What It’s About
On October 7, 2023, a peaceful rave near the Gaza-Israel border turned horrific as Hamas launched an embraved attack, initially mistaken by some festival-goers as mere fireworks. Documenting this tragic event is “We Will Dance Again,” a gripping documentary that dives into the details of that devastating day through raw footage and survivor accounts.
Why It Matters
This documentary is a heartfelt and crucial remembrance of an attack that resulted in a severe loss of innocent lives, echoing painful memories for Israel. The film positions the significance of documenting such conjuring events and aims to convey the truth as testimony amidst a world often entangled in political sensitivity.
The Creative Force: Susan Zirinsky
Veteran producer Susan Zirinsky calls “We Will Dance Again” her most significant work, even referencing her celebrated documentary on “9/11.” Partnered with Israeli director Yariv Mozer, they present a deeply intimate, yet graphic retelling with exclusive footage providing a profound impact on the audience.
Challenges on the International Stage
Despite its poignant content, the film faces distribution hurdles internationally. Concerns about political ramifications in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict have deterred many broadcasters and film festivals from embracing it. Nevertheless, some avenues like the BBC—and, unparalleled in Israel—display the film without content alterations.
A Genuine Effort Beyond Politics
Zirinsky asserts the film’s dedication to preserving history rather than serving any political agenda. The synergetic tension of capturing the day’s harrowing realities and adhering to truth reshaped the dispelling myths around narratives that negatively target Israel.
Documenting a Crucial Part of History
“We Will Dance Again” lays bare a powerful narrative underscoring deep-seated issues while focusing on the pure human stories of those caught in tragedy. Against a backdrop of global disinterest in such intense political topics, its creators soldiering this evocative portrayal indicates the willingness to remember and learn from these unthinkable terrorist acts faced by Israeli citizens.
Survivor Stories Forming the Core
Focusing mainly on the attacks during the Nova festival, understated bravery shown by festival-goers like Eitan Halley further cements the vital nature of this narrative. These stories demonstrate resilience and underline the necessity of recognizing the shared human responsibility in acknowledging historical facts for future fruition.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.