In recognition of the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack, cinematheques across Israel are hosting a series of special programs alongside a national memorial ceremony to honor those who were killed and abducted during the assault.
The central memorial event, organized by captivity survivor Eli Sharabi and actress Shani Cohen in coordination with families affected by the attack, will be held on the evening of October 7 at Ganei Yehoshua Park in Tel Aviv. Scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m., the ceremony will be broadcast live and feature performances by a broad range of prominent Israeli musicians. Participants include Shlomo Artzi, Ivri Lider, Miri Mesika, Gali Atari, Ran Danker, Harel Skaat, Eden Golan, Osher Cohen, Amir Dadon, Arkadi Duchin, Yuval Dayan, Ilai Botner, Roni Dalumi, Tamir Grinberg, Nunu, Noam Bettan, Meshi Kleinstein, Valerie Hamaty, Lihi Toledano, Lior Narkis, and Benaia Barabi.
The Tel Aviv Cinematheque is hosting a multi-day program titled “Since Then, Still,” running from October 4 to 8, which includes three documentary screenings with filmmaker discussions on October 7. These films focus on the attack's impact on Kibbutz Nir Oz, military operations in Gaza, and Israeli society’s ongoing responses to the trauma. At 6:30 p.m., the sixth episode of Yaron Zilberman’s documentary series *Nir Oz – Heaven/Hell* will be shown. This episode recounts the defense efforts of the Maor-Danzig family as they sheltered during the assault, with particular focus on Rachel Elgart-Danzig’s efforts to protect her grandchildren in a safe room. Following the screening, Zilberman and soundtrack editor Yuval Bar-On will engage in a discussion about the series’ musical elements.
At 7 p.m., *Good Morning Gaza*, directed by Hanan Brandes and Matan Sacofsky, will be presented. The documentary highlights the experiences of Or Brandes, a psychology student and reserve tank driver who created an improvised podcast on the military radio network during the fighting. The film uses a mix of recorded conversations and combat footage to explore soldiers' emotions, including fear, denial, and moments of humor. The screening is provided courtesy of YesDocu.
The program concludes at 8:45 p.m. with *Landslide* (*Pulhan*), by Asa Rikin and Ariel Bernstein, which follows Israeli society’s yearlong navigation of grief and resilience after October 7. The film examines religious ceremonies, nationalist rallies, protests, and collective remembrance, offering insights into how people grapple with trauma. A conversation with the filmmakers will follow the screening.
The Jerusalem Cinematheque has planned a related event on October 7 as part of its “October 7: Three Years Later” series running October 5-10. At 6 p.m., it will present *A Message of Peace*, directed by Idit Avrahami and Alon Levi. The documentary utilizes archival footage and personal testimonies to explore the historic peace process between Egypt and Israel, charting the journey from Anwar Sadat’s visit to Jerusalem through to the Camp David negotiations. This event will include a Hebrew-language discussion with Avrahami, and admission is free.
In Haifa, the cinematheque will screen Eyal Halfon’s *A Burning Man* at 6:30 p.m. on October 7. The film features Shai Avni as a father who, after delivering his soldier son to a remote military base, becomes stranded near the fence out of fear he may never see him again. The story reflects the experiences of many Israeli parents affected by the conflict and includes performances by Suzanna Papiyan, Naveh Tzur, and Noam Frank.
The Sderot Cinematheque will commemorate the anniversary with a special preview of Avi Nesher’s *Our Loves* at 7:30 p.m. on October 7. The film follows seven individuals who each believe they are facing the worst day of their lives on October 6, only to be thrust into a fight for survival during the attack. The movie is set for nationwide release on October 15, following its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.