The documentary “Coexistence, My Ass!” has been shortlisted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the 2026 Oscar® shortlist in the category “Documentary Feature Film”. Congratulations to Amber Fares, Rachel Leah Jones and the whole film team as well as to the protagonist Noam Shuster Eliassi!
“Coexistence, My Ass!” accompanies the Israeli comedian and activist Noam Shuster Eliassi over several years and shows how political humor, personal attitude and social reality increasingly intertwine. The film celebrated its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival 2025, where it was awarded the“Special Jury Prize for Freedom of Expression”.
Synopsis
Noam Shuster Eliassi grew up as the figurehead of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process before turning resolutely to stand-up comedy and political satire. But as the region sinks deeper and deeper into devastating violence, she must confront the situation and confront her audience with hard truths that are no laughing matter.
Coexistence, My Ass! by Amber Fares follows Israeli activist and comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi as she creates her comedy show of the same name. The film, which was shot over a period of five turbulent years, traces Noam’s personal, professional and political development against the backdrop of the steadily deteriorating situation in the region. Growing up in a bilingual Israeli-Palestinian village – the only consciously integrated community in the country – Noam increasingly loses faith in traditional peace activism. She turns to stand-up comedy and quickly attracts attention across the Middle East. But as her star rises, everything around her comes crashing down.
With biting satire, Noam confronts her audience with difficult truths that are not always funny, but remind us that a different reality is possible.
With its inclusion on the Oscar® shortlist,“Coexistence, My Ass!” is one of the most internationally acclaimed documentaries of the year. The film distributor UCM.ONE will release“Coexistence, My Ass!” in cinemas in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on February 5, 2026.
Selection of previous awards at festivals:
- 2025 Sundance: „World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Freedom of Expression“ -> Coexistence, My Ass!
- 2025 Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival: “International Competition Golden Alexander” -> Coexistence, My Ass!
- 2025 Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival: “Human Rights in Motion Award” -> Coexistence, My Ass!
- 2025 Full Frame: “Center for Documentary Studies Filmmaker Award” -> Coexistence, My Ass!
- 2025 Millennium Docs Against Gravit: “Lower Silesia Grand Prix” -> Coexistence, My Ass!
- 2025 Dokufest: “Best Youth Film Award” -> Coexistence, My Ass!
- 2025 Woodstock FF: “Honorable Mention: Best Feature Documentary” -> Coexistence, My Ass!
- 2025 Woodstock FF: “Best Editing Documentary Award” -> Coexistence, My Ass!
- 2025 Cinema Eye Honors: “Unforgettables Award“ -> Noam Shuster Eliassi
- 2025 Festival de cinéma de la ville de Québec: “Emerging Talent Award” -> Coexistence, My Ass!
- 2025 Centre FF: Jury Award “Best Documentary Feature” -> Coexistence, My Ass!
- 2025 Boston Jewish FF: „Audience Award” -> Coexistence, My Ass!
- 2025 Torino FF: „Gandhi’s Glasses Award” -> Coexistence, My Ass!
More information about the film label: NONFY Documentaries
