TikTok Star’s Darkest Project Yet: The Heartbreaking Truth

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In the documentary titled “The Children of October 7“, premiering on Wednesday at Paramount+, activist and artist Montana Tucker interviews survivors of the Hamas attack on Israel that took place on October 7, 2023, sharing their heart-wrenching tales.

Originally famous for cheerful TikTok content, Tucker now uses her platform to champion those affected by the attacks that claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives. The team behind the documentary titled “The Children of October 7” asked Tucker to moderate on-screen discussions with survivors, who recount their experiences of being detained during home invasions and the tragic loss of family members.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter for Asaf Becker’s upcoming film that premieres on MTV this Thursday and is available for streaming on Paramount+, Tucker shares insights about her time working with children, the importance of its release date, and why she thinks the documentary can be enjoyed by viewers who don’t necessarily need to take sides in the ongoing conflict between Gaza.

How did you get involved with this documentary?

A company based in Israel contacted me, impressed by my extensive work with children. I’ve always had a unique bond with them, and this opportunity presented something incredibly profound and intense involving kids. Some of the children recognized me from my TikTok dance clips, which made them feel more at ease with me as the storyteller. When they proposed that I join their project, my response was an instant affirmative.

How did the production get in touch with these children?

Nearly every Jew worldwide shared a link with someone impacted by October 7th. The people in Israel form an interconnected network, and it’s often easy to find a connection between any two individuals there. When it came to selecting the children for this documentary, it was all about leveraging personal connections within Israel to make it happen. The filmmakers were remarkable in their thorough research and outreach efforts. On set, we had a psychologist present to ensure the well-being of the children and their families. We were extremely mindful of their feelings and made sure that everything was approved by them and that they felt at ease throughout the process.

What stands out in your mind from speaking with the children?

This movie proved incredibly challenging for everyone involved, keeping me wide awake throughout the shooting process. Often, people wonder how I managed to avoid emotional collapse during filming. While there were instances where I did break down on set, what sustained me was focusing on the children I was interviewing. If they could recount their experiences, even a year later, with such resilience and courage, then I had to demonstrate similar strength for them. Every night after filming, however, I found myself deeply moved. These children are remarkable in their determination for peace and a better future, and it is their unwavering spirit that keeps me going.

What is your hope for the project?

It’s worth mentioning that our movie will be released on April 23rd, which coincides with Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day – and this was not a mere coincidence. We believe it carries great significance. Furthermore, we want to emphasize that this film is not political in nature; instead, it offers real-life accounts from children who were caught up in the horrors of the Holocaust and had no connection to any conflict, war, or politics whatsoever.

We hope that people will listen to these children’s stories and approach the movie with an open mind and genuine empathy. Although it may be difficult to watch, its importance cannot be overstated. We particularly encourage parents to share this film with their children.

What are your thoughts on films and television shows that delve into the Gaza conflict, following the controversy over the documentary “No Other Land” winning at this year’s Oscars?

I understand the gravity of this topic, and I want you to know that I do. Following conflicts, there are often documentaries produced, and storytelling holds significant value. This is why I have personally visited Israel on five occasions since October 7th, and I plan to continue going and speaking with survivors. The focus of my film is the accounts given by children, providing a unique perspective. It’s crucial to note that this film does not carry any political agenda; it’s merely a collection of real-life testimonies from survivors of October 7th. My grandparents shared their testimonies with Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation, which interviewed Holocaust survivors. In the same vein, my project showcases the testimonies of October 7th survivors.

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2025-04-24 01:54