Miki Zohar

Dear Guests of the Jerusalem Film Festival!

I am delighted to welcome you all to the opening of the 41st Jerusalem Film Festival, a celebration of unique and brilliant cinematic works from around the world.

In recent months, we've seen how much culture can help the public cope with the harsh reality we're facing. In the midst of war, as many residents remain displaced and unable to return to their homes, they've found solace in various cultural events that have been made available to them. The Jerusalem Film Festival brings together the filmmakers, directors, editors, cinematographers, and production staff involved in making films and bringing the stories to us, on the cinema screen, in the most special way.

While the Jerusalem Film Festival is international, it also sheds light upon Israeli cinema with its extraordinary stories, its painful realities, and its uniquely Israeli humor.

I would like to thank the festival directors, the directors of the Jerusalem Cinematheque, and the Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, for hosting and presenting the festival at the highest level.

Wishing you an enjoyable filmgoing experience,

Miki Zohar