The Sea (2025 film)

Khaled, a 12-year-old boy from a Palestinian village, is thrilled to join a school trip to see the sea for the first time. However, at an Israeli military checkpoint, soldiers declare his travel permit invalid and send him back, while his classmates continue on. Determined and heartbroken, Khaled sets out alone to reach the sea, despite not knowing the way or speaking Hebrew. His father, Ribhi, an undocumented laborer working in Israel, abandons his job and risks arrest to search for his missing son. ==Cast==

• Muhammad Gazawi as Khaled • Khalifa Natour as Ribhi • Marlene Bajali • Hila Surjun Fisher • Gabriel Horn as Tamir ==Production==

The film was produced with the fund of ₪2 million (US$598,600) from the Israel Film Foundation. It was shot in 2023. Shai Goldman served as the film's cinematographer, while Avi Belleli composed the music. == Release ==

The Sea had its world premiere in Israeli Feature Films section on 21 July 2025, at the 42nd Jerusalem Film Festival. The film led with 13 nominations in the 36th Ophir Awards and ultimately won the award for Best Picture. The positive reception of the film and the negative portrayal of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers provoked Israel's culture minister Miki Zohar to announce the withdrawal of government funding to the awards ceremony. It was presented in the 'Best of Festivals' at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on 13 November 2025. The film competed in the Awards Buzz – Best International Feature Film section of the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival on 4 January 2026. == Accolades ==