32nd Annual Israel Film Festival in Los Angeles Nov 6th -20th
Beverly Hills, CA — The 32nd Israel Film Festival in Los Angeles, the largest showcase of Israeli cinema in the United States, will present from November 6th – 20th over 40 Israeli narrative films, documentaries, short films and television series as well as in-person appearances from more than 25 of today’s leading Israeli filmmakers and talent. Along with hosting U.S. and west coast premiere showings, the Festival programming will include filmmaker tributes, its first ever co-presentation with the Skirball Cultural Center as well as select films reflective of both Jewish and Israeli living, the #MeToo Movement, the hip-hop music scene, portraits of influential cultural leaders and sexual identity, announced Israel Film Festival Founder/Executive Director Meir Fenigstein.
“The Other Story” directed by Avi Nesher will be the opening night’s film. Family disputes and conspiracies take center stage in this acclaimed drama, which even-handedly explores the divide between Israel’s secular Jews and the ultra-Orthodox from director Avi Nesher (The Matchmaker). Sasson Gabai (The Band’s Visit) plays a renowned psychologist and rationalist who falls out with his strong-willed granddaughter when she enters a Haredi community and plans to marry a musician previously known for his wild ways.
Festival screenings will show at the Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills and the Laemmle Town Center 5 Theatre in Encino. For further information or to purchase tickets for all Festival events, contact the IsraFest Foundation: 310.247.1800 or email info@israelfilmfestival.org.
Tickets will also be available to purchase on the website: www.IsraelFilmFestival.com. Festival 6-pack: $75 (available only at Laemmle Theaters) good for 6 Regular Screenings (must be exchanged for tickets at the box office. General Admission: $15; Seniors, Students, and Children: $13; Matinee Shows: Monday through Thursday – $10.
Additionally, for the first time, The Israel Film Festival at the Skirball is being introduced, taking place November 13th at the Skirball Cultural Center, which is dedicated to exploring Jewish culture. Among the offerings are special screenings of episodes of the award-winning Israeli television series The New Black, about four hip yeshiva students grappling with who they are and what they dream of becoming and the documentary Kishon about writer Ephraim Kishon who sold millions of books yet never wrote his own biography. At the age of 70, he invited journalist Yaron London to assist him using animation to bring back to life his persona and reenact intimate interviews, rare footage and home movies. Select showings will be followed with Q&As with their creative teams.
“I’m very proud and excited that the Israel Festival can showcase to Los Angeles audiences the work of great Israeli filmmakers,” said Fenigstein. “This year’s film slate mirrors and gives voice to many of the important, thought-provoking topics of today’s society in Israel from the principals of Orthodox Jews in the modern world and women’s rights to family values and the LGBTQ community. There is truly something for everybody of all ages to see.”
As previously announced, multi-Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning producer Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse Productions, and award-winning Israeli director/screenwriter Avi Nesher, director of the opening night film The Other Story, will be honored with the 2018 IFF Achievement in Film and TV Award and the 2018 IFF Cinematic Achievement Award, respectively. The Opening Night Gala on November 6th will take place at the Steve Tisch Cinema Center at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. VIP Opening Night Tickets $150, Regular Tickets $50
Connect with the 32nd Israel Film Festival on Facebook (The Israel Film Festival), Instagram @IsraelFilmFestival, and Twitter @IsraelFilmFest for festival news and highlights, and join the conversation with #IsraelFilmFestival.
