“Gila Almagor in Tofano’s Siege is one of the first characters of the ‘modern’ war widows to appear on Israeli cinema screens. The human and social complexity of the status of widows was not represented adequately and personally until her complex and fine appearance in this film. (Cinema of the World)

After Tamar lost her husband in the Six Day War, she deeply mourned his passing, and now, years later, wants to find new love. However, her late husband’s family and friends expect her to remain in mourning for the rest of her life, keeping his memory alive. In contrast to most films made in Israel shortly after the 1967 war, Siege does not convey the euphoria of victory, but instead it captures more nuanced feelings of fear and sorrow. The film had its world premiere in competition in 1969 at the 22nd Cannes Film Festival and was Israel’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 42nd Academy Awards. A newly restored digital version of Siege returned to Cannes last year for a special presentation, and we’re pleased to have the opportunity to show it here.