‘Foxtrot,’ ‘Longing’ get European Film Award nods
Two Israeli films among 49 shortlisted for prestigious prize
The European Film Awards included two Israeli movies on Tuesday on its nominations shortlist: Foxtrot and Longing.
The European Film Academy released a list of 49 films that are candidates for its prestigious awards which “illustrates the great diversity in European cinema.”
Foxtrot, which was released last year by writer and director Samuel Maoz, has already received many accolades abroad. It won the Silver Lion at the Venice International Film Festival and the Best Foreign Film from the National Board of Review in New York, as well as eight Ophir Awards including best picture – and was shortlisted for an Academy Award.
But in Israel the film is best known for the fiery criticism from Culture Minister Miri Regev, who repeatedly called the movie anti-Israel propaganda and said it “defames and lies about the IDF.”
The other Israeli film shortlisted for the awards is Longing, known in Israel as Gaagua. The film, written and directed by Savi Gabizon, stars Shai Avivi and won the Ophir Award for best screenplay. Both Foxtrot and Longing explore themes of grief and fatherhood.
The films are competing against an impressive slate of movies from 35 countries for the awards often known as the European Oscars.
On November 10, the nominations in the categories of best film, director, actor, actress and screenwriter will be announced, and the awards ceremony is slated for December 15 in Seville, Spain.