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The Dreamer
Although he spent most of his life fighting ethnic discrimination, Yosef Shiloah is best remembered by the public for his comedic roles in Bourekas films. Yet behind the clownish image that clung to him was a deep, complex, and courageous artist who sought to change Israeli reality. He met with Yasser Arafat in his office and fought for peace—actions that ultimately forced him to leave the country. Shiloah was also a prolific writer—of songs, poems, screenplays, and more. Through his writings and rare, personal footage filmed by his daughter, we gain insight into the inner world of a man who began supporting his family at age nine and became one of Israel’s greatest actors.
Festivals and Awards:
Jerusalem Film Festival 2025
Director: Kobi Faraj, Morris Ben Mayor, Omer Shiloah
Producer: Ben-Mayor Farag
Cinematographer: Kobi Faraj, Morris Ben Mayor, Omer Shiloah
Soundtrack Editor: Yossi Epelbaum
Original Soundtrack: Jonathan Bar Giora
Supporter(s): The New Fund for Cinema and Television, HOT8, Rabinovich Film Fund Cinema Project, The New Fund for Cinema and Television, yes Docu, United King Films
Subtitles: Hebrew, English
Film Name in Hebrew: בעל החלומות
Although he spent most of his life fighting ethnic discrimination, Yosef Shiloah is best remembered by the public for his comedic roles in Bourekas films. Yet behind the clownish image that clung to him was a deep, complex, and courageous artist who sought to change Israeli reality. He met with Yasser Arafat in his office and fought for peace—actions that ultimately forced him to leave the country. Shiloah was also a prolific writer—of songs, poems, screenplays, and more. Through his writings and rare, personal footage filmed by his daughter, we gain insight into the inner world of a man who began supporting his family at age nine and became one of Israel’s greatest actors.
Festivals and Awards:
Jerusalem Film Festival 2025
Director: Kobi Faraj, Morris Ben Mayor, Omer Shiloah
Producer: Ben-Mayor Farag
Cinematographer: Kobi Faraj, Morris Ben Mayor, Omer Shiloah
Soundtrack Editor: Yossi Epelbaum
Original Soundtrack: Jonathan Bar Giora
Supporter(s): The New Fund for Cinema and Television, HOT8, Rabinovich Film Fund Cinema Project, The New Fund for Cinema and Television, yes Docu, United King Films
Subtitles: Hebrew, English
Film Name in Hebrew: בעל החלומות
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Escape from Heaven
Documentary / 14 Min. / Student / Experimental
Director: Shani Cohen


With the support of the Ministry of Culture - The Israel Film Council