The Israeli Short Film Competition in Memory of Bnaya Zuckerman 2025

Inspired by the true story of Jackie Mekaiten and Yehuda Keisar. 1985. A disabled singer, and his guitarist, travel the desert in search of gigs, money, and appreciation. Jackie is obsessed with performing, while Yehuda just wants to provide for his family. After a failed gig, Jackie will do whatever it takes to win back the audience - but risks losing his loyal partner. One day, 700 kilometers, three gigs, and barely enough cash. The rising tension puts their partnership to the test.

Within the disciplined and rigid world of the military, it’s easy to forget the individual. While preparing his troops for a military funeral, a seasoned military man finds himself reflecting on his own life and behavior. As he instructs his cadets to conduct themselves with honor, he himself is challenged by the lack of respect.

Sharon, a divorced woman in her 40s, gets an exciting invitation to a rave. It's her free night, but her ex stands her up. Now, if she wants to make it to the party, Sharon has to find someone to watch their child.

Lola, a young woman with a hole in her chest, embarks on a journey through landscapes and characters. She learns healing is within, and must come to terms with her pain, accepting it to move forward.

Michal, the only woman in Israel who owns a garage, is extremely confident with male employees and clients, but cannot seem to summon up her magic when it comes to love and dating.

Aviad, a devout Jewish boy, begins his first full fast of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of atonement. But a mysterious nocturnal incident during the fast shakes his inner world and threatens his identity.

Roni (30) is alone at the maternity ward, several hours after her painful and complicated first childbirth. She looks down at her baby and wants to get away. Janan (25), a nurse intern enters the room. She’s been called to give Roni a shower. A task that appears to be more complex than she expected, a task that none of them wants to complete.

Rami, an evacuee from Sderot, discovers an unexpected paradise when relocated to a luxury hotel in the big city. As his return to reality looms, a simple request to stay a little longer spiral into a battle for identity and belonging shadowed by traumatic memories.

Forty-five-year-old Shlomit lives on an isolated farm in the desert. She is a farmer and a mother, raising her five children like wild grass, while her husband Danny has been away at war for many months. She is handling all frontlines: the fields, the house, and the void. Through simple routines and the daily rhythm of work, Shlomit discovers the strength to keep moving forward, to keep living.