Opening Night at Sultan's Pool
The 43rd Jerusalem Film Festival opened Thursday night at the Sultan's Pool, drawing 6,000 spectators and guests to the festive ceremony under the stars. The event marked the first time since 2023 that the festival has not taken place in the shadow of war, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Ukrainian director Sergei Loznitsa, described as one of the most acclaimed filmmakers working today, was the festival's guest of honor and received an award recognizing his cinematic achievements. Loznitsa, who will also serve as chairman of the jury for the Israeli competition, is known for both his documentary and narrative films.
The festival opened with the Israeli premiere of Tell Me Everything, the new film by Moshe Rosenthal, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The film stars Assi Cohen in his first film role in 15 years, alongside Keren Tzur, Yair Mazor, Ido Tako, and Mor Dimri.
The Jerusalem Post reported that tickets were selling briskly for the festival, which runs until July 19 at the Jerusalem Cinematheque and the Lev Smadar theater.
Festival Lineup and Guests
The festival features more than 100 of the best movies from around the world, as well as the latest in Israeli cinema. The Jerusalem Post noted that Israeli movies that have premiered at this festival have gone on to win awards internationally and receive Oscar nominations.
Despite the complex period, the festival is hosting more than 30 international guests this year, including filmmakers serving as jurors in various competitions and accompanying screenings of their films. Earlier reports from the Jerusalem Post had indicated the festival would welcome more than 25 international guests, headed by Loznitsa.
The festival will include a variety of films, including documentaries and features. The Israeli Competition will include films such as Amal and The Wedding Entertainer.
The festival will also feature a special tribute to Israeli film history.
Loznitsa's Tribute and Words
Loznitsa, born in Belarus and raised in Ukraine, is one of the most prominent voices in contemporary European cinema. He is known for documentaries and features, among them My Joy, In the Fog, Maidan, A Gentle Creature, Donbass, State Funeral, Babi Yar, Context, and his latest movie, Two Prosecutors, which premiered in competition at Cannes.
Twelve of his films have been screened at the Jerusalem Film Festival, and he has won prizes there in the In the Spirit of Freedom and Chantal Akerman competitions.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Loznitsa spoke out strongly in favor of freedom of expression and against cultural boycotts during the opening ceremony. He also spoke about the importance of understanding history through film.
The international jurors at this year's festival include German actress Corinna Harfouch; German director Angela Schanelec, who will present her new film My Wife Is Crying; French critic, curator, and film historian Nanako Tsukidate; Swiss director and screenwriter Lionel Baier; Jorge Stamadianos of Argentina, director of the Mar del Plata Film Festival; French producer Marc-Benoît Créancier, who will accompany The Impact, which he produced; and Hélène Schoumann.
The festival was founded by Lia van Leer to bring the best international films to Israel and to promote Israeli filmmaking. Roni Mahadav-Levin serves as CEO of the Jerusalem Cinematheque and executive director of the festival, while Orr Sigoli is the festival's artistic director.