2 Israeli Films Put Up for Documentary Oscar

By JTA January 10, 2013

Two Israeli films are among the five nominated for best documentary for the Academy Awards.

“5 Broken Cameras,” directed by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi, and “The Gatekeepers,” directed by Dror Moreh, were among the films chosen from 15 finalists of the 126 films that entered in the category when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the Oscar nominees on Thursday.

Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” led the nominations with 12, including for best film and best director.

“5 Broken Cameras” documents the first years of life for Burnat’s baby against the backdrop of the West Bank village of Bil’in’s battle against the Israeli security fence. Burnat said five of his cameras were smashed by the Israeli army as he documented friends and family members being shot and injured by Israeli troops. The film won the documentary director’s award this year at the Sundance Film Festival.

“The Gatekeepers” features interviews with six former directors of Israel’s Shin Bet security service. Earlier this week it was named the best nonfiction film of 2012 by the National Society of Film Critics in the United States.

“Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane will host the 85th Academy Awards ceremony on Feb. 24.

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