Israeli Filmmaker Tom Nesher Triumphs with Top Award at Tribeca Festival

In a moment of immense pride for Israel, the Tribeca Festival announced that "Come Closer," a film by Israeli director Tom Nesher, won the prestigious Viewpoints Award. The jury praised the film for its captivating execution and superb performances, stating that it drew them in from the first few frames.

Tom Nesher expressed her profound joy and gratitude, highlighting the collective effort of her talented cast and the support of the festival's directors, Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro. This victory is particularly significant as "Come Closer" marks Nesher's directorial debut, adding to the legacy of Israeli filmmakers who have previously garnered accolades at Tribeca.

Israeli cinema has a strong track record at the Tribeca Festival, with past winners like David Volach’s "My Father My Lord" and Talya Lavie’s "Zero Motivation." This year, however, "Come Closer" was the sole Israeli film in the lineup, raising concerns about potential pressures from anti-Israel factions.

The festival took place amidst a challenging backdrop of rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the US, following the October 7 Hamas attacks and subsequent conflict in Gaza. Despite these tensions, the Tribeca Festival honored the victims of the Nova Music Festival massacre with a dedicated exhibit, which faced protests from pro-Hamas demonstrators.

"Come Closer" is inspired by the tragic death of Nesher's brother, Ari, and tells the story of Eden, a young woman dealing with the sudden loss of her brother. The film explores her intense and dangerous relationship with Maya, her brother’s secret girlfriend, as they navigate their grief together.

The film's cast features newcomers Lia Elalouf and Darya Rosen, alongside Ido Tako, Yaakov Zada-Daniel, and Neta Garty. Renowned musician Shlomi Shaban also appears in the film. Produced by Anthony Bregman, known for "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," the film is set to be released in Israel in the fall.

Tom Nesher emphasized the significance of this achievement amid global boycotts and demonstrations against Israeli art, expressing her pride in showcasing the film at such a prestigious event. She dedicated the film to everyone who chooses life despite experiencing profound loss and pain, eagerly anticipating its reception by Israeli audiences.

In celebrating this achievement, we honor the spirit and talent of Israeli filmmakers who continue to shine on the global stage. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on more inspiring stories from Israel.