A teenage Israeli girl searches for her lost dog after the barbaric October 7 terrorist attack in the narrative feature, Of Dogs and Men (Al Klavim Veanashim).

It seems impossible but at least one narrative feature was completed in the aftermath of the Hamas terror attack. Filming took place at Kibbutz Nir Oz utilizing local residents and improvising dialogue. Following the attacks 16-year-old Dar (Ori Avinoam) is returning home to her kibbutz to find her missing dog. Dar is a fictional Israeli girl standing in for those whose parents were taken hostage by Hamas. One can certainly understand the chaos of a terrorist attack. It’s already bad enough having to deal with the attacks but to lose a beloved family pet just adds another level of trauma and pain.

Horror surrounds Dar in her return home. You can certainly see it on the faces of others living within the community. And yet, the tragedy becomes all too real upon looking off into the distance, beyond the border fence with Gaza. What happened to loved ones? Are they okay? What about seeking revenge? One aspect of the film is about not denying one’s humanity. For instance, there are those living in Israel who would prefer to deny the admittance of any humanitarian aid into Gaza. That’s why there’s a conversation taking place–including subjects such as coexistence–as Dar looks ahead in the distance.

Because Dani Rosenberg is filming during an active war, the airstrikes taking place are the real thing. They are not appearing through visual effects. It might not be easy to watch an October 7 narrative but it does have something of a documentary feel to its approach.

Of Dogs and Men can be eerie to watch at times, especially with knowing they are filming in an active war zone.

DIRECTOR: Dani Rosenberg
SCREENWRITERS: Dani Rosenberg, Ori Avinoam, Itai Tamir
CAST: Ori Avinoam, Natan Bahat, Nora Lifshitz, Yamit Avital

Of Dogs and Men holds its Southeast US premiere at the 2025 Miami Jewish Film Festival. Upcoming film festival screenings include the 2025 New York Jewish Film Festival and 2025 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Grade: 4/5

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