Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Israeli Film 'The Sea' on Palestinian Boy's Journey Selected for Oscars Amidst Controversy
Imagine a movie about a young boy named Khaled who lives in the West Bank and dreams of seeing the ocean, but he's never been able to.
He goes on a secret and dangerous trip by himself to try and reach the sea in Israel.
This movie, called 'The Sea,' was made by an Israeli director and won a big award in Israel, which means it's Israel's chance to get an Oscar for best foreign film.
The director hopes his movie will help people feel more understanding and kind towards each other, even with all the fighting.
However, some leaders in the Israeli government don't like how the movie shows the Israeli army and have even stopped giving money to the award show because of it.
Despite this, the filmmaker is proud that his movie is sharing a story that he believes represents people who want peace and to live together.
Israel's entry for the 2026 Oscars, 'The Sea', focuses on a Palestinian boy's solo journey to experience the sea.
Director Shai Carmeli-Pollak hopes the film will generate compassion and understanding amidst ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The movie won Best Picture at the Ophir awards, Israel's primary film prize, securing its submission for the Oscars.
Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar criticized the film, leading to the withdrawal of funding from the awards ceremony.
The film's release occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including the 2023 Hamas attacks and the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Who
- Director and writer Shai Carmeli-Pollak, producer Baher Agbaria, and the film 'The Sea'; Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar.
- What
- The film 'The Sea', about a Palestinian boy's journey to see the sea, has been chosen as Israel's entry for the 2026 Oscars, sparking controversy and criticism from the Israeli government.
- When
- The film won the Ophir awards in September; it was released in Israeli cinemas in July; the Oscars decision will be made in March.
- Where
- The film is set in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Israel, depicting a Palestinian boy's journey.
- Why
- The film aims to foster compassion and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians amidst ongoing conflict, but its portrayal of the Israeli military has drawn opposition from the Israeli government.
Supporters of the Film
Critics of the Film
Artistic Merit and Message
Supporters of the Film
The film offers a vital perspective on the Palestinian experience, aiming to foster compassion, love, and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians during a time of intense conflict.
Critics of the Film
The film's portrayal of the Israeli military is criticized, leading to government opposition and the withdrawal of funding from the award ceremony where it was honored.
Representation of Israeli Cinema
Supporters of the Film
The director and producer see the film as representing Israelis and Palestinians who aspire for peace, equality, and a different way of coexistence than currently pursued by the government.
Critics of the Film
The Israeli government, particularly the Culture Minister, views the film's content negatively due to its depiction of the military, deeming it unsuitable for representation.
- Film Title
- The Sea
- Director/Writer
- Shai Carmeli-Pollak
- Producer
- Baher Agbaria
- Main Character
- Khaled, a Palestinian boy
- Plot Summary
- A Palestinian boy from the West Bank, fearing he will never see the sea, undertakes a dangerous solo journey into Israel to reach the coast.
- Awards
- Best Picture at the Ophir awards (Israel's top film prize)
- Oscar Submission
- Israel's official entry for the 2026 Foreign-Language Film category
- Release Date (Israel)
- July
