THE FIRST LADY

Documentary - ISR, D 2025 - 83' - OmeU

Director: Udi Nir, Sagi Bornstein

In the 1960s, Efrat Tilma emigrates from Israel to Europe. As a trans* woman, she is exposed to sexual violence and persecution by the police in her home country. After an eventful life with stops in Paris, Morocco and Berlin, she returns 35 years later to the country of her birth - where violence against the LGBT+ community is once again on the rise under the Nethanyahu government. This time Tilma becomes an activist. Sagi Bornstein and Udi Nir's moving documentary tells Tilma's story and reveals a secret that she has long carried with her.

All about the power of images in film, pop culture, art and society. At FILM FESTIVAL COLOGNE from October 9-16, 2025 and always online.

*Editorial Note: As the Rausgegangen team, we take a long-term view of the debate and criticism surrounding FILM FESTIVAL COLOGNE. We take this debate very seriously. For us, the following is fundamentally clear: We reject any form of toxic behavior in the workplace and actively position ourselves against it. But what we do: We recommend content. We stand behind the filmmakers, the artists and the works. Regardless of politics, we want to recommend films and give you the opportunity to get to know the festival and its program. That's why you'll find the FILM FESTIVAL COLOGNE content on our website.