Thursday evening saw the festive premiere of "Dana Kama" (Dana woke up), a new documentary on the life of Israeli Pop diva Dana International, directed by Ilan Abudi and Johnny Cognac.
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Back in December 2021, it was reported for the first time that after many years of persuasive efforts, International and her manager, Shai Kerem, were given the green light and final approval to film a documentary-reality series about her life.
A year and a half later and the documentary — which gained a lot of buzz and fans even before the first episode aired — was screened before an impressive lineup of artists, Eurovision Song Contest winners, and even one Israeli politician.
Among those who attended the premiere were 2018 Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai, Yizhar Cohen, the singer who brought Israels its first victory in the famous song contest in 1978, Labor Party chief Merav Michaeli, actress Evelyn Hagoel, Israeli songwriter Doron Medalie — who wrote this year's entry “Unicorn”, sung by Noa Kirel — choreographer Tzedi Tzarfati, and more.
International first rose to worldwide fame after she won the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest with her song "Diva", becoming the first transgender woman to do so. She returned to the Eurovision stage in 2011, representing Israel once again with the song "Ding Dong".