The Israeli Academy of Film and Television has picked Shai Carmeli-Pollak’s anti-war drama The Sea as its contender for the 2026 Oscars in the best international feature category.

The drama follows a 12-year-old Palestinian boy who risks his life to go to the beach for the first time in Tel Aviv. Khaled gets the chance to see the sea for the first time in his life on a school trip. Turned back at a military checkpoint, he sets off on his own, despite not knowing the way or speaking any Hebrew.

The Sea premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival and received 13 nominations, including best film, at the Israeli Film Awards, the local equivalent of the Oscars.

The Israeli Academy of Film and Television has picked Shai Carmeli-Pollak’s anti-war drama The Sea as its contender for the 20

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