TORN: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on NYC Streets

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TORN: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on NYC Streets

Sep 2025

1h 15m

Documentary

War

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7 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

TORN explores the controversy surrounding the "KIDNAPPED" poster campaign--a grassroots effort to raise awareness about hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. These posters quickly became polarizing symbols, sparking street-level clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine activists across New York City. The film unpacks the motivations of those who put up and tore down the posters, illuminating the deeper ideological battles unfolding thousands of miles from the actual conflict.

Erik Reeds

Spectrum Culture

TORN is so tepid, it’s unclear whether this is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, hiding its power level of pro-Israel sentiments, or if it’s just lackadaisically tone-deaf.

Sep 11, 2025

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Nora Lee Mandel

Maven's Nest

With high emotional quotient, Shapira’s in-depth look at reactions in 1st months is a useful reminder of the shock and initial confrontations. Insights include the creators of red-framed posters, distraught relatives and friend of murdered and kidnapped.

Rated: 7/10

Sep 7, 2025

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Christopher Campbell

Nonfics (Substack)

Torn: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on NYC Streets should serve as a reminder that images (including text) can contain multitudes. In support of its own theme, though, the film’s statement shall be divisive. That only proves it’s a success.

Sep 4, 2025

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Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

Illuminating, compelling and heartfelt.

Aug 31, 2025

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Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

A fine documentary about the phenomenon of people tearing down posters of the hostages in Gaza, and a rare post-October 7 nonfiction film that gives everyone their say.

Jul 17, 2025

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Christian Toto

HollywoodInToto.com

Compelling look at those who tore down posters of kidnapped men, women and toddlers.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 16, 2025

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Mark S

I would recommend this thought provoking and well scripted documentary. While the movie obviously sides with the Israeli side of the conflict it does not stray away from the larger questions involved in an issue that divides two groups of people.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/05/25

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Shane R

I feel like I lived this documentary (residing in NYC and witnessing defaced posters/stickers on a daily basis...) but I still learned from it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/05/25

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Katherine R

A very thought-provoking film with a subtle and meaningful take on a timely subject. Kudos to the filmmakers.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/04/25

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Lilynyc L

TORN successfully documents a painful time as conflict plays out on the streets of New York City. The "poster war" is an excellent window into what actually occurred. I am a New Yorker and experienced this first hand.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/04/25

Full Review

Naomi F

Torn shows a moment in time, in which NY streets serve as a secondary war zone. The issue of suppressing freedom of speech in regards to the sanctity of life is considered in a variety of ways. It is powerful and leaves more questions to ponder.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/04/25

Full Review

Jay C.

TORN really moved me. It handles a charged topic with empathy and balance, giving space to all sides of the “KIDNAPPED” poster debate. I left with a deeper understanding of how grief and conflict ripple through our communities. Powerful, human, and heartbreaking—especially seeing the anger and hate toward images of hostages.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/03/25

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Nimrod Shapira

Director

Nimrod Shapira

Producer

Nimrod Shapira

Executive Producer

Elad Schanin

Executive Producer

Yarin Cerf

Executive Producer

Yuval Lion

Executive Producer

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TORN: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on NYC Streets: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

TORN explores the controversy surrounding the "KIDNAPPED" poster campaign--a grassroots effort to raise awareness about hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. These posters quickly became polarizing symbols, sparking street-level clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine activists across New York City. The film unpacks the motivations of those who put up and tore down the posters, illuminating the deeper ideological battles unfolding thousands of miles from the actual conflict.

Director: Nimrod Shapira
Producer: Nimrod Shapira
Distributor: Hemdale Film Corp. / Hannover House
Production Co: Metallux Studios, CRC Media
Genre: Documentary, War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 5, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 15m