Visions of Israel: Spotlight on Modern Israeli Cinema

TJFF is pleased to present the following series that offers a cross-section of modern Israeli cinema, with special guests, discussions and a film masterclass.

THE NEW ISRAELI CINEMA: A MASTERCLASS WITH DR. ARIEL SCHWEITZER

June 2 at 1 PM at Leah Posluns Theatre – Register here

Since the early 2000s, with the passing of the “Cinema Law” by the government, Israeli cinema has occupied a prominent place in Israeli culture as well as on the international film scene. While contextualizing this new era within the larger history of Israeli film, Dr. Schweitzer will discuss trends and themes that emerged over the past twenty years—new women’s cinema, LGBTQ+ films and the representation of other marginalized communities; new depictions of religion; the bold trilogy of films centred around the First Lebanon War; the blossoming Israeli documentary movement and more. Featuring clips from works by such filmmakers as Ari Folman, Ronit and Shlomi Elkabetz, and Eytan Fox.

Films include:

Agugam Bay:

• Three Israelis head to the surfing mecca of Arugam Bay where the bonds of their friendship are tested.
• Available on: Saturday June 1 at 9:15 PM @ Silver City and Monday June 3 to Tuesday June 4 online

Deep Breaths

• Professor Ariel Schweitzer will present three films that husband and wife filmmakers Yahav Winner and Shaylee Atari collaborated on before Winner was assassinated by Hamas on October 7th.
• Available on: Saturday June 1 at 2:00 PM @ Leah Posluns Theatre

Generation 1,5

• Known as “Generation 1.5”, those who moved to Israel from the former Soviet Republics when they were teens in the 1990s reflect on the discrimination they faced as newcomers.
• Available on: Sunday June 2 at 4:00 PM @ Silver City and Monday June 10 to Tuesday June 11 online

Running on Sand

• GUEST : DIRECTOR ADAR SHAFRAN
• A young Eritrean refugee evades deportation after being mistaken as a newly recruited Nigeran soccer player. Despite his lack of soccer talent, he takes his place on the team.
• Available on: Sunday June 2 at 7:00 PM @ SC3 and Thursday June 6 to Friday June 7 online

Seven Blessings

• GUEST : ACTRESS and CO-WRITER REYMONDE AMSALLEM
• A week of wedding celebrations exposes deep seated familial resentments in this bittersweet film about family dynamics, forgiveness and loss. Winner of 10 Ophir awards and Israel’s submission to the Oscars.
• Available on: Wednesday June 5 at 8:00 PM @ Cineplex Empress Walk and Friday June 7 at 1:00 PM @ Innis Town Hall

The Monkey House

• Master storyteller Avi Nesher (The Matchmaker, Past Life) returns to TJFF with this engrossing blend of literary mystery, light comedy and moving character study..
• Available on: Saturday June 8 at 9:15 PM @ Cineplex Empress Walk and Monday June 10 to Tuesday June 11 online