Sacred Land
In this gripping short documentary, we follow Rabbi Arik Ascherman for 24 hours in the West Bank as he risks his own safety to protect Palestinian farmers and civilians from extremist settlers. Through Arik’s eyes, we witness the harsh realities of daily life in a region marked by violence and political tension. As a longtime advocate for Palestinian rights, Arik confronts not only the dangers posed by radical settlers, but also the systemic corruption within the Israeli military. Since the massacre of October 7th, 2023, extremists have used the rising anger in Israel to escalate their attacks and intensify their campaign to displace Palestinians. The film offers a raw and unfiltered look at Arik’s marginalization and his unwavering commitment to standing in the gap between communities that have long been torn apart by conflict. Through intimate moments and powerful testimonies, Sacred Land provides a rare insight into one man’s struggle for justice amidst the backdrop of escalating violence and political strife.
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Eli KatzoffDirector
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Eli KatzoffWriter
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Eli KatzoffProducer
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Arik AschermanKey Cast"Rabbi Arik Ascherman"
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Sarah BregerExecutive Producer
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Eli KatzoffEditor
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Bilal Sa'edEditor
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Moment StudiosProduction company
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Project Type:Documentary, Short
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Runtime:9 minutes 45 seconds
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Completion Date:January 30, 2025
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Production Budget:1,500 USD
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Country of Origin:Israel
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Country of Filming:Israel
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Eli Katzoff is an award-winning filmmaker currently living between the US and Israel. His work, characterized by its emotional depth and keen attention to detail, has been showcased to audiences worldwide. Eli brings a unique visual style to his storytelling that allows his work to capture the nuance of the human experience. After the events of October 7th, Katzoff's filmmaking took a poignant turn as he directed his lens towards the tumultuous new realities facing Israel and the Jewish world. Through his lens, he explores the complexities of identity, resilience, and the profound impact of conflict on individuals and communities.
As a filmmaker and photojournalist I have dedicated my life to storytelling. Through this passion I have had the opportunity to meet extraordinary people whose stories I have had the privilege to capture. By sharing these stories with you I hope you will be able to feel the truth and emotion behind these lives and events - and see the world from an unexplored angle.
Thank you for joining me on this journey!