Israeli Cinema in Times of Tension: A Conversation with Seret Film Festival Co-Founder Odelia Haroush

Berlin, November 2025

Odelia Haroush. Photo: Amit Naim

As the Seret Film Festival prepares to open in Berlin on November 19, we spoke with Odelia Haroush, co-founder of the festival, about Israeli cinema’s unique voice, its role amidst growing anti-Israel sentiment and cultural boycotts in Europe, and the festival’s bold programming this year.

What makes Israeli cinema stand out in today’s cultural and political climate?

Israeli cinema continues to be courageous, personal, and socially aware. In Europe today, where anti-Israel boycotts and cultural campaigns are rising, these films offer nuanced perspectives that break stereotypes. They explore identity, conflict, family, and social issues in ways that resonate far beyond Israel’s borders, giving audiences both insight and empathy.

This year, Seret opens with a very political film, Cabaret Total. Why was it chosen?

Cabaret Total is a perfect opening film because it captures the intersection of art and politics. It’s bold, provocative, and unapologetically political, tackling issues that are deeply relevant today. Opening with this film sets the tone for the festival: Israeli cinema is unafraid to challenge, to question, and to spark dialogue—even when it might be controversial.

Given rising tensions and cultural boycotts, how do you encourage European audiences to engage with these films?

I always encourage audiences to watch with curiosity rather than preconceptions. Israeli cinema isn’t propaganda—it’s a mirror of a complex society. The stories allow viewers to step into the lives of real people, to understand dilemmas, struggles, and joys that are universal, while also being deeply rooted in Israeli culture. Engaging with these films is a way to resist polarization through empathy.

Have you encountered direct opposition to the festival because of political pressures?

Yes, there have been voices calling for cancellations or boycotts, but Seret Berlin is committed to artistic freedom. These pressures actually reinforce why festivals like ours are essential. Cinema can cut through noise and division, offering a space where ideas and human experiences can be shared openly.

How does the festival address criticism of “pink-washing” or political bias in Israeli films?

Israeli films explore the society we live in, including LGBTQ+ experiences, debates on democracy, and social justice. These are genuine reflections, not marketing tools. We want audiences to see the full picture—the diversity of voices, challenges, and progress that define Israeli life today.

Are there any films in this year’s program that specifically tackle the current social or political climate in Europe?

Yes. Apart from Cabaret Total, several documentaries explore topics such as immigration, minority rights, and civil activism, often connecting Israeli experiences to broader European social issues. These films encourage reflection on identity, coexistence, and the responsibilities of societies in turbulent times.

What do you hope audiences take away from the festival?

I hope they leave with a more nuanced understanding of Israel and its people. Beyond politics and headlines, these films reveal shared human experiences—love, family, struggle, and hope. If audiences are challenged, moved, or inspired to discuss what they’ve seen, then the festival has succeeded.

How does Seret Berlin respond to the criticism that Israeli films are inherently political?

Every cinema has politics because life itself is political. Israeli filmmakers don’t shy away from difficult subjects, and that’s the power of their work. Rather than avoiding politics, the films spark conversation and understanding, giving audiences insight into perspectives they might not encounter elsewhere.

Finally, what would you recommend for first-time viewers at this year’s festival?

Start with Cabaret Total—it’s provocative, engaging, and sets the tone for the entire festival. After that, explore the variety of films we offer: from intimate family stories to socially conscious documentaries. Each film is a window into the diversity, complexity, and vitality of Israeli cinema today.