Full Breakdown
Tom Giat’s “One Eye Open” Wins 2026 Weil-Bloch Film Award
5/26/2026, 12:46:33 PM
Award
The NFCT and the Weil-Bloch Foundation awarded the 2026 Weil-Bloch Film Award, a $50,000 Best Film prize, to documentary *One Eye Open*. Directed by Tom Giat and produced by Ohad Milstein, it will premiere in the main Israeli competition at Docaviv 2026 (May 28–June 6).
Purpose
Founded in 2020, the Weil-Bloch Film Award supports Israeli films that explore society, immigration, racism or artistic courage. Each year three projects receive a $50,000 Best Film prize, a $40,000 Jury Prize and a $15,000 Special Mention. Prior winners include Ari Folman, Orit Fouks Rotem, Zohar Wagner and Maya Kenig, among others.
Participants
Tom Giat (born 1998), a 2025 Bezalel Academy screen-based arts graduate, recorded over 400 days of reserve duty in Operation Swords of Iron, material that underpins the documentary. Producer Ohad Milstein led the project. NFCT CEO Orel Turner heads the fund that finances Israeli cinema; it received support from the Kadar Foundation, Mifal HaPayis and the Weil-Bloch Foundation.
Statements
NFCT’s chief executive highlighted the fund’s commitment to Israeli films that combine artistic excellence with social impact, noting the award’s focus on conflict narratives and its aim to reach audiences beyond Israel. The Weil-Bloch Foundation’s representative affirmed its dedication to supporting independent Israeli filmmakers.
Quotes
- “In an impressive cinematic language and with rare emotional precision, Tom Giat’s debut film follows the cracks that open up in his inner world as a reserve soldier, against the backdrop of the war that is shaking the country.” — Prize Committee
- “The fund, over its decades of activity, supports Israeli films that constitute high art, but also serve as a tool for social change.” — Orel Turner, CEO, NFCT
- “For six years, the Weil-Bloch prizes have been encouraging films that deal with conflicts in Israel’s shared society, a subject that never stops being relevant. Tom Giat’s film does this in a precise and uncompromising voice.” — Orel Turner, CEO, NFCT
- “I am sure the prize will continue to be awarded for years to come. Precisely in this complex period, the foundation feels committed to continuing to support independent Israeli filmmakers.” — James Velaise, Representative, Weil-Bloch Foundation
Impact
*One Eye Open* offers a personal view of the October 7 conflict, documenting reservists’ psychological strain. The award highlights documentary cinema’s capacity to foster tolerance, empathy and discussion of Israel’s societal challenges.
Future
The film will open Docaviv 2026. NFCT and the Weil-Bloch Foundation pledged continued support for Israeli documentary projects, emphasizing the aim of reaching audiences beyond Israel’s borders.
Gaps
The source material presents a consistent description of the award, the film’s content, and statements from NFCT and the Weil-Bloch Foundation; no contradictory information or gaps were identified.
