Dear Mr. Waldman

Set in early-1960s Tel Aviv, this coming-of-age story centers on 10-year-old Hilik and his struggle to help heal the emotional wounds of his father, who hasn't recovered from losing his elder son at Auschwitz. Still in denial, Moishe believes his son escaped and is now President Kennedy's aide. To help his father move on and gain the father-son relationship he sorely needs, Hilik puts Moishe's love to the test.

Directed by Hanan Peled, Dear Mr. Waldman leans on a strong ensemble — Rami Heuberger, Evgenia Dodina, Evelyn Kaplun — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2006.