Israeli Cinema Professionals Talk Hopes & Fears Ahead Of Knife-Edge Election: “It’s Like A Horror Film Because I Don’t Know What Is Behind The Door”

Israeli filmmakers have voiced anxiety over Tuesday’s closely contested election, with many hoping voters will remove Benjamin Netanyahu from office. Director Tom Shoval says the result feels impossible to predict and could shape the country’s future across every part of life, including culture.

The article links the election to years of conflict and political upheaval, including the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks, the war in Gaza, disputes over judicial changes and settlement expansion, and Netanyahu’s corruption case. Filmmakers also face pressure from Culture Minister Miki Zohar over state funding, alongside an international boycott; Shoval says his film about his friend David Cunio, who was taken hostage and released in October 2025, was not shown to Israeli officials.