Directed by award-winning filmmaker Nim Shapira, the documentary TORN: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on NYC Streets, traces the grassroots poster campaign to raise awareness for the 251 hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7 attack.
It will open in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, September 5, 2025. Following its awards-qualifying launch, the film will expand to additional cities throughout September and October. A digital release is expected later this year.
Set in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks, TORN traces the eruption of a grassroots poster campaign to raise awareness for the hostages taken by Hamas. What began as a plea for empathy quickly escalated into a symbolic street war, as pro-Israel and pro-Palestine activists tore down each other’s posters and battled over public messaging across New York City. Told through the voices of ten New Yorkers—including hostage family members, artists, students, activists, a free speech expert, and a rabbi—the film explores grief, identity, and the limits of empathy in today’s fractured public discourse.
TORN also marks the return of the iconic indie label Hemdale Films, best known for Oscar-winning classics like Platoon and The Last Emperor. After a decades-long hiatus, Hemdale has been relaunched under Hannover House, Inc. (OTC: HHSE), with TORN as the first release under the revitalized banner.
“We were waiting for the right film to reintroduce Hemdale,” said Eric Parkinson, CEO of Hannover House. “TORN is not only timely and awards-worthy—it’s the kind of bold, conversation-starting work that defines our legacy.”
Watch the trailer for Torn: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on NYC Streets.
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