A major achievement for Israeli cinema: Two Israeli films selected for Cannes Film Festival

Despite the complex security situation and challenges facing the local industry, Israeli cinema continues to maintain a strong presence on the international stage. This year, two Israeli films have been selected for screening at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Yes! by acclaimed director Nadav Lapid and Mama by filmmaker Or Sinai.

"Yes!" by Nadav Lapid – A Work Shaped by Current Events

Lapid's latest film Yes! was chosen to participate in the Directors' Fortnight section at Cannes. Set in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, the story follows a struggling jazz musician and his dancer wife, who are given a national mission: to compose a new anthem for the country.

The cast includes performance artist Ariel Bronz, Efrat Dor, Naama Preis (Lapid’s partner), and actor Alexei Serebryakov. According to the film’s synopsis, the main characters find themselves in a morally complex situation where they “sell their soul, art, and bodies to the highest bidder,” offering “pleasure and comfort to a bleeding nation.”

Notably, Lapid completed the original screenplay prior to October 7, but the events led him to make significant changes to the content. This resulted in delays in filming, which eventually took place during the fall, amidst the war. The film is a co-production between Israel, France, Germany, and Cyprus.

From Success to Success

This isn’t Lapid’s first appearance at major festivals. In 2021, he won the Jury Prize at Cannes for Ahed’s Knee, and in 2019, his film Synonyms took home the Golden Bear and the International Critics Prize at the Berlin Film Festival.

Although being accepted into the Directors' Fortnight is a major accomplishment, early speculation suggested that Yes! might compete in the festival’s main competition for the Palme d’Or, as Lapid previously did with Ahed’s Knee.

"Mama" by Or Sinai – A Fulfilled Promise

In parallel, Or Sinai’s film Mama will also be screened at Cannes as part of a special screening. Sinai, who won the Cinéfondation student competition at Cannes in 2016 with her short film Anna, was promised by the festival that her debut feature would be showcased, a promise now fulfilled.

Mama, starring the acclaimed actress Evgenia Dodina, is an expanded version of Anna. Though it took nine years to bring the feature to life, the festival organizers honoured their commitment and invited the film for a screening.

Israeli Cinema on the Global Map

The selection of these two films highlights the continued relevance and excellence of Israeli cinematic work, particularly during challenging times. Their presence at Cannes presents an important opportunity to share Israeli voices and stories with a global audience.