An Unlikely Cinematic Journey
The existence of Of Dogs and Men is in itself a remarkable achievement. This haunting and poetic film effectively captures the emotional aftermath endured by those who survived the tragic events of October 7. While Israel was reeling from the shock of the 2023 Hamas attack, filmmaker Dani Rosenberg was already engaged in crafting this poignant narrative, which has recently premiered across the country.
A Story Rooted in Reality
Set against the backdrop of Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community that suffered significant losses during the attack, the film’s narrative follows a teenage girl named Dar, portrayed by Ori Avinoam. Dar’s mother has been taken hostage in Gaza, and driven by love and desperation, she leaves her evacuation hotel to seek her beloved dog back home. Along her journey, she encounters Natan (Natan Bahat), a founding member of the kibbutz who has returned, and Nora (Nora Lifshitz), a compassionate young woman dedicated to rescuing animals abandoned by their owners during the chaos.
Capturing Authentic Voices
What sets Of Dogs and Men apart is its casting of non-professional actors, many of whom Rosenberg’s crew met while filming in the Gaza Envelope area. The film’s authenticity stems from these real-life encounters. Rosenberg recalls learning about the October 7 attack while aboard a flight to Korea, where he was set to showcase his previous film, The Vanishing Soldier, at the Busan International Film Festival. Upon returning home, he was consumed by shock and found it difficult to concentrate on filmmaking.
Instead of rushing into production, Rosenberg began volunteering on a project documenting survivors’ experiences, where he met a young woman whose parents had been kidnapped. Her remarkable strength inspired the character of Dar, igniting Rosenberg’s desire to create a film centered on the emotional toll of survival.
Navigating Complex Emotions
Rosenberg made a conscious choice to avoid writing dialogue or scenes too soon. He believed capturing the rawness of trauma should happen after the initial shock subsides. Collaborating closely with Avinoam, he decided to film their journey through the kibbutz, allowing the individuals they met to integrate into the narrative organically.
Access to the affected areas posed challenges, but local residents guided the crew on how to navigate the environment. Rosenberg describes the filming experience as overwhelming—a “murder scene” fraught with the haunting odors of death and destruction. Nonetheless, the crew pressed on, driven by the imperative of documenting such an important story.
A Unique Perspective on Aftermath
Through Of Dogs and Men, Rosenberg aims to convey the complexities of survival following tragedy. The film delves into the days following the massacre, seeking to illuminate what it truly means to endure life in the midst of trauma. He believes showing the aftermath gives context to the chaos of that day, highlighting the struggles faced during the recovery process.
Producers like Itai Tamir played a pivotal role in bringing the film to fruition, allowing Rosenberg the space he needed to explore the narrative deeply. The filming approached an organic, chronological style, enabling the team to adapt and evolve based on their experiences throughout production.
Interweaving Realities
Avinoam proved to be an exceptional fit for the role of Dar. Her talent and collaborative spirit significantly contributed to the film’s authenticity. The casting of real individuals, such as Natan Bahat and animal rescuer Nora Lifshitz, added layers of depth that resonate well with audiences.
Rosenberg drew stylistic inspiration from Italian neorealism and certain Iranian films, emphasizing that, despite utilizing real people, the narrative framework—a girl in search of her lost dog—provides a potent means of exploring the darkness of the situation.
Bridging Divides Through Film
Rosenberg ensures that Of Dogs and Men presents a balanced perspective, touching on the realities faced by both communities in conflict. Scenes in which Dar hears bombings in Gaza juxtapose her personal struggle, creating a narrative that transcends cultural lines. Animated sequences depict her dreams, blurring the boundaries between imagination and reality.
The film’s international premiere at the Venice Film Festival was met with mixed reactions, reflecting the polarizing nature of the subject matter. Critics on both extremes were disappointed that the film did not solely focus on their respective narratives of suffering. Rosenberg emphasized his commitment to a pro-human perspective, aiming to highlight shared humanity over divisive politics.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Of Dogs and Men
As the film continues its journey through various film festivals, including Busan, Rosenberg remains vigilant concerning the socio-political climate surrounding art in Israel. He expressed concern over proposed government reforms that threaten artistic freedoms and restrict diverse voices in filmmaking.
Rosenberg’s emotional connection to the survivors present during the film’s screening at the Haifa International Film Festival underscored the significance of their stories. With Of Dogs and Men, he hopes to foster understanding and empathy, leaving viewers with lasting reflections on the human experience amidst the tides of conflict.
