Knock on the Door

Southeast US Premiere

How do you tell someone their loved one has been killed in combat? With a knock on the door, the life of the family will never be the same. This poignant documentary delves into the role of casualty notification officers, individuals charged with the delicate duty of conveying such heartbreaking news with the utmost compassion. Filmmakers Aya Elia and Ohad Milstein (MJFF 2023 film Summer Nights) provide an intimate portrayal of the training undergone by IDF soldiers who carry this solemn responsibility. The film also explores the profound emotional toll this responsibility exacts on them. Director Aya Elia, who herself experienced the loss of her brother during a fateful ambush in Lebanon 25 years ago, offers a personal reflection on the enduring impact of such tragedies. Through a deeply human and emotional lens, Knock on the Door delves into themes of loss and mortality, exploring how society grapples with the imminent demise of its military members, whether they are sons, daughters, parents, or partners.

Accompanying the film premiere is a discussion with director Aya Elia. To view the conversation please click here.