RAI Cinema secures international rights for film on Hamas attacks
What's the story
RAI Cinema International Distribution (RCID) has acquired international sales rights for the upcoming drama Of Dogs and Men. The film, directed by Dani Rosenberg, was introduced to buyers at the Cannes Film Festival's market. The drama is a product of a collaboration between Rosenberg, Ori Avinoam, and Itai Tamir. It is produced by two-time Academy Award nominee Alexander Rodnyansky of AR Content and Tamir of Laila Films.
Details
'Of Dogs and Men' plot and production details revealed
Of Dogs and Men is set in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks. The story revolves around 16-year-old Dar who returns to her kibbutz in search of her lost dog amidst a terror spree. The film was shot on location along the Gaza border during October and November 2023. Despite its fictional narrative, it features non-actors, was filmed with a small crew present in the region at that time, and used mostly improvised dialogue to portray regional reality.
Appreciation
Rosenberg and Rodnyansky expressed gratitude to RAI Cinema
Rodnyansky expressed his gratitude toward RAI Cinema for their support of Of Dogs and Men. He stated, "We are incredibly grateful to RAI Cinema for supporting our film, we could not hope for a better partner." He also believes that the film is a powerful anti-war statement reflecting on the tragedy of suffering and the endless circle of violence in the region.
Productions
RAI Cinema and AR Content's current film projects
RCID is a standalone film sales unit of Italian state broadcaster RAI's RAI Cinema film arm launched earlier this year. AR Content's current slate includes films such as At the Sea, Orphan, Occupation, and Butterfly Jam. Laila Films, on the other hand, is currently producing Souls by Miya Hatav, and Marmalade by Yariv Horowitz.
Cancellation
Cannes Film Festival screening of 'Bearing Witness' was canceled
In related news from the Cannes Film Festival, a private screening of Bearing Witness, another film about the October 7 Hamas attacks, was abruptly canceled due to security threats. The screening was organized by WestEnd Films co-founder Sharon Harel-Cohen but was called off an hour before its scheduled time following an order from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Harel-Cohen stated that she has no plans to rescreen Bearing Witness during the festival.