No Witches in the Valley
Director: Ayala Sharot
Cast:Alma Dishi, Gal Israeli, Zach Cohen
Crew:Writer: Ayala Sharot. Producer: Yael Ozsinay. Editor: Efrat Berger; Original Score: Frank Ilfman; Storyboard: Mor Israeli; Sound Design: Ronen Nagel; Animation Department: Marianna Raskin, Tali Gensheft; Character Design: Bruno Mangyoku
Email:yaelos8@gmail.com
Synopsis
Which regrets fill the heart at the last moments of a woman's life? Which thoughts occupy the mind of a woman who dedicated her life to the Socialist dream, and lost her son's love along the way?
“No Witches in the Valley” is a story about intergenerational trauma and the ability to overcome it. It is a love letter to my grandmother, whose voice was erased from the pages of history.
Trailer
About the director
Ayala Sharot is an independent filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and animator whose work blends documentary storytelling with animation and archival materials. Her films explore memory, intergenerational trauma, and the personal narratives that emerge between fact and imagination. Alongside her independent projects, she creates animated sequences for museums, visitor centers, and documentary films, developing visual approaches that deepen and enrich historical and emotional stories. Her award-winning short films have screened internationally, including a nomination at the Israeli Academy Awards. Ayala currently serves as the chairwoman of the Israeli Animation Guild and is developing a feature-length hybrid animated documentary.
Filmmaker's note
No Witches in the Valley is a personal journey through my family’s complex history, inspired by my grandmother Miriam. Through animation and archival footage, the film examines the hidden sacrifices of women who shaped history, but were discarded by it. In today’s turbulent times, revisiting Miriam’s life has become even more urgent, as I confront questions of identity, memory, and compassion that resonate deeply across generations.
As an Israeli filmmaker, I feel a need to clarify that I do not identify with the actions or policies of my current government. In this time of war and deepening polarization, I believe it is more important than ever to support independent voices – especially those that challenge dominant narratives from within. This film, rooted in a feminist and documentary perspective, is part of that effort.