Filmmaker and director Danny A. Abeckaser announces the digital release of his new feature film 12 HOURS IN OCTOBER on January 6, 2026, following its theatrical opening on December 14, 2025 that aligned with the recent anniversary of the October 7 Nova Music Festival attack in Israel. A visceral, character-driven drama, the film chronicles the first twelve hours of that day, offering audiences an urgent and deeply human perspective on the events that shocked the world.
Following its theatrical run, 12 HOURS IN OCTOBER will be available beginning January 6, 2026 on major digital and on-demand platforms including Amazon Prime, iTunes, ApplePlay, VOD, Pay-Per-View and additional outlets. Conceived as both a gripping narrative and an educational tool, the film is intended to reach a broad, global audience and spark conversation, remembrance and understanding.
12 HOURS IN OCTOBER is a narrative feature inspired by the events of October 7, 2023, focusing on four intertwined perspectives over the first twelve hours of the Nova Music Festival attacks. Combining meticulous recreation with powerful performances, the film aims to serve as a cinematic record, an educational resource, and a tribute to those whose lives were forever changed.
Although inspired by real events, the film uses minimal real footage – only about four seconds in the trailer and approximately three minutes in the feature – with the remainder comprised of original, scripted, shot and fully recreated material produced and directed by Abeckaser. This approach allows the filmmaking team to portray the day with chilling realism while protecting those directly affected and shaping a cohesive, cinematic experience.
Written by Kosta Kondilopoulos, 12 HOURS IN OCTOBER is inspired by the events of October 7, 2023, and depicts separate, intersecting points of view as different characters face the terror and chaos of the first twelve hours of that fateful day.
At a desert music festival, Talia and Barak, a young couple in love, celebrate their engagement with friends. Nearby, Gabi and his wife Maya make peace after a night of discovering they will be having a baby, just as Ariel, a mother of two, quietly enjoys her morning coffee while her children sleep. At the same time, two Palestinian brothers, Nabil and Malik, prepare for an operation that will soon tear these lives apart.
When rockets cut through the sky and sirens begin to wail, each character is thrust onto a new path, and most will not return.
The logline captures the film’s core: Inspired by the actual events of October 7, 2023 during the Nova Festival attacks, the film depicts the separate points of view of different characters as they face the terror and chaos of the first twelve hours that transpired on that fateful day.
“Once I decided to make this film, I understood I had to shoot it on location where it happened. I knew I was making the most important film of my life and wanted to make sure it was real and accurate to what happened in the first 12 hours. The film was not easy to make since a lot of the actors and extras were actually there when it happened. We only used a few minutes of actual footage, everything was recreated. I knew it would evoke a lot of feelings and even PTSD for some, but I also know how important it is to tell this story properly. I received incredible support when I first put the film concept together, and just kept moving forward with a mission in mind. We had Psychologists and Psychiatrists on set daily to help everyone cope with it. In this film, we follow four perspectives. It is told from both sides. The world needs to see this powerful film. I had many friends and family affected, and all that transpired is deeply personal. It was important to me to tell this story and do it justice.” – Director/Producer, Danny A. Abeckaser
The film features a standout ensemble, including: Doron Ben-David (Fauda), Yaakov Zada (Fauda), Marina Maximilian Blumin (Fauda), Ariel Yagen (Martin Scorsese’s The Saints), Montana Tucker in a breakout role, Hadar Shitrit (The Perfect Gamble, Virgins). Herzl Tobey (The Perfect Gamble, Damascus Cover), Chanel Omari, among others.
12 HOURS IN OCTOBER is directed and produced by Danny A. Abeckaser through 2B Films. Executive Producers are Ilan Portal, Perry Hiiman, Maor Benshushan, Mosha Ziv, Emil Fish, and Jennifer Dryan Smorgon. The film is written by Kosta Kondilopoulos, with original score by composer Lionel Cohen.