Hanging out w/Shai Carmeli-Pollak

hanging out with Shai Carmeli-Pollak, writer/director of the powerful, deeply moving The Sea, after this morning's screening at Soho House...The Sea isn't just another drama-it's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. What makes it special is its courage to tell a deeply human story set against one of the most complex backdrops in the world.

The film flows like the sea itself-sometimes calm, sometimes stormy-but always pulling you in. The performances are raw and real, especially Mohammad Ghazaoui, whose portrayal earned him the Best Actor award at the Ophirs. Watching him, you don't feel like you're seeing an actor on screen; you feel like you're living his struggles, his silence, and his moments of hope.

Visually, the film is stunning. The sea becomes a character of its own, a mirror of inner turmoil and longing. The mix of Hebrew and Arabic dialogue adds authenticity and grounds the story in reality rather than gloss.

What's most powerful is that The Sea doesn't preach-it shows. It gives space for both pain and resilience, for differences and connections. It shows, as does my debut memoir Killing Justice, that even within the most abusive systems, people can still choose to embrace their humanity. That honesty is why it's resonating internationally and why Israel chose it as its entry for the Oscars.

If you want a film that challenges, moves, and opens conversation, The Sea is worth every minute. It's not light entertainment; it's an experience. One that makes you think, makes you feel, and maybe even makes you see the world a little differently. Verdict: A must-watch. Thoughtful, bold, and unforgettable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2eN7SKisKo