A Personal Look at War: Premiere of “Good Morning Gaza” to Take Place in Jerusalem
The 43rd Jerusalem International Film Festival, running from July 9 to 19, 2026, will host the premiere of the new Israeli documentary “Good Morning Gaza.” Directed by Hanan Brandes and Matan Sacofsky, the film is included in the Israeli Documentary Competition program.
The 52-minute film tells the story of Or Brandes—a psychology student and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservist who served as a tank driver in the Gaza Strip in late 2023. While in the combat zone, he began hosting an improvised podcast for his fellow soldiers, using the military radio network as a platform for candid conversations.
On air, the soldiers discuss their fears, anxieties, desires for revenge, inner doubts, and their psychological state during the war. Alongside these serious topics, the broadcasts feature army humor and mutual banter, offering a deeper understanding of the atmosphere and emotional state of people thrust into extreme conditions.
The filmmakers combined the recordings of these radio broadcasts with documentary footage from the combat zone. The result is an unconventional war chronicle that focuses less on the events themselves and more on the inner world of the participants.
According to the festival organizers, the picture offers audiences an intimate glimpse into the psychology of soldiers in the aftermath of October 7, 2023. “Good Morning Gaza” will be one of the world premieres at this year’s Jerusalem Film Festival and is expected to draw the attention of both documentary enthusiasts and researchers of modern military conflicts. The factual data regarding the film and its participation in the festival are confirmed by the official festival program and publications about the 2026 competition lineup.
