The First Lady

Biography

Sponsored By
Canadian premiere
June 14
2:00pm
In Person
Al Green Theatre
June 18
- June 20
Online
Online at TJFF Virtual Cinema
COUNTRIES
Israel
, Germany
Year
2025
Running Time
82 minutes
Language
s
Hebrew
,German
,French
,English
Subtitles
English
Directors
Udi Nir & Sagi Bornstein

The extraordinary life of one of Israel’s first openly transgender woman, The First Lady chronicles Efrat Tilma’s journey from her life on the margins of Tel Aviv’s underground clubs to her current status as a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and volunteer with the Israeli police. Having exiled herself to Europe for decades after facing violence and discrimination in Israel, Efrat returned to Israel in 2005 to advocate for transgender rights. With social conservatism on the rise again, Efrat revisits the traumas that shaped her life. “A masterful, striking, and breathtaking film” (Mako), this portrait of Efrat Tilma celebrates a life lived unapologetically and a legacy that continues to inspire.

Guest

Efrat Tilma

Review

“Directors Udi Nir and Sagi Bornstein present a moving portrait of Tilma’s life.” Forward

Awards & Festivals
DocAviv Film Festival 2025
Community Partner(s)

PARTNERS

NewsLetters

© 2026 Toronto Jewish Film Festival. All Rights Reserved. Privacy | Terms of Use 
A [HumanElement] Idea