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Opening Night: Tantura Dir. Alon Schwarz (Documentary, Israel, 2022, 94 min) New York City Premiere Tantura, Sundance’s opening night film, documents the war that broke out when the State of Israel was established in 1948. To Israelis, this is known as the War of Independence; to Palestinians, it is “Al Nakba” (the Catastrophe). In the late 1990s, graduate student Teddy Katz conducted research into a large-scale massacre that had allegedly occurred in the village of Tantura in 1948. His work later came under attack and his reputation was ruined, but 140 hours of audio testimonies remain. Director Alon Schwarz revisits these records to re-examine what happened in Tantura and explore why discussion of the Nakba is taboo in Israeli society. Interviews with former Israeli soldiers as well as Palestinian residents expose how power, silencing, and protected narratives sculpt history. For more festival information, film schedule, and updates check out our website at Stay up-to-date on the latest festival news and events with our newsletter: Follow us on social media Facebook: Twitter: #OtherIsrael The Other Israel Film Festival, founded in 2007, presents high-quality cinema that inspires conversation and takes an in-depth look into Israeli and Palestinian societies and underrepresented populations in Israel. The festival explores human stories and social issues for Israel and its neighbors. Other Israel presents dramatic and documentary films, as well as panels and events about history, culture, and identity. With partner organizations, the festival aims to engage the community, deepen its views, challenge its perspectives, and drive it to action.
