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Israeli Documentaries Reflect Trauma After Hamas Attacks

1/8/2026

40 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Israeli documentary cinema faces a profound challenge after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.
Two films—Holding Liat and Letter to David—explore the trauma of families affected by the hostage crisis.
Holding Liat, directed by Brandon Kramer, follows Yehuda Beinin as he negotiates grief and political critique.
Letter to David, directed by Tom Shoval, centers on the Cunio family, reflecting on past and present without overt commentary.

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Story summary

The Israeli documentary cinema faces a profound challenge after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.
Two films—Holding Liat and Letter to David—explore the trauma of families affected by the hostage crisis.
Holding Liat, directed by Brandon Kramer, follows Yehuda Beinin as he negotiates grief and political critique.
Letter to David, directed by Tom Shoval, centers on the Cunio family, reflecting on past and present without overt commentary.