ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL

It’s that time of year again. The ninth Israeli Film Festival is back and it’s bigger and better than ever. This year sees a rich and wonderful mix of 20 films including documentaries and dramas featuring prizewinners from prestigious festivals including Sundance, Berlin, Karlovy Vary, Jerusalem and San Sebastian, as well as winners from last year’s Israeli ‘Oscars’, the Ophirs.  A must-see is the opening night film RESTORATION, a moving exploration of fatherhood and the generational divide; and the multi award-winning documentary DOLPHIN BOY, which follows the story of a boy traumatised by a violent attack who participates in a rehabilitation program in the Red Sea. “Israel has a wealth of stories to tell, some shaped by politics but others personal,” Artistic Director Katriel Schory explains. “This is a festival that overwhelmingly celebrates the stories of people’s lives. The burgeoning Israeli film industry is quite democratic with a wealth of young filmmakers using new technologies to create films, ensuring that a multiplicity of voices is heard in the cinema.” Other highlights include MY LOVELY SISTER, a Jewish-Moroccan legend retold in contemporary Israel; and comic-drama OFF WHITE LIES, about the relationship between a homeless eccentric and his estranged teenage daughter. This year’s selection of diverse, complex, inspirational and turbulent films reflects the growing success of the Israeli’s exciting film industry.

Aug 15-26, Palace Verona