Where To?: Assaf Machnes’ Berlinale Film Explores Connection Amidst Conflict
Assaf Machnes’ debut feature film, Where To?, is generating buzz at the 2026 Berlinale, competing for the Best Debut Film Award. The film offers a nuanced portrayal of an unlikely friendship between a Palestinian Uber driver and an Israeli passenger in Berlin, tackling themes of trauma, identity and human connection.
A Story Born From Personal Experience
Machnes, a writer and director based in Berlin and Tel Aviv, draws heavily from personal experiences in his perform. He first presented a short film, Seven Minutes, at the Berlinale in 2017. The inspiration for Where To? stemmed from a personal encounter during a period living in Berlin. “I had a very confusing love story,” Machnes shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “It was winter, it was cold, I was a little bit lost and I found myself in the taxi of a Palestinian Uber driver…”
The Narrative Unfolds
The film centers on Hassan, a 55-year-old Palestinian Uber driver played by Ehab Salami, who navigates Berlin’s nightlife. He repeatedly picks up Amir, a 25-year-old Israeli passenger portrayed by Ido Tako, over a two-year period. As they share rides, a surprising bond develops. The story also touches upon Hassan’s strained relationship with his daughter, who plans to marry her German boyfriend, and Amir’s journey of self-discovery, including his exploration of sexual identity.
Addressing Trauma and Current Events
Machnes intentionally incorporated the events of October 7th into the film’s timeline, but approached the subject with sensitivity. He aimed to address the trauma without making the film a “didactic treatise,” believing that strong storytelling should endure over time. He noted the importance of subtlety, ensuring the events didn’t overshadow the film’s core intent. The film explores the broader connection of trauma and how individuals process it.
A Universal Story
Despite the specific Israeli-Palestinian context, Machnes hopes Where To? will resonate universally. He acknowledges a personal oscillation between cynicism and hope, believing the latter is essential for impactful storytelling. He expressed a desire to contribute to a dialogue that moves beyond hate speech, even while recognizing the limitations of cinema in changing deeply held narratives.
Cast and Crew
Where To? features performances by Ehab Salami, Ido Tako, Dov Navon, and Milan Peschel. Lucky Number is handling world sales for the film. Assaf Machnes’ previous work includes the short film Layam.
You can identify more information about Assaf Machnes and his work on his official website.