Sidestepping boycotts, Avi Nesher’s Oct. 7 film gets a little closer to the Oscars

Director Avi Nesher's new film, “Our Loves,” aims to portray Israel's experience of the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion and address global cultural boycotts against Israeli filmmakers. The film, which opens in Israeli theaters on September 3, is a contender for the Ophir Award, potentially making it Israel’s nominee for the Academy Awards.

“I think the quality of Israeli movies will win out; this country has so many talented actors, directors and filmmakers,”

Nesher stated at a Jerusalem Film Festival panel. Producers secured backing from Fox and Access Entertainment despite difficulties in foreign funding. Danny Cohen, president of Access Entertainment, believes the film has a strong chance at the Oscars, stating, “I’ve been involved with several Oscar-winning films, and I believe Avi’s work deserves to be on that stage.” The film follows fictional characters whose stories intertwine during the attack, aiming to humanize the Israeli experience for a global audience.