DocuText returns to Jerusalem with documentaries on October 7, Israeli culture, and Jewish identity

The National Library of Israel's DocuText festival returns to Jerusalem from August 16-20 for its 11th year, featuring documentaries that utilize archival material. The festival, themed "Uncertainty," will include dozens of screenings, Israeli premieres, filmmaker meetings, workshops, and special exhibits. Highlights include the premiere of Ran Tal's "The Sixteenth Sheep: The Reunion," about the return of a beloved Israeli music project, and Tomer Heymann's "Aviv," followed by a live performance by Aviv Geffen.

• Several events focus on writers and their archives, such as Adi Arbel's "Things Were Like That" on Meir Shalev and "Life as a Rumor" about Assi Dayan, both accompanied by archival displays.
• English-language films include Gaylen Ross's "Sapiro v. Ford: The Jew Who Sued Henry Ford," about Aaron Sapiro's libel suit against Henry Ford, and Haley Geffen's "Safe Room," which recounts a doctor and his wife sheltering families on October 7.
• Other notable documentaries explore the history of Grossinger's resort, the battle over narratives concerning Israel and Gaza since October 7 in "The Campaign," and "Shalom," which examines the impact of war through the story of a rhinoceros in Jerusalem.