What It’s About
“We Will Dance Again,” a documentary film directed by Yariv Mozer, recounts the horrific massacre carried out by Hamas at the Supernova music festival on October 7, 2023, in southern Israel. The film captures the violent assault that took over 360 innocent lives and impacted countless others.
Why It Matters
The film shines a light on the unspeakable atrocities committed by Hamas, which often evades the appropriate label of a terrorist organization on international media platforms, including the BBC2. The documentary enables viewers around the globe to witness the depths of violence and the human toll of Hamas-led terrorism in Israel. This creates an awareness that prompts international discourse on recognizing and dealing with terror groups.
Details
Directed by Yariv Mozer, “We Will Dance Again” includes an agreement with the BBC to forego the explicit labeling of Hamas as terrorists—a decision made in hopes of informing the British public and allowing them to draw their conclusions.
The UK public broadcaster faced widespread criticism for this stance, given Hamas’s extensive documentation of civilian targeting—especially after their accepted classification as a terrorist group by the UK.
Key Points
Suffering Portrayed
“We Will Dance Again” highlights festival-goers’ initially joyful experience, leading to the unfathomable horrors they faced. Survivors narrate the ordeal and their journeys to rebuild their lives. The film meticulously captures the brutality, making it evident Hamas targets the innocent.
Survivors’ Stories and Global Screenings
The film collaborates with over two dozen survivors, bringing their heart-wrenching tales and their lost friends’ stories to the forefront. The documentary has reached a global audience, providing a vast platform for these narratives to resonate worldwide.
Production Controversies
Producer Susan Zirinsky candidly discusses the delicate balance in depicting graphic violence without overwhelming the audience, affirming a focus on maintaining the documentary’s commercial and emotive viability. Criminal acts by Hamas are revealed in a raw yet respectful manner, with some footage receiving necessary blurring to align with the intended mainstream appeal.
Broader Context
Despite efforts to remain apolitical and depict the human cost impartially, some presentations of the documentary and related exhibits have incited protests and backlash, underlining ongoing tensions and polarized perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The Takeaway
“We Will Dance Again” is a crucial medium for illustrating and commemorating the impact of terrorism in Israel, serving as a potential game-changer in how Hamas is perceived internationally. The film not only encapsulates unimaginable pain and loss but also allegiance in conveying truths that might otherwise be subdued.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.