First TV Dramatization of Oct. 7 Tragedy Gets U.S. Preview Screening at Scripted Israel Conference

As a survivor of the horrific Nova music festival tragedy, I find it both poignant and profoundly important that “First Day in October” is finally getting a U.S. screening. The episode, based on true stories, brings back memories that are as raw today as they were the day they happened. It’s a testament to the resilience of humanity that we can find solace in storytelling, even when those stories are so painfully personal.

Approximately one year following the October 7 incident, the initial dramatized portrayal of this tragedy was shown for the first time in the United States during the closing ceremony of the second annual Scripted Israel event.

The movie ‘First Day in October’ is produced by Fox Entertainment Studios’ division Tideline, working together with yes TV, Sparks Go from New York, and ZOA Films in Israel, for a four-part series based on real events.

Guests at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ screening witnessed an episode portraying the distressing situation experienced by friends Gali Amar and Amit Amar at the unfortunate Nova music festival, where terrorists brutally attacked hundreds of attendees. The episode stars Swell Ariel Or from Netflix’s “The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem” and Noa Kedar, known for “The Malevolent Bride.” Throughout the episode, the characters are trapped inside a portable restroom as they fear for their lives, with the entire story unfolding within this confined space.

Daniel Fineman from Sparks Go, one of the creators of “October” along with Oded Davidoff (the director), emphasized that telling the story is crucial. To engage people effectively, they decided to venture into the realm of entertainment and attempt to craft a scripted version that would keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The initial episode of “October” is set to premiere on October 7th, on the Yes network in Israel. Fox Entertainment aims to showcase this program at MIPCOM, seeking further broadcasting opportunities worldwide.

The final production, a collaboration between Israel and America (filmed on-site in Israel), served as a perfect conclusion to the four-day convention organized by Scripted Israel. This event seeks to establish relationships within the Israeli and American television industries. A group of Israeli screenwriters and producers visited for an extended schedule of conferences and discussions with their American counterparts.

Mattel’s CEO Ynon Kreiz, who was born in Israel, was also present and took the opportunity to introduce the series. He praised Scripted Israel for aiding creators from the region, allowing them to build on the success that many Israelis have already achieved in the international television market. “Israeli creators are particularly notable in a highly competitive industry,” he stated. “In today’s world, it’s crucial for the innovative voice of Israel to be recognized within the creative community.

Under the guidance of co-founders Daniel Susz and Tchelet Semel, Scripted Israel is an autonomous project that receives generous backing from The Ruderman Family Foundation, Albi Fund, and Saban Family Foundation. It also continues its crucial collaborations with The JSFL Series Lab and The Israeli TV & Film Producers Association. Launched in 2022, Scripted Israel held its first event during this year.

The producers of “October” include Finkelman (of “Menasche”), Chaya Amor (“The Performance”), Aviv Ben-Shlush (“Shtisel”), Lee Ben-Shlush Kuperman (“Road 65,” Nafas), and Fernando Szew, head of Fox Entertainment Studios, who introduced the project to Fox.

2024-09-28 02:16

First TV Dramatization of Oct. 7 Tragedy Gets U.S. Preview Screening at Scripted Israel Conference

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