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A film that is shot truly open-endedly, in the thick of it, even though – at the outset – it was impossible to predict what would happen. Liat is forcibly abducted from her kibbutz by members of Hamas on 7 October 2023 and shortly afterwards Brandon Kramer starts filming with her family. He’s right there with them, up close, as the parents Yehuda and Chaya try to deal with their fear – or to sway the fate of their adult daughter and her husband in dialogue with the authorities. As a US citizen, Yehuda flies to the USA, accompanied by Liat’s son, who is burdened by more than the public attention, and Liat’s sister, who will try to cushion Yehuda’s temper and anger. Because even within this family views are polarised: despite his pain, the father takes a critical view of Israel’s role in the Middle East conflict. He is a pacifist and will not be dissuaded from the path of reconciliation, even at the geopolitical epicentre of diplomacy and trauma. He persistently swims against the tide, takes issue with himself and everyone else and berates the Israeli government. A candid film of the hour. Insights don’t come from politics, but from Liat’s family.
"Politically potent and emotionally gripping… Brandon Kramer does an impressive job revealing the personal and geopolitical aspects of a heartbreaking true story. Kramer’s movie certainly merits attention."
Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter
"Moving… it shows the possibility of remaining human."
Robert Ide, Der Tagesspiegel
"The film... writes itself into history."
Marlene Knobloch, Die Zeit
"Its human statement is almost incomprehensible in its nobility but also in its simplicity."
Shany Littman, Haaretz
"Holding Liat is a first draft of history, yet one that is open and sensitive to the nuances of Middle Eastern history and politics."
Nick Holdsworth, Modern Times Review
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