The Sea: A Film by Shay Carmeli-Pollak, Israel's Entry to the Oscars and Winner of 5 Ophir Awards

The film's plot is human and universal - it could have happened anywhere in the world where there is a need for crossing permits, where there are refugees and also political conflicts.

Khaled, a 12-year-old boy from a village near Ramallah, goes to the sea on a class trip, but is not allowed to cross the checkpoint. Disappointed, he sets out on a journey on his own. His father, who works as an unauthorized worker in Israel, leaves everything and goes to look for him, despite the risk of being caught and losing his livelihood.

Director Shay Carmeli-Pollak on his film:

"For me, cinema is a tool to tell stories with universal value, stories that can touch the soul of every person, everywhere and at any time. When I wrote "The Sea", I was not thinking of making a "political" film, but a film about people. A film about the relationship between a father and son, a road movie and a coming-of-age story, made in the tradition of humanistic-social cinema, like "Bicycle Thieves" by Vittorio De Sica, or the films of Jafar Panahi, the wonderful Iranian director.

When the film won the Ophir Award for Best Film, beyond the joy of the recognition of our cinematic work, there was also a feeling of hope - within the violent and cruel reality of these days, this film touches and moves viewers to tears. Perhaps because it presents things that we are so lacking today - compassion and love for human beings as they are. Things that "The Sea" offers in abundance, from the bottom of the heart."

In his thank you speech at the Ophir Awards ceremony, Shay Carmeli-Pollak said: "I am grateful for the hope that lies in this choice. For the hope that there will be something different here, the filmmakers are the heart and soul of this place and it is so important that we continue this work."

About the lead actors:

Mohammad Gazawi: Winner of the Ophir Award for Best Actor, for his role in this film, and he is just a young boy. Born in Qalansawe, discovered in a Thai boxing club, this is his first acting role. Since then, he has filmed two short films. At the moving Ophir Awards ceremony, Mohammad Gazawi said when presenting the Cinematography Award: "I wish all the children of the world everywhere to have an opportunity, to feel equal and above all to live and dream without wars."

Khalifa Natour: Winner of the Ophir Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role. Born in Qalansawe, a graduate of the Beit Zvi School of Acting. Upon graduation and following his acquaintance with the director Ofira Henig, he was invited to the Habima Theater where he played for several seasons in the plays "Patzfunat and Anton", "Battle of Blacks and Dogs" directed by Roni Pinkovich and "Honeymoon and Terror" written and directed by Pinkovich. Micha Shitrit wrote the music for this play and Khalifa was the first to sing the song "Because of You", which was later popularized by Arik Einstein. He later participated in the original version of "The Child Dreams" by Hanoch Levin and directed by him. He played at the Haifa Theater and in the bilingual production at the Khan Theater of "Romeo and Juliet", in the role of Romeo, a production that appeared in prominent festivals. The collaboration with director Oprah Henig resulted in a number of plays, including the solo play "In Spit Range", for which he won the main prize at the Teatronetto Festival. He traveled the world for two years with this play and was even invited by the renowned director Peter Brook to workshops and participated in several of his productions. He won the Israeli Theater Award for his role in the play "Sea Spirit" at the Haifa Theater. Today he participates in the play "Apeirogon" at the Jaffa Theater and performs a lot abroad. In cinema, he has appeared in a number of films: "The Syrian Bride" by Eran Riklis, in a number of films by Palestinian creators and in several French films. In addition, he appeared in Eran Kolirin's films "Let There Be Morning" and in the iconic film, "The Band's Visit".

93 minutes, Arabic and Hebrew, subtitles in Hebrew and English

Distribution: Nachshon Films

Screening at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque and throughout the country.

Watch the trailer:

(Photo: Courtesy of Nachshon Films)