Avi Nesher’s latest film, Our Loves, depicting characters caught in the October 7 massacre, has been selected for the Toronto International Film Festival, marking a significant breach in the international boycott against Israeli cinema. TIFF, North America’s largest and most prestigious film festival, will screen the film in its Centerpiece section, dedicated to internationally recognized works. Industry insiders commended TIFF for spotlighting an Israeli film during what they termed a divisive period.
This selection comes as international entertainment companies FOX Entertainment Studios and Access Entertainment have joined as co-producers. Access Entertainment has previously produced Oscar-winning movies, including The Zone of Interest and Conclave. The film was initially produced by United King Films and SIPUR, an Israel-based international entertainment studio, alongside Artomas Communications and Zoa Films.
Defying Cultural Warfare
The involvement of these major international partners represents a crucial step in overcoming the unofficial but very real international boycott targeting Israeli cinema. This boycott is particularly acute for films that tell an explicitly Israeli story in Hebrew, attempting to silence the Jewish state's narrative. The announcement followed Our Loves receiving 12 nominations for this year’s Ophir Awards, including best picture, director, and screenplay.
Nesher, one of Israeli cinema’s most prominent filmmakers, has directed 21 films, frequently drawing inspiration from real events. His past 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 also directed Image of Victory 5 years ago, which focused on Jews and Egyptians during the War of Independence.
Our Loves follows seven characters whose lives become intertwined. Each character is trapped in a dysfunctional relationship, believing October 6, the day their relationships ended, was the worst day of their lives. The following day, the events of October 7 force them into desperate efforts to survive, revealing previously hidden truths about their pasts and futures.
The October 7 Reality
SIPUR CEO Emilio Schenker stated that Our Loves is "perhaps the most significant opportunity Israel has been given to present the human story of October 7 to the world." He emphasized the film’s "extraordinary power" in breaking through the "infuriating boycott directed against Israeli cinema." Schenker affirmed that the story, belonging to all Israelis from "the most painful and difficult day in the country’s history," will now be presented on one of the world’s most important cinematic stages.
Liron Edery, United King Films’ head of marketing and distribution, expressed satisfaction that the boycott of Israeli cinema is "gradually crumbling." She noted that Israeli films continue to receive platforms at major festivals due to their quality and power. Edery called the selection of Our Loves for the Toronto Film Festival a "significant statement," highlighting its role in telling "the Israeli story and what we experienced on that terrible day." She also underscored the film’s message of "repair, healing, and change, and about the strength to grow even out of the greatest fracture."
Western Support Emerges
The film features leading Israeli actors, including Shalom Michaelshwilli, Magi Azarzar, and Yaniv Biton. Access Entertainment president Danny Cohen, a former director of BBC Television, spoke at the Jerusalem Film Festival last month, where Our Loves was presented as a case study in overcoming the international boycott. Cohen stated his genuine belief that the film "has Academy Award potential," adding that Avi Nesher’s work deserves that platform. He expressed hope that the Israeli Academy would select it as Israel’s submission for Best International Feature.
The involvement of major international entertainment figures, including FOX Entertainment Studios and Access Entertainment, headed by Len Blavatnik and Cohen, is expected to enable the film to reach millions of viewers globally. The producers include Schenker and Gideon Tadmor for SIPUR; Moshe Edery and Leon Edery for United King Films; and Cohen for Access Entertainment. Executive producers include Fernando Szew for FOX Entertainment Studios; Jim Berk and Sheldon Rabinowitz for Moriah Media; and Shari Redstone for SIPUR. This collaboration represents a crucial stand against the cultural isolation imposed on the Jewish state.