IIJS’s Israeli Film@Home Series opened this semester with Torn, a new documentary by Nim Shapira. The filmmaker was joined for a virtual panel discussion by film participants Alana Zeitchik and Julia Simon, whose family members are hostages; Nitzan Mintz and Dede Bandaid, creators of the Kidnapped poster; and activist Elisha Fine. IIJS Film Programmer Stuart Weinstock moderated the discussion.

Torn, a new documentary by Israeli-born, New York-based filmmaker Nim Shapira, delves into the controversy surrounding the “Kidnapped from Israel” poster campaign, a grassroots effort to raise awareness about the 240 hostages taken by Hamas. With empathy and thoughtfulness, Torn explores the motivations of those who put up and tear down the posters in and around New York City, unraveling the complexities of this intense proxy battle, fought thousands of miles from the actual conflict.

Watch the trailer and find upcoming screenings on the documentary's website, linked here.

The panel discussion is available to view in full below.

This event was made possible by the generosity of the Radov and Kaye families.

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