21st Israeli Film Festival

The 21st Israeli Film Festival runs from February 23rd – March 9, 2006.

The festival’s Opening Night Film is the sensitive drama OUT OF SIGHT, directed by Daniel Syrkin, winner, Best Director 2005 Israeli Film Academy Awards. After the suicide of her best friend, Ya’ara, a beautiful, intelligent, confident blind woman returns to Israel for the funeral. Unable to understand why, she undertakes her own investigation. The discovery of lies, disappointments and hidden truths enables her to “re-see” many things that were blocked from her sight and had nothing to do with her blindness. 

David Brown has been associated with some of the most memorable films of recent times including The Sting, Jaws, The Verdict, Driving Miss Daisy, The Player, A Few Good Men and Chocolat. He has produced such Broadway plays as Tru, A Few Good Men and Sweet Smell of Success. His awards include four Best Picture nominations by the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Academy’s prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Award with producing partner Richard D. Zanuck.

The prestigious Cinematic Achievement Award, is presented to an Israeli Film Professional for their outstanding creative accomplishments and for bringing international recognition to Israeli films and filmmakers. This year’s honoree, Haim Bouzaglo has two films featured in the 21st IFF – Janem, Janem and Distortion. Bouzaglo is a Screenwriter, Director and Producer. Born in Jerusalem in 1952, he studied literature and theatre at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His multiple award-winning films include Scar, Times For Cherries, The Summer Of Avia and Fictitious Marriage. Among his television work, he served as writer and director for the acclaimed series’ “Criminal Reports,” “Shalvah” and “Zinzana.”

This year, the festival, which will be presented at the Clearview’s 62nd & Broadway Cinema (except for Opening, Centerpiece and Closing events which are at the DGA) will showcase more than 40 new feature films, provocative documentaries, ground-breaking TV dramas, and innovative student films celebrating Israeli life and culture. Film is the international language and Israeli filmmakers continue to capture audiences through radiant images, raw human emotion and a universe of creativity. The Israel Film Festival will present over 31 U.S. Premieres.

A number of Israeli filmmakers and actors will be heading into town with many expected to be at the Opening and through the festival. Among them are Producer ORLY BRUCK, Actress ORLI SILBERSHATZ BANAY, Katzhen Director GUY MICHAEL, Mimon Director EMIL BEN SHIMON, Producer ORIANA GHIVOLY, The Schwartz Dynasty Producer MOSH DANNON, Summer Story Producer DIKLA BARKAI, YORAM MILLO Producer of Distortion, Metallic Blues Director DANIEL VERETE, Now or Never Screenwriter and Producer ZVI SHAPIRA, Director and Screenwriter of Summer Story SHMUEL PELEG HAIMOVICH, and others

Through the years, more than 700,000 filmgoers in Los Angeles, New York and Miami have experienced the best of Israeli cinema, by introducing Israeli life and culture to American audiences through the powerful medium of film and providing a comprehensive intercultural exchange. This year the 21st Israel Film Festival has lined-up special events including an Opening Night Gala, a Centerpiece Celebration Gala, a special program highlighting Jewish Identity Through Israeli Film, an Evening of Documentaries, and a Student Shorts Marathon at the JCC Manhattan Theater. Following the New York event, the 21st Israel Film Festival continues in Miami from March 22-30, 2006.

TICKETS INFORMATION FOR LISTINGS: General Admission: $10.00; Festival Pass: $40.00 (Good for 5 Films. Must be exchanged at Box Office 30 minutes prior to screening); Seniors, Students & Children: $7.00 (62 and older, under 11); Weekday Matinees: $7.00 (shows before 6:00pm); Gala And Centerpiece Tickets: $125.00 Must be purchased in advance. Call: 1.877.966.5566. For Advance Tickets, Info or Group Sales Call: 1-866-977-7389. Advance Tickets Also Available At Theater Box Office Starting February 16. For Further Info Call 1.877.966.5566. For Tickets online go to www.israelfilmfestival.com.