8th Day of Khamsin

Set in the late 1950s, this documentary follows Marek Hłasko, a Polish writer often compared to James Dean, during his time in Israel. While the country and its people provide him with creative inspiration, they also become a source of confinement. The film examines Hłasko's observations of immigrants struggling to integrate into their new environment and his own efforts to make a living. Through a blend of literature and personal perspective, the story explores his relationship with Esther, a local woman whose skepticism regarding his connection to the land reflects a wider conflict between dreams and reality.

Written and directed by Zvika Gregory Portnoy, the film utilizes previously unseen archival footage of Hłasko. The production is a collaboration between Israel and Poland, involving companies such as PISF, TVP, and Plesnar & Krauss Films. The cast features Marek Hłasko appearing as himself in archive material, with Andrzej Chyra providing voice work. The movie was released on May 12, 2024, with a runtime of 80 minutes.