Shai Doron

Dear Viewers,

These are sad and difficult days for us all, days in which it is hard to see the light. Nevertheless, and despite the lack of certainty that dictates our reality, the Jerusalem Cinematheque administration will be holding the Jerusalem Film Festival, in an effort to maintain its annual tradition and trust in the power of creativity to ease and heal the pain. I applaud this decision.

The Jerusalem Foundation, which established the leading cultural institutions in the city, with the Jerusalem Cinematheque included, felt an obligation precisely during this complex time, to increase aid to all artists, filmmakers, and cultural forums to ensure that they continue to be what they have always been: the spirit and soul of the city, without which Jerusalem would not be the city as we know it.

In light of the situation, the Jerusalem Foundation decided to provide additional support, a supplement to its annual support for the festival, that will be used to fund 1000 tickets to the festival’s Opening Night of the festival. The tickets will be distributed to soldiers, families of enlisted troops, and evacuees from the north and south of the country who are now living in temporary homes in Jerusalem. All this in addition to the Haggiag Award for Best Feature Film awarded by the Jerusalem Foundation every year. These funds are made possible thanks to friends from all over the world who see the importance of maintaining a creative, vibrant, and pluralistic Jerusalem.

The festival program proves that even this year, despite the challenges, the film festival upholds the same artistic standards for excellence, creativity, and innovation – values that have always been identified with the Jerusalem Cinematheque.

I would like to thank all the festival viewers, who continue attend’s Israel’s leading film festival, now celebrating its 41st year. I extend my thanks to the Jeriusalem Cinematheque administration led by Roni Mahdev-Levin for their uncompromising work and efforts throughout the year.

Shai Doron