Yariv Mozer's documentary "We Will Dance Again" premiered Sunday night at the National Library of Israel's Docu.Text Festival in Jerusalem, offering a gut-wrenching account of the October 7 Nova music festival massacre. The film, which runs about 90 minutes, provides an unprecedented real-time look at the tragedy that claimed over 360 lives and left about 40 hostages, some still held in Gaza.
The documentary stands out in its approach to the most documented tragedy in human history. While previous films on the subject have been shorter, Mozer's work immerses viewers in the events as they unfolded, weaving together interviews, video footage, and audio recordings from the victims, survivors, and even the attackers themselves.
"I'm never going to be the person that I was before the seventh of October, and I'm trying to figure out who I'm going to be now," says Eitan, one of the survivors featured in the film. This sentiment echoes throughout the documentary, reflecting the broader impact of the attack on Israeli society.
The film chronicles the events chronologically, from the festive atmosphere of the night before to the dawn rocket attacks that initially seemed routine for southern Israel. It then descends into the chaos and horror of the Hamas assault, using footage from both victims' phones and the terrorists' own cameras.
Particularly disturbing are the recorded calls to emergency services, revealing a lack of understanding of the situation's severity and misinformation that led some survivors into further danger.
The documentary doesn't shy away from the gruesome aftermath, showing scenes that have drawn comparisons to concentration camp liberation footage. It concludes with survivors eulogizing lost friends and grappling with their new reality.
"We Will Dance Again" is set for broader release in Israel and internationally, including screenings in the United States and broadcasts on Paramount+, BBC, and Australia's Nine Network.
The film's premiere saw attendance from notable figures including Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and MK Gadi Eizenkot. Survivors and families of victims present received a standing ovation, underscoring the emotional weight of the documentary.
As Israel approaches the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks, "We Will Dance Again" is as a powerful testament to the lives lost and forever changed at the Nova festival. While some survivors express hope for the future, the film makes clear that the path to recovery will be long and challenging.
* JPost contributed to this article.