From Under The Olive Tree
The Sea / הים / البحر
Shai Carmeli-Pollak
Director's bio
Shai Carmeli-Pollak
Shai Carmeli-Pollak is an Israeli filmmaker whose work highlights Palestinian–Israeli realities through human-centered storytelling. His acclaimed documentary Bil’in My Love (2006) captured nonviolent resistance in the West Bank, followed by Refugees (2008). Most recently, he directed The Sea (2025), a drama about a Palestinian boy’s dream of reaching the Mediterranean. His filmography reflects a consistent dedication to empathy and social justice in cinema.
Synopsis
Khaled, a Palestinian boy, embarks on a dangerous journey to the sea for the first time in his life, despite Israeli authorities denying his entry. His father, Ribhi, is trying to trace his whereabouts, risking arrest and job loss.
Details of Cast
Khalifa Natour, Mohamed Ghazawi, Marlene Bajali, Hila Surjon
Details of Crew
DoP: Shai Goldman Editor: Yosef Grunfeld Sound Design: Nati Zeidenstadt, Ravid Dvir Music: Avi Belleli
Producer Details
Baher Agbariya
Writer Details
Shai Carmeli Pollak
Stills
Categories
- International Competition (14)
- Homage (11)
- World Cinema (57)
- Country Focus : Vietnam (5)
- Indian Cinema Now (7)
- Kaleidoscope (8)
- Malayalam Cinema Today (12)
- Restored Classics (5)
- Opening Film (1)
- Special Screening (1)
- Midnight Screening (2)
- Spirit of Cinema (1)
- The Global Griot : Sissako's Cinematic Journey (5)
- Signatures In Motion (4)
- Festival Favourites (13)
- Viva el Cine: Latin American Films (5)
- Saeed Mirza Retrospective (3)
- Ritwik Ghatak Centenary (4)
- Youssef Chahine Retrospective (3)
- Garin Nugroho: The Poetic Archipelago (5)
- The Suvarna Legacy : Suvarna Chakoram (17)
- Her Lens Her Voice (5)
- The Pantheon of IFFK: Lifetime (10)
- 50 Years of Rajeevnath (1)
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