Wednesday, 5 November 2025 - 00:00
Director: Roy Assaf
Screenwriters: Roy Assaf, Omri van Essen
Comedy drama, 91 min, Israel / Kosovo (2024)
IN COMPETITION
V.O. Hebrew, S.T. English
Nominated for the Lys d’or of Best Actor, Best Director and Best Film
Assi, a failed actor and war veteran recently called back from reserve duty, tries to revive his career by teaching theater and performing in a small local cabaret. But when a provocative excerpt from his show—critical of the government—goes viral, he is fired and thrown into the heart of a media and legal storm. Blending political satire, dark humor, and personal trauma, Cabaret Total explores freedom of expression in an Israel grappling with the aftermath of October 7.
CASTING
Roy Assaf : Assi
Moti Ben Ishai
Ornella Bess : Natalie
Mili Eshet
ACTOR / DIRECTOR
Roy Assaf serves as both director and lead actor. He is a two-time Ophir Award winner for Best Actor and is widely recognized for his roles in God’s Neighbors (2012), The Kindergarten Teacher (2014), and Mary Magdalene (2018). In Cabaret Total, he portrays a character inspired by his own artistic and military experiences.
AWARDS
- Honorable Mention at the Mar del Plata International Film Festival (Argentina, 2024)
- Artistic Achievement Award – Haifa International Film Festival, 41st Edition (2025)
- Ophir Awards 2024: Best Cinematography, Best Makeup
PRESS REVIEW
“Fellini was reborn in the South of Israel.”
Avner Shavit, Walla!
“Artistic breakthrough. Wonderful acting.”
Marlyn Vinig, Portfolio
“Cinematic, virtuoso, staggering. Made from materials from a cult film.”
Yair Raveh, Cinemascope
“Masterpiece. One of the best films made in Israel in recent years.”
Yonatan Gat, Kan 11
“A precise combination of surrealist cabaret in the heart of the desert and topical satire.”
Shmulik Duvdevani, ynet
“Exciting, interesting, and full of layers.”
Shany Litman, Haaretz