For this week’s IZZY Excellence 2024 honor, we proudly celebrate “Screams Before Silence” as Best Documentary Film.
Led by Sheryl Sandberg and directed by the talented Anat Stalinsky, this groundbreaking documentary is a poignant and unflinching exploration of the October 7 attacks, giving voice to the silenced and uncovering the harrowing truths of that tragic day.
Produced by Kastina Communications, “Screams Before Silence” brings together never-before-heard accounts from released hostages, survivors, and first responders. At its core is the powerful testimony of Amit Soussana and other brave individuals who recount the atrocities they endured and the resilience they summoned in the face of unimaginable adversity.
In this 60-minute presenter-led film, Sheryl Sandberg interviews eyewitnesses, experts, and survivors, ensuring their stories are told with dignity and impact. Her thoughtful approach emphasizes the importance of bearing witness and preserving these narratives despite efforts to minimize or deny the gravity of these events. Through their voices, the film illuminates the stark realities of that day while honoring the courage and humanity of those who lived through it.
Filmed in Israel in February 2024, just before a wave of testimonies emerged, the documentary captures raw and chilling accounts from survivors like Soussana and Agam Goldstein-Almog. The survivors’ courage in sharing their stories, coupled with the perspectives of first responders, brings an unparalleled depth to this work.
Anat Stalinsky’s direction masterfully balances raw emotion with journalistic rigor, creating a documentary that is as heartbreaking as it is vital. Amplified by a haunting acoustic rendition of Ninet Tayeb’s song “Reborn”, the film resonates deeply, underscoring themes of resilience, justice, and the human spirit’s strength.
As we honor “Screams Before Silence” IZZY applauds Sheryl Sandberg, Anat Stalinsky, Kastina Communications, and all those who contributed to this essential film. Join us in celebrating this extraordinary work, which stands as a testament to the courage of survivors and the enduring power of truth in the pursuit of justice and healing.
From the documentary film Screams Before Silence on IZZY
