Archive · 17 Sep 2025
Israeli Culture Minister to Defund Awards After Palestinian Film Wins
An Israeli film called 'The Sea', about a Palestinian boy, won Israel's top film prize and will represent Israel at the Oscars.
But the Culture Minister, Miki Zohar, is angry because he doesn't like how the film shows Israeli soldiers.
He says he's going to stop giving money to the awards ceremony.
The film industry is currently dealing with boycotts and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, creating additional tension around the film's selection.
The movie shows a Palestinian boy who wants to see the sea, representing a common dream and the struggles of living under occupation.
Culture Minister Miki Zohar plans to defund the Ophir Awards.
'The Sea,' depicting a Palestinian boy, won the Ophir Award.
The film will represent Israel at the Oscars.
Zohar criticized the film's portrayal of Israeli soldiers.
The decision follows the film industry grappling with boycotts.
- Who
- Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar and filmmaker Shai Carmeli-Pollak.
- What
- Culture Minister Zohar plans to pull funding for the Ophir Awards after the film 'The Sea' won Best Film and was selected as Israel's Oscar entry.
- When
- The Ophir Awards ceremony took place recently.
- Where
- Tel Aviv
- Why
- Zohar disagreed with the film's negative portrayal of Israeli soldiers and the government's policies.
Those Against the Decision
Those in Favor of the Decision
Funding the Ophir Awards
Those Against the Decision
The defunding is censorship of artistic expression.
Those in Favor of the Decision
The film negatively portrays Israeli soldiers; taxpayers should not fund this.
Film's Representation of Israel
Those Against the Decision
The film reflects the realities of the Palestinian experience.
Those in Favor of the Decision
The film is embarrassing to Israeli citizens because it paints Israeli soldiers in a negative light.
- Film Title
- The Sea
- Director
- Shai Carmeli-Pollak
- Oscar Category
- Best International Feature
- Country
- Israel
- Ophir Awards
- Israel's top film prize
- Culture Minister
- Miki Zohar
Sources
Oscars: Israel Selects ‘The Sea’ As Candidate For 2026 Best International Feature Film Race
‘The Sea’ Wins Best Film In Somber Israeli Ophir Awards Dominated By Gaza
Israel’s Oscar entry ‘The Sea’ ironically highlights Palestinian boy’s struggle amid war