Israel's 'Tell Me Everything': A Family Drama Making Waves

From Ophir Awards to Oscar Dreams

Israel's latest cinematic offering, Tell Me Everything, has been making headlines across the entertainment world with a stunning array of accolades. Directed by Moshe Rosenthal and backed by an impressive lineup of talent, this film has already won 10 Ophir Awards—Israel's most prestigious film awards—out of a record-breaking 16 nominations. It's no wonder that this emotionally rich family drama has been selected as Israel's submission for the Academy Awards.

"Tell Me Everything is a deeply moving story that transcends borders and speaks to universal truths about family, identity, and the secrets we carry."

What makes this film truly remarkable isn't just its critical success but also its international appeal. The movie has already secured distribution deals in France (via Maverick), Australia and New Zealand (Moving Story), Indonesia (PT Falcon), and is being picked up by HBO CEE for digital rights across Central and Eastern Europe. These sales confirm that this film's resonance goes far beyond Israeli shores.

Setting the Stage: A Journey Through Time

Tell Me Everything is set against the backdrop of Israel's cultural landscape in the late 1980s, a period marked by social upheaval and growing awareness of the HIV epidemic. This historical setting isn't just a backdrop—it's an integral part of the narrative that shapes the lives of its characters.

The story centers on 12-year-old Boaz, played with exceptional nuance by newcomer Yair Mazor. When he discovers a devastating secret about his father, the revelation sends shockwaves through his family, threatening to fracture their bond forever. As we follow Boaz into adulthood, the film explores how this initial wound continues to impact his journey toward self-discovery and reconciliation.

What strikes me most about this film is how it doesn't shy away from emotional complexity. The father-son relationship, while deeply personal, reflects broader themes of love, loss, and the weight of unspoken truths that many families grapple with in their own lives.

Star Power and Emotional Depth

The ensemble cast delivers a powerhouse performance across the board. Assi Cohen, one of Israel's biggest comedy stars, steps into rare dramatic territory as Boaz's father—a role that showcases his versatility as an actor. Keren Tzur (“Karaoke”) plays his mother with a quiet strength that anchors the family dynamic.

Supporting roles by Mor Dimri and Neta Orbach add layers of authenticity to the story, making every character feel fully realized rather than simply archetypal. The film's ability to blend comedy, drama, and heartbreak is a testament to Rosenthal's skillful direction.

A Director's Journey: From Karaoke to Oscar

This isn't Moshe Rosenthal's first rodeo. His previous feature, Karaoke, premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival and went on to earn 14 Ophir nominations, including best film and best director. That film also won a dozen awards and is being developed for remakes in several territories—including North America and Germany.

With Tell Me Everything, Rosenthal continues his evolution as a filmmaker who isn't afraid to tackle tough subject matter with sensitivity and grace. His latest work is a clear indication that he's not just another voice in Israeli cinema—he's a rising star on the global stage.

Production Magic: Behind the Scenes

The production team behind Tell Me Everything brings together a constellation of talent. Alona Refua, Maya Fischer, Roi Kurland, and Gal Greenspan at Green Productions; Ben Giladi at Liminal Content; and Moshe Edery and Leon Edery at United King Films—each has played a vital role in bringing this story to life.

Émilie Georges and Naima Abed of Paradise City Sales, whose credits include Call Me by Your Name, Drift, and Atropia, are also co-producers. Executive producers include Jonathan Margolis, Isaac Zablocki, Fred Toczek, Sharon Chazin Lieblein, and Limor Gott Ronen.

The collaborative effort behind the scenes is evident in every frame of the film, resulting in a polished yet deeply human portrait that resonates long after the credits roll.

Why This Film Matters

As I watched Tell Me Everything, I couldn't help but think about how powerful storytelling can be when it combines emotional honesty with cinematic artistry. The film offers a unique window into Israeli society while addressing universal experiences of family trauma, healing, and hope.

This isn't just a movie; it's an invitation to reflect on the ways our past shapes us and how we choose to carry forward what we learn. In a world often divided by politics and conflict, films like Tell Me Everything remind us of our shared humanity.

The Road Ahead

With its premiere at Sundance's World Cinema Dramatic Competition and screenings at nearly 30 international festivals, Tell Me Everything is clearly building a strong fanbase. As it continues to gain traction in global markets, I believe we're witnessing the rise of a new voice in world cinema—one that deserves recognition not only for its artistic merit but also for its capacity to move and inspire audiences everywhere.

The journey from Ophir Awards to Oscar consideration is filled with promise, and I, for one, am excited to see where this compelling story takes us next. This is more than a film submission—it's a cultural moment worth celebrating.