The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Day 719 - ToI doc film event shows the other kinds of Israeli stories
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Sep 24, 2025 
Yonatan Nir, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and founder of DocuNation, discusses the evolution of his online festival born out of the pandemic. He shares how DocuNation transformed from personal screenings into a community platform showcasing uplifting Israeli films that highlight resilience and human stories often overlooked in the news. Nir emphasizes the importance of emotional storytelling over sensationalism, and explains how his work fosters healing and connection through the power of documentary film.
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From Canceled Screenings To Zoom Audience
- Yonatan Nir lost about 60 in-person screenings overnight when COVID hit and moved to Zoom to stay connected with audiences.
- Their first open online screening drew six to seven hundred people and prompted donations to keep the project going.
Curating For Hope Over Sensation
- DocuNation curates films not just for cinematic quality but for life value, prioritizing stories that uplift and inspire.
- Nir says they avoid sensational negative topics because news already amplifies humanity's worst parts.
Expanding From Hebrew To English Audiences
- DocuNation began as a Hebrew-language community and later partnered with The Times of Israel to offer English-subtitled seasons.
- The English program runs weekly streaming plus an English Q&A so international audiences can engage.