A Letter to David: Capturing Humanity Amid Horror

Tom Shoval's film, 'A Letter to David,' is a poignant tribute to his friend David Cunio, abducted in a Hamas-led attack. Premiering at the Berlin Film Festival, it blends past and present footage to reveal Cunio's humanity and raise awareness about hostage conditions.

Tom Shoval's latest film, 'A Letter to David,' serves as a heartfelt tribute to his friend David Cunio, who was taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This chilling event left over 1,200 dead and had harrowing footage that Shoval describes as 'horror, horror, horror.'

Premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, the film merges archival footage from Shoval's 2013 film 'Youth' and new material shot in kibbutz Nir Oz to portray Cunio as a person with its own dreams and motivations, contrasting it with the violence that overshadowed those lives.

Shoval hopes that 'A Letter to David' will not only capture Cunio's spirit but also raise awareness about the dire conditions hostages face. The film reflects Shoval's struggle and hope, emphasizing the human stories behind headline horrors.

(With inputs from agencies.)