crossing borders, languages, and prejudices, and we believe that this is exactly what Our Loves will do."
The producers include Schenker and Gideon Tadmor for SIPUR; Moshe Edery and Leon Edery for United King Films; and Cohen for Access Entertainment. The executive producers include Fernando Szew for FOX Entertainment Studios; Jim Berk and Sheldon Rabinowitz for Moriah Media; and Shari Redstone for SIPUR.
Why This Matters:
The international film industry's treatment of Israeli cinema reveals the broader challenge Israel faces in telling its story to global audiences. The fact that a film about the October 7 massacre required major international co-producers to break through what industry professionals openly describe as a boycott speaks to the diplomatic and cultural isolation Israel confronts. The success of Our Loves in securing a Toronto platform doesn't just represent one film's achievement — it demonstrates that quality storytelling about Israeli experiences can overcome institutional resistance when backed by credible international partners. The film's focus on human stories of survival and healing, rather than political messaging, may prove the most effective way to present Israel's narrative to audiences conditioned by years of one-sided coverage. Whether the film reaches the Academy Award stage Cohen envisions will test whether the international entertainment establishment is willing to recognize Israeli perspectives on the conflict's most traumatic recent event.