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Deep Dive: The Gatekeepers (2012)

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The Gatekeepers
The Gatekeepers is a documentary that presents the perspectives of six former heads of the Israeli internal security service, Shin Bet. Through in-depth interviews, archival footage, and computer animation, the film recounts the organization's role in Israel's security from the Six-Day War to the present. Director Dror Moreh captures the complexities of their experiences and decisions, revealing the impact these leaders had on Israeli policy and security measures. The film features interviews with Ami Ayalon, Avraham Shalom, Yaakov Peri, Carmi Gillon, Avi Dichter, and Yuval Diskin. It addresses sensitive topics, including the hijacking of a bus and the subsequent actions taken by Shin Bet, which led to Shalom's resignation. The documentary provides an intimate look at the decision-making process that shaped Israel over nearly fifty years.

Why Watch

  • •Meet six former heads of Shin Bet and their insights
  • •Find out about the hijacking of a bus and its aftermath
  • •See how Shin Bet influenced Israeli policy decisions

Did You Know

•The film was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 85th Academy Awards.
•Dror Moreh was inspired to create this film after watching The Fog of War.
•Ami Ayalon, one of the participants, was serving as a Minister in the Security Cabinet during filming.
•The film won the Golden Trailer Award for Best Foreign Documentary Trailer in 2013.

Perfect For

Israeli security historyIntelligence operationsDocumentary film enthusiasts