Avi Nesher’s film *Our Loves* received strong acclaim during its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last weekend, where it was greeted with extended standing ovations. The film, which debuted on Sunday and held a second sold-out screening on Tuesday, has drawn significant attention, with a third screening scheduled for September 19—also sold out. TIFF remains North America’s largest and most prestigious film festival.

*Our Loves* centers on six individuals who believe they are experiencing the worst day of their lives on October 6, 2023, before the narrative follows them through the Hamas attacks that unfolded on October 7. The film features a cast of prominent Israeli actors, including Shalom Michaelshvili, Magi Azarzar, and Yaniv Biton, alongside several newcomers such as Daniel Gimpel and Noa Cohen. Biton, Cohen, and Gimpel appeared with Nesher at the festival’s screenings and participated in onstage discussions.

In addition to the positive reception from audiences, the film has garnered favorable reviews from industry outlets, an achievement noted as particularly significant amid the current challenging atmosphere for Israeli cinema internationally. Notably, *Our Loves* was the sole Israeli entry at this year’s festival, whereas previous years often featured multiple Israeli films.

Following the second screening, Nesher reflected on the film’s reception, expressing hope that its success might signal a broader shift in how Israeli stories are received globally.

*Our Loves* is set to make its Israeli premiere on September 26 as the opening film of the 42nd Haifa International Film Festival. It will be released in theaters across Israel on October 15, with international distribution and release dates to be announced in the near future.