The taking of your child is devastating at any age, as proven in Brandon Kramer’s moving documentary Holding Liat. Beginning two weeks weeks following her capture, the film follows the Beinen family as they advocate and hope for the release of their daughter, sister, and mother, Liat, who was taken by Hamas on the October 7 attack in 2023. The film opens with the premise that Liat has been taken hostage along with her husband, Aviv, and that it’s unknown where they are or if they’re injured.
Viewers primarily accompany Liat’s father, Yehuda, as he grapples with the unknown status of his daughter and son-in-law. We also hear from Liat’s distraught mother Chaya, Liat’s sister Tal, and Liat’s children among others in the course of the story. Wanting to help his daughter, Yehuda travels to Washington to humanize the hostages by talking to senators and congressmen. He’s recruited a reluctant Tal and Liat’s son Netta to help him. Netta, who himself narrowly escaped capture on that fateful day, is obviously pained to repeatedly tell his story to politicians and in media interviews. Yehuda, on his part, is outwardly frustrated with the slow-turning wheels of bureaucracy and the contradictory sentiments around him. He also speaks to Liat’s probable feelings on everything, as she is a civics and history teacher. Weeks after the Washington trip, hostages begin to be released, and after an agonizing wait, the fates of Liat and Aviv are revealed.
With its fly-on-the-wall-style narrative, the film is very easy to become absorbed and emotionally invested in. Kramer appears to deal with the subject matter in a philosophical, “exploring all facets” kind of way, though individual interpretations may vary based on their own experiences. Yehuda has his frustrations with both sides of the situation and viewers are privy to them all; at the very least it might make one pause and reflect on what continues to be a tragic conflict. 3 stars, would recommend.
Should public libraries screen/acquire Holding Liat?
Given the often-divisive nature of the film’s subject matter, Holding Liat may not prove to be a film that’s appropriate to publicly screen in any and every library, and should be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis for the emotional well-being of its patrons. However, those interested in watching this nuanced account of a family in crisis may find it beneficial to be able to view it at home via their local library.
What academic courses might benefit from showing this complex documentary?
Academic librarians would do well to provide Holding Liat to graduate-level professors teaching with film. The obvious political nature behind the kidnappings would make for a thought-provoking exchange in a world political sciences course. The wider backdrop of the film, that of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, could also be covered in courses about world history and religious history as well as specific courses on Israel and Palestine. The scenes in Washington might also make for productive discussions on how to productively advocate for others and for activist-driven causes by meeting with higher ranking officials in government.
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