The Future of Israeli Cinema
Lia van Leer was much more than the founder of the Jerusalem Cinematheque—she was a beacon of the spirit of freedom in a fractured Jerusalem. In a city that was closing in on itself, she dreamed of a home for the art of cinema—a place where anyone could encounter themselves through the big screen. She believed in a culture not bound by political or religious decree, but led by passion, knowledge, and human curiosity. She refused to compromise—and believed in the right to see, think, and feel.
The Jerusalem Cinematheque became a symbol of cultural sovereignty in the heart of a sacred city, and of personal freedom in a place marked by increasing control. The Jerusalem Cinematheque is a space where cinema is a living, challenging language—not just entertainment or nostalgia.
The Battle for the Spirit of Freedom is Not Over.
Thursday, July 17 – Jerusalem Cinematheque, Hall 4
10:00 – PitchPoint Jerusalem, 17th Edition
PitchPoint Jerusalem is a competitive platform for full-length films in development or post-production. It offers Israeli directors and producers the opportunity to present their projects to key figures in the international film industry, aiming to foster collaborations and co-productions.
Monetary prizes will be awarded along with grants for editing and sound services.
Friday, July 18 – Sam Spiegel Film School
10:00 – Pitch Forward
A pitching session for graduates of the Sam Spiegel International Film Lab. Lab alumni who developed their screenplays in recent workshops and who are now seeking funding and production partnerships, will present their projects and share insights from their creative journeys.
*For participants only
Saturday. July 19 Médiathèque
12:30 A masterclass with producer Lawrence Bender- 2025 JFF Achievement Award Recipient
Bender will talk about working with Israeli filmmakers, the differences between productions and crews in Israel and the U.S., his films with social commentary, and how he chooses projects.
Sunday, July 20
Hall 4
10:00 – PitchPoint Competition for Short Films, in collaboration with the Gesher Multicultural Film Fund
A competitive showcase for short films by experienced creators. Production and post-production grants for editing and sound will be awarded.
12:30 – Impact Pitch in collaboration with Copro
A competitive platform for socially driven documentary films with the potential to generate positive change.
15:00 – Pitching DocuStart 2024 in collaboration with the Israeli Documentary Filmmakers Forum
A development incubator for early-career documentary filmmakers.
17:00 – YerushalAim 2025 in collaboration with the Jerusalem Media Initiative
A competition for AI-generated short films, part of the Jerusalem Media Initiative.
Médiathèque
14:00 Freedom of Expression and Creativity in Israel Today
In recent years, we have witnessed an unprecedented and ongoing erosion of freedom of expression in Israel.
Protesters, journalists, academics, and even social media users have come under attack—especially when their views diverge from the government narrative.
At the same time, artistic freedom is increasingly under threat, particularly for filmmakers in the television and film industries. Works that address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or offer alternative interpretations of Israeli history and life are often subjected to censorship, canceled screenings, and even threats.
This panel will explore the shifting boundaries of freedom of expression in Israel since its founding, and the challenges faced by filmmakers and cultural figures today. We'll discuss strategies for coping with restrictions and hostilities, and examine how it's still possible and necessary to create a critical, uncompromising voice, especially in times like these.
Speakers include: Prof. Sami Chetrit / Adv. Hagar Shechter – Association for Civil Rights in Israel / Prof. Adam Shinar / Rami Younis
Moderator: Chen Liberman
15:00 Israeli Creative Work Under Regulation: The Original Productions Law
In an era when streaming in Israel operate and expand via internet infrastructure—without licenses, regulation, or any obligation to support local content—the Israeli television industry is undergoing a continuous process of erosion and decline. The broadcasters who are still bound by original production requirements are losing audiences, their revenues are shrinking, and so is their investment in Israeli storytelling.
The new Original Productions Law seeks to correct this imbalance by requiring digital content providers to share responsibility for the preservation of local culture. It aims to establish a clear standard for investment in stories written, filmed, and created here, by local artists and creators. Without change, all public commitment to Israeli culture may soon disappear.
This panel will explore the consequences of regulatory absence, the debate surrounding the proposed legislation, and the critical question: Can the future of Israeli works be secured—or will we remain passive consumers of imported content that holds no trace of our lives, language, or identity?
Speakers include: Eliran Elya, Filmmaker, Chair of the Israeli Directors Guild / Shula Spiegel, Producer / Shimon Elkabetz, Chairperson of the Israel Film Council / Yoram Mokady, Former VP of Content at HOT
Moderator: Chen Liberman
17:00 Meeting with director Wendy Sachs about her film "October 8th"
20:00 Yes? Really? Is the world ready for Israeli cinema's resistance to war?
A candid conversation between Ari Folman and Nadav Lapid discussing Lapid’s new film.