When Liat Atzili and her husband Aviv were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, their families were not only devastated by the news but also at a loss of what to do next. In Brandon and Lance Kramer’s (The First Step”) brilliant, nuanced and stirring documentary “Holding Liat,” each member of the family must decide what he or she can do to help bring Liat and Aviv home not knowing what impact their actions or words will have. At times, passionate and painful disagreements break out within the family.

The Kramer brothers — director Brandon and producer Lance — return to the pod to discuss the harrowing journey of the Atzili/Beinin family and the filmmakers’ own connection to the story. With the fates of Liat and Aviv unknown, father Yehuda, son Netta and sister Tal embark on a byzantine quest through the corridors of power in Washington, DC to tell their story and to persuade lawmakers to do something. As the family’s frustration builds, tensions boil over. After weeks of excruciating uncertainty, suddenly, news brings relief and joy to the family but also tragedy. Keeping us in its tight emotional grip throughout, “Holding Liat,” ultimately, is as much about letting go as it is about holding on.

“Holding Liat” will screen at Film Forum in New York City in January, followed by a planned multi-city U.S. domestic release.

Hidden Gems:

Brandon: “Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment”

Lance: “Nobody’s Business”

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"Holding Liat" with Brandon and Lance Kramer