For this week’s IZZY Excellence 2024 honor, we spotlight Brother and Sister in Captivity, an eye-opening and emotionally powerful film from Israel’s leading investigative and current affairs program. Directed by the award-winning filmmaker Yoram Zak and produced by Keshet Media Group, this exceptional documentary delves into the harrowing true story of Maya and Itay Regev, siblings from Herzliya, who were kidnapped during the Nova Music Festival on October 7 in a brutal Hamas-led terrorist assault that shocked the world.
The attack claimed the lives of 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of over 250 hostages, with nearly 400 victims at the festival alone. Zak’s poignant documentary captures the Regev siblings’ incredible story of survival, the trauma they endured, and the strength they found to overcome unimaginable adversity. Through deeply personal conversations with Maya and Itay, Zak’s film brings to light their innovative ways of communicating during captivity, their enduring hope, and the resilience that carried them through their ordeal.
Brother and Sister in Captivity weaves together the siblings’ experiences and memories, from Maya’s struggle with a leg injury and the tragic loss of a fellow hostage who died beside her, to the painful confirmation of their friend Ori Danino’s death in a Hamas tunnel. It also pays tribute to their friend Omer Shem-Tov, who remains in captivity. The documentary juxtaposes these events with the Regevs’ reflections on happier times, offering a poignant reminder of the lives forever changed by the attack.
Renowned journalist Ilana Dayan, celebrated for her work on Uvda (Facts), adds her expertise to the production, enhancing the depth and context of this significant episode.
As we honor Brother and Sister in Captivity, IZZY recognizes the immense contributions of Yoram Zak, Keshet Media Group, and the Regev family, whose courage and openness have brought this critical story to light. This extraordinary documentary stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy. Join us in celebrating this remarkable work, now available to audiences worldwide.
From the documentary Brother and Sister in Captivity on IZZY
