Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Waltz with Bashir (2008)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

Waltz with Bashir
Waltz with Bashir is a 2008 animated war documentary directed by Ari Folman. It follows Folman's quest to recover lost memories from his time as a soldier during the 1982 Lebanon War and the Sabra and Shatila massacre. The film combines visualized animation with archival footage, creating a unique narrative that addresses the psychological impact of war on soldiers. Folman's personal reflections and fragmented memories are central to the storytelling, as he interacts with friends and fellow veterans to piece together his past. The film premiered at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to animation and storytelling. It is recognized as the first Israeli feature-length animated film since 1962. Waltz with Bashir won several awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, although it did not qualify for the Best Documentary Feature category due to new eligibility rules.

Why Watch

  • •See Ari Folman's unique animation style.
  • •Find out about the Sabra and Shatila massacre.
  • •Meet soldiers grappling with war memories.

Did You Know

•Waltz with Bashir is the first Israeli animated feature since 1962.
•The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008.
•It won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.
•Ari Folman received the WGA's Best Documentary Feature Screenplay award for this film.

Perfect For

Animated film enthusiastsWar history buffsFans of psychological documentaries