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The Sea

Two threads merge into one story
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.
  • February 1, 2026
  • Camelot Cinemas

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The Movie Trailer
About the Film

The Sea (Arabic: البحر; Hebrew: הים) is a 2025 Israeli drama film written and directed by Shai Carmeli-Pollak. Starring Muhammad Gazawi as Khaled, it follows a 12-year-old Palestinian boy who tries to reach the Mediterranean Sea for the first time in his life.

The film had its world premiere at the Jerusalem Film Festival on 21 July 2025.

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 & Recognition

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 will compete in the Awards Buzz – Best International Feature Film section of the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival on 4 January 2026.

  • Official Entry for the Academy Awards
  • Winner of 5 Ophir Israeli Academy Awards
  • Winner of Two Awards and a Special Mention at the Jerusalem Film Festival
  • Argentina, Mar del Plata International Film Festival – Official Selection
  • Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

Movie Runtime: 93 minutes
Director: Shai Carmeli Pollak
Language: Arabic and Hebrew with English Subtitles
Genre: Drama
Country/Year: Israel 2025
Rating: PG13
Ticket Information

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See you at the movies!!

Camelot Cinemas
48 E Antrim Dr, Greenville, SC 29607, USA

Educational Resources & Historical Links

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