Stay Forte (2025)

Interesting facts

Stay Forte is a 2025 Israeli drama film directed by Doron Eran. It deals with the Gaza war hostage crisis and is based on the stories of Alon Shamriz, Yotam Haim, and Samer Talalka. The three Israeli men were abducted to the Gaza Strip amid the 7 October attacks and later killed in friendly fire on 16 December 2023.

Production

Eran chose to make the film based on a meeting he had with Yotam Haim's mother, Iris, where he learned more about the story of the three hostages.

The script is based on the testimony of Wichian Temthong, a Thai national that was also held hostage in Gaza.

Eran spoke about the film: "War is not just a battle between nations; it is a deep wound that scars humanity. Stay Forte is a reminder that behind every statistic are real lives forever changed. We must confront the true cost of conflict and strive for a world where understanding and compassion prevail over violence." Elsewhere Eran has said: "To me, the three hostages represent rare courage.

Hirsch spoke about his experience and commitment to the project: "I’m honored to be a part of this very important project. It is one of the most moving experiences of my whole life. To participate in sharing this story with the world is something so personally important to me." Hirsch's character is inspired by the stories of two American hostages held in Gaza.

Blair also spoke about the film in statement: "This film is not just a narrative; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds that unite us against unimaginable tragedy, and added “I am honored to be part of this journey, which truly reflects the diverse fabric of Israeli society—people of many religions caught in the crossfire of conflict.”

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