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.
