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- Written by Silvia Golan
The Jerusalem Film Festival, Israel's leading film event, will be held for the 43rd time from July 9-19. The festival will open at the Sultan's Pool with the premiere of "Independence," directed by Moshe Rosenthal ("Karaoke").
The festival's international program includes dozens of full-length films - feature films, documentaries and experimental films, screened in a series of settings.
The full program is available on the festival website
The program includes many notable films from the past year, including the Palme d'Or winner and the Golden Bear winner, along with the big winners of the world's most significant international festivals such as San Sebastian, Toronto, Tallinn, SXSW, Tribeca and Rotterdam.
The films will be screened in the four halls of the Jerusalem Cinematheque, and in the Lev Smadar Cinema. This year, the festival will host over 20 international guests, including directors, producers and actors from all over the world.
This year, over three-quarters of the international curated films in the program are exclusive to the Jerusalem Film Festival, a unique opportunity to view them in Israel.
This edition of the festival will also feature award-winning competitions for international cinema: the International Competition, the International Debut Competition, the In the Spirit of Freedom Competition, and the Chantal Ackerman Competition.
Alongside the official competitions, international films will be screened in a variety of additional settings, including: Masters and Masters, Panorama, Gala, Cinemania, Midnight Films, Classics, and Art at the Intersection.
The festival's international program settings:
The International Competition - the festival's main competition for international cinema. Debuts - an international competition that looks to the next and most promising generation of cinema art. In the Spirit of Freedom - an international competition for works that deal with man's eternal pursuit of freedom and justice. Chantal Ackerman Competition - a competition for international films that deal with an event or a true story through innovative and experimental means.
On the Radar - the promising and intriguing voices of international cinema in fiction and documentary. Masters and Masters - new films by renowned and influential directors in the field of cinema. Panorama - acclaimed films from around the world. Gala - festive premieres • films with movie stars • films for a wide audience. Losing It - wild films that walk on the edge.
Cinemania - films that deal with the love of cinema and the stories behind the great films and filmmakers. Classics - new and restored tributes and copies of unforgettable masterpieces. Art at the Crossroads - a framework for experimental cinema in collaboration with the "Mamatoa" Art and Media Center.
Among the notable international films that will be screened at the festival
"Fjord" - winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Christian Monjou's film ("4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days"), with the participation of Oscar nominees Sebastian Stan and Renata Rainsev.
"Yellow Letters" - winner of the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. A film by Ilker Cetak (Oscar nominee for "The Teachers' Room").
"Fatherland" - Pawel Pawlikowski's new film, winner of the Cannes Film Festival's Best Director Award.
"La Bola Negra" - Winner of the Cannes Film Festival's Best Director Award. A timeless epic produced by Pedro Almodóvar.
"Hercules Falling" - Winner of the Tallinn Film Festival's Best Debut Film and International Critics' Award, starring Dar Salim ("Game of Thrones").
"A New Dawn" - An anime film from the official competition of the Berlin Film Festival.
"Paper Tiger" - James Gray's new film, starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, from the official competition of the Cannes Film Festival.
"The Dreamed Adventure" - Winner of the Cannes Film Festival's Jury Prize.
"A Man" - A Man of his Time
Winner of the Cannes Film Festival Screenplay Award.
Barrio Triste – The debut film of Stills, director of the Bad Bunny music videos, from the Venice Film Festival’s Orizont program.
Skateboarding is not for Girls – Winner of the Tribeca Film Festival’s Nora Ephron Award for Best New Director.
And Her Body Was Never Found – A suspense drama by Polaris Banks and Moore Cohen, from the SXSW Festival program.
The Samurai and the Prisoner – Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s new film, an official selection of the Cannes Film Festival.
Broken Voices – Winner of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival’s Best Actress Award.
Iron Boy – Animation, winner of the Jury’s Special Prize in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival.
Robert Richardson: The White Devil – An extraordinary documentary about the legendary cinematographer (“Kill Bill”, “Platoon”, “Shutter Island”), straight from its premiere in Karlovy Vary.
Rose – A stylish period drama that brought Sandra Haller the Best Actress Award at the Berlin Film Festival.
Ivan & Hadoum – Winner of the Berlin Film Festival Teddy Award.
Silent Flood – Winner of the IDFA Film Festival Cinematography Award.
Trial of Hein – A unique historical drama from the Berlin Film Festival’s Perspective Competition for First-Time Films.
Their Town – A coming-of-age drama from the makers of “Lost in Baltimore”, from the SXSW Film Festival lineup.
My Wife Cries – Angela Schnellek’s new film, from the official competition of the Berlin Film Festival.
Nagi Notes – Koji Fukada’s new film, from the official competition of the Cannes Film Festival.
Another Day – A stunning performance by Adele Exercopole in a drama from the official competition of the Cannes Film Festival.
No Mercy – A documentary examining the cinema created by female directors over the years, with the participation of Celine Sciamma, Catherine Brey, Anna Lili Amarpour, Alice Diop and more.
The Christophers – Steven Soderbergh’s new film starring Ian McKellen.
In the Land of Arto – A travelogue starring Kami Kota and Raz Amir Ibrahimi (“Tatami”).
"The Red Rocks" - Bruno Dumont's surprising new film, from the Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.
"The Day She Returned" - The new film by South Korean master Hong Sang-su, from the Berlin Film Festival program.
"Noga" - A documentary about Israeli musician Noga Erez, screened at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The classics will include:
A tribute to Roberto Rossellini - with the new documentary by the Italian master ("Roberto Rossellini: Living Without a Script" winner of the Donatello Award) we will screen four of his greatest works: the documentary "India: Mother Earth", "Germany Year Zero", and "Fear" and "Journey to Italy" starring Ingrid Bergman. "3:10 to the Moon" - A new restoration of the classic Western. "The Promised Land" - A new restoration of Andrzej Wajda's magnificent film, which was nominated for an Oscar for Best International Film.
"Dead Travelers Hotel" – A New Restoration of the Lost Soviet Cult Film.
About the Jerusalem International Film Festival 2026:
The Jerusalem Film Festival will take place this year from July 9-19. The festival will present a rich artistic program that includes dozens of film premieres from around the world, first exposure of the best of Israeli cinema, as well as talkies that have won awards at leading festivals in the world, including Berlin, Cannes, Tribeca, IDFA and others.
The Jerusalem Film Festival, conceived and initiated by Israel Prize laureate and founder of the Jerusalem Cinematheque, Lia van Leer, is considered a leading and important film festival in Israel, enjoys a prestigious status in the international arena and has established itself as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The festival is expected to attract approximately 70,000 film and culture enthusiasts from Israel and around the world, and invited guests from the international film industry, along with Israeli film professionals, including actors, directors, producers, festival directors, film fund directors, and more.
Festival Director: Roni Mahadav-Levin, Artistic Director: Or Sigoli.
The Jerusalem Film Festival is held with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Van Leer Foundation, the Jerusalem Foundation, and the Jerusalem Municipality.
Full details, screening dates, and ticket reservations - via the festival's official website https://jff.org.il/he
Photo credit: "Courtesy of the Jerusalem Film Festival"
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- Written by Silvia Golan
The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens in collaboration with the Embassy of India and the Indian Cultural Center (ICC), have initiated the"Lotus Festival" for the first time in Jerusalem, Israel.
Indian Ambassador to Israel Opens Lotus Festival
Lotus Festival and Indian Culture with Gift of Jamun Tree to Botanical Garden
Indian Ambassador to Israel Presents Jamun Tree to Director General of Botanical Garden, Which Was Planted in the Garden as a Symbol of Friendship Between the Countries
Festival Lotus, the Lotus Festival and Indian Culture, opened today at the Jerusalem University Botanical Garden in a festive ceremony attended by the Director General of the Botanical Garden, Tom Amit, and the Indian Ambassador to Israel, J.P. Singh.
The festival is a vibrant, multi-sensory celebration of the natural splendor of the lotus flower and the rich traditions of India.
As a universal symbol of purity, beauty, and eternal life, the lotus bloom holds a profound place in Indian philosophy and culture. This festival invites the Israeli public to experience this iconic blossom—with an immersive environment that bridges the landscapes of Jerusalem and the spirit of the Silk Road.
A Symbol of Enduring Friendship
To mark the launch of this landmark festival, the Ambassador of India to Israel, H.E. Mr. J.P. Singh, presided over a special ceremonial planting at the gardens with CEO of Botanical Gardens, Mr. Tom Amit. The planting of this tree stands as a living testament to the deepening ties and enduring friendship between India and Israel, flourishing in the heart of Jerusalem’s greenest oasis.
Festival Highlights Include:
• Live Indian music and dance performances by ICCR Music and Dance Teachers, as well as Israeli artists.
• Immersive Experiences: Traditional sari dressing corners, henna tattoo stations, and lakeside yoga sessions.
• Culinary Delights: Authentic Indian food courts featuring flavors from across the subcontinent.
• Engagement: Creative workshops for all ages and a photography competition centered on the breathtaking lotus blooms.
The festival serves as a cultural bridge, offering a unique opportunity for the community to engage with India's diverse heritage in the heart of Jerusalem’s greenest oasis.
Event Details:
The festival continues throughout the following dates in July:
July 3–4
July 9–11
For further information: https://www.botanic.co.il/
Photo credit : דור פזואלו DOR PAZUELO
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- Written by Silvia Golan David Wiseman Gabriel Hayon,
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office featured at HUJI Asia Day
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) Asia Day - the cultural and academic festival celebrating Asian culture has been an institution at the campus since the first one in 2014. This year’s event was notable due to the presence of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
There was a moving Bubble Tea ceremony in Taiwanese traditional costume followed by a screening of the Taiwanese movie - “A Chip Odyssey”, with details of how it came to be that Taiwan became a leading player in the global semiconductor industry. The film was followed by an interesting panel discussion where students were able to find out more about the history of this.
Hosted by the University’s Department of Asian Studies the festival featured cultural marketplaces showcasing Asian cuisine; live performances of Asian music as well as Asian arts and crafts workshops.
In turn, the students were mesmerised by the colorful exhibition stalls where they could sample the traditional Asian delicacies, try their hand at calligraphy or listen to the sounds of the Asian music.
The day was a huge success where students were exposed to a culture they otherwise would have minimal appreciation of and a number of students were heard expressing an interest to want to now go visit Asia
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv inaugurated the Taiwan Film Festival Week, at the Tel Aviv Cinemateque.
Taiwan Film Week presents premieres for a series of films – from classic masterpieces to contemporary dramas, and allows Israeli audiences to get to know Taiwan up close – about its culture, lifestyle, family relationships and the LGBT community. It is also an opportunity to get to know the world of Wushu (martial arts) through the eyes of directors from different generations. The film week will open with the film "The Left Girl", which won several prestigious festivals and was Taiwan's nominee for the Oscar in 2026.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv, headed by H.E. Ya-Ping (Abby) Lee, inaugurated the Taiwan Film Festival Week, at the Tel Aviv Cinemateque.
Guests enjoyed an array of Asian delicacies , cocktails and Taiwanese Whisky
Ms. Nurit Tinari, head of the Cultural Diplomacy, greeted on behalf of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ms. Tinari highlighted Taiwan’s extraordinary support during the rough days following October 7th, with donations to MADA and ZAKA, sponsorship to the Resilience Center near the Gaza Strip, as well as scholarships and food baskets to the Region.
The Taiwan Representative to Israel, H.E. Ya-Ping (Abby) Lee mentioned that the Film Festival Week is to celebrate our mutual friendship and partnership.
The movies’ selection is a symbol of the Cultural diversity and tolerance of the Taiwanese people.
The Head of the Mission also spoke about the cultural treaty signed between Taiwan and Israel during the War.
Taiwan Film Festival Week
at Tel Aviv Cinemateque 17-21/ 6 /2026
at Jerusalem Cinemateque 18-24/ 6/2026
at Herzliyah Cinemateque 18-26 /6/2026
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office featured at HUJI Asia Day photos credit David Wiseman
Taiwan Film Festival Week, at the Tel Aviv Cinemateque photos credit Silvia G Golan
Photo the Taiwan Representative to Israel, H.E. Ya-Ping (Abby) Lee
Mr. Gabriel Hayon, is the Director of the Diplomatic Institute in Israel
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- Written by David Wiseman
The third joint exhibition of works by students of Academy of Arts in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, and the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Israel, was launched last Wednesday at the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem.
Named IN BETWEEN, the exhibition curated by Ivana Moncolova and Alex Krantz includes pieces by 12 emerging artists from both countries reflecting on changes in their very lives but also changes in the world around.
The exhibition just doesn’t highlight young and fresh art from Slovakia and Israel, but also the artists themselves, who can compete, compare, but most importantly connect and collaborate.
"It's great that this long-lasting collaboration between both academies continues despite difficult and challenging realities of conflicts. Having Slovak art and artists here and see them engage and establish relations that will go beyond this single exhibition, that is the essential goal of this project", says Milan Vrbovsky, Slovak Institute Director.
The Institute is a cultural center and diplomatic office dedicated to promoting Slovak art, culture, and bilateral relations in Israel.There are just 10 such of these institutes in the world, reflecting how much Slovakia values its relationship with Israel.
The exhibition is on view through July 24 at the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem, King David Street 19.
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Photo credit courtezy Slovak Institute in Jerusalem
Credit Katherine Elizabeth Photography / David Wiseman / On Instagram @kephotography
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- Written by Silvia Golan & David Wiseman
The Maccabiah 2026 Games officially opened under the motto "More Than Ever"
Asaf Yasur and Inbar Lanir lit the torch. Nuno and Jimbo J performed a new version of the Maccabiah anthem.
After being postponed a year ago due to the "Am Kalavi" campaign, the Maccabiah 2026 Games officially opened this evening (June 15) with a celebratory ceremony on the rooftop of Tel Aviv City Hall.
The first shot of the summer games, which will be held under the motto "More Than Ever," was fired in the presence of Maccabiah President Assaf Goren; Maccabiah CEO Roy Hessing; KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky; Director of the Ministry of Culture and Sports Kfir Cohen; and lawyer Lior Shapira, Member of Parliament and Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo. They were joined by the presenters of the opening ceremony at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, Assi Azar and Anna Aronov, and prominent Israeli Olympic and Paralympic athletes serving as Maccabiah Games ambassadors, including Artem Dolgopyat, Moran Samuel, and singer-songwriters Nuno and Jimbo J., who were chosen to perform the new Maccabiah Games anthem.
During the festive evening, the city's historical connection to the Games was highlighted. Tel Aviv, which hosted the Maccabiah Games in the early days of the State, will offer the Israeli public and its many visitors "Maccabiah City," a large-scale experiential sports festival to be held at Expo Tel Aviv, featuring activities for the whole family. One of the highlights of the evening was the unveiling of the official Maccabiah anthem, performed by Nuno and Jimbo J. The two joined forces to create a duet, reinterpreting Naomi Shemer's historic poem, originally written for the 1981 Maccabiah. The official music video, which will accompany the games this summer, was filmed at the Hadar Yosef Athletics Stadium and blends sporting tradition with the artists' contemporary style.
Assaf Goren, Maccabiah Chairman, said: “The Maccabiah is today a symbol of hope, recovery, and our determination as a people after the most difficult period we have experienced in this generation. Fortunately, we have overcome the challenges, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of guests from around the world who will come to compete, strengthen ties, and empower Israel, now more than ever.”
Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar stated: “I am proud and delighted to see the 2026 Maccabiah Games underway.” The Maccabiah is a bridge between Israel and the Jews of the Diaspora, and in these times, given all the challenges we face, it is more important than ever. The State of Israel is strong, sport guides us all, the Jewish people are alive and strong. I congratulate the Maccabiah organizers and all the collaborators who made this great event possible. Best of luck!
Attorney Lior Shapira, Member of Parliament and Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, said: “I am proud to open the Maccabiah in Tel Aviv-Jaffa. This event transcends the realm of sport. For us, it is a long-standing tradition that connects communities, countries, and hearts. Opening the Maccabiah in the midst of the complex period we are experiencing is a clear demonstration of resilience, unity, and continuity. We are excited to welcome thousands of guests from Israel and around the world, who bring energy and international connections, and contribute to the life of the city, the local economy, and businesses.” I invite the public to participate in the Maccabiah Games events, organized by Maccabiah City at Expo Tel Aviv, and to enjoy a diverse sporting and community experience for the whole family.
Eyal Ostrinsky, Chairman of the KKL-JNF: “The Maccabiah Games are much more than a sporting event; they are a unique and world-class Zionist event, representing the ultimate expression of the connection between Israel and the global Jewish community. The KKL-JNF is proud to be a partner in this historic project, which is celebrating its 94th anniversary and bringing together thousands of Jewish men and women in Israel for an unprecedented Zionist sporting celebration. This Maccabiah Games is more symbolic than ever.” It is the first Maccabiah Games since the October 7 massacre, a Maccabiah Games that was postponed following Operation Am Kalavi. And it is precisely the connection with the Otef and our resurrection as a people and society since that day, along with our life choices, that makes it so special, symbolizing the Israeli, Jewish, and Zionist spirit at its highest expression. During the event, at the upcoming opening ceremony, the bearers and torchbearers of the 2026 Maccabiah Torch were announced, chosen to represent the resilience, achievements, and mutual
commitment of Israeli society and the Jewish people
Avitar Zeitouni, a disabled IDF soldier and former Paratrooper Brigade officer, who was seriously wounded in the fighting to defend Kibbutz Kissufim on October 7, was chosen to carry the torch as a symbol of rehabilitation, heroism, and the healing power of sport. His selection was made in collaboration with the IDF Disabled Persons Organization and brings to the forefront the stories of those wounded who choose to rise, recover, and move forward with strength, determination, and faith. Menashe Zelka and Sharan Yeini, two captains distinguished by their leadership, responsibility, and personal example, will carry the torch as representatives of Israeli football. Ofir Shaham, a member of the Israeli artistic gymnastics team and silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will carry the torch on behalf of a generation of Israeli athletes who have set an example for the world. The event will demonstrate that team excellence is a national strength.
The torchbearers will hand it to Asaf Yasur and Inbar Lanir, who together will light the Maccabiah torch as a symbol of the triumph of the spirit and an extraordinary sporting achievement. Yasur, a Paralympic taekwondo champion and gold medalist at Paris 2024, has become one of the symbols of Israeli sport's determination; Lanir, a world judo champion and silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, continues her preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, bringing to the Maccabiah a spirit of excellence, perseverance, and constant improvement.
About the 2026 Maccabiah: The sporting celebration will take place in Israel from July 1 to 14, in an event that will bring together thousands of athletes, families, and sports fans from around the world. Under the motto "More Than Ever," the Maccabiah expresses strength and hope, as well as the renewed connection between Israel and the global Jewish community. This connection is more meaningful than ever. The Maccabiah 2026 will host athletes from dozens of countries competing in more than 30 sports. Key partners behind the Maccabiah's success include the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Japanese Football Federation (JNF), whose support will make it possible to celebrate a historic day in the Tekoma region, "The Maccabiah and the JNF Unite." This event will feature sporting activities and community volunteering, and will also include additional sponsorships from Colgate, Toto, Eldan, Reebok, Elal, Neviot, Mifal HaPais, the Olympic Committee, and Bank Leumi.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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