Rising: Voices of Protest and Hope 2026

Directed by Esther Takac

A feature documentary about five ordinary people rising from catastrophe to fight for the soul of their homeland. They are part of an unprecedented grassroots uprising—striving to defend democracy, end the bloodshed, bring the hostages home, and uphold Israel’s founding ideals of justice, equality and collective responsibility. In contrast to the headlines and the current extremist government, this film shows the true Israel, rooted in justice, pluralism and the search for peace. Whilst based in Israel, RISING is a universal story. With democracy under siege worldwide, RISING speaks to global struggles over authoritarianism, civic resistance and moral responsibility.