International Film Festival 2019Mon
Jul 1

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Jerusalem has been hosting the 10-day Jerusalem International Film Festival every summer since 1983. Over the course of 10 days, the best of Israeli and world cinema is featured and there are prestigious competitions, premieres of the most important Israeli films of the year, tributes to well-known film figures and live musical performances. The festival also hosts the elite of the local film industry alongside the newest talents, with offers of professional panels and workshops.

The festival traditionally opens at Sultan’s Pool, a valley rich in history just outside the Old City walls and adjacent to the renowned Jerusalem Cinematheque. Most screenings take place at the Cinematheque with some at several other venues around the city. The festival’s primary goal is to present its audience with the current trends in world cinema.

The 35th Jerusalem International Film Festival will take place this year July 26 – August 5. Screenings will take place in Jerusalem Cinematheque and other venues around the city, starting every day at 10:00 am and ending at midnight.

International Film Festival Events 2018

OPENING NIGHT AT THE SULTAN’S POOL: The Unorthodox

The festival will open with a special screening of a new Israeli comedy by Dir. Eliran Malka – The Unorthodox. The year is 1983 in Jerusalem and Ya’akov Cohen, a printing house owner and a Sephardic Jew, had had it with the ethnic discrimination in the city. With no background in politics, he decides to start a socialist political party. The problem is that he actually succeeds.

Where: Sultan’s Pool, Jerusalem
When: July 26, 2018 at 8:00 pm
Tickets: Buy now!

Cinema Park

The International Film Festival in Jerusalem is organizing a very special outdoor event this year for the general public – the Cinema Park! The Cinema Park is a fun summer cinema center that will be located in Independence Park in the City Center of Jerusalem. The park will include screenings and live shows and many activities for all types of audiences: teens, families, and adults. View the screening schedule here.

Where: Independence Park Jerusalem
When: July 28 – August 1, 2018, starting at 4:00 pm
Tickets: Adults – 30 ILS; Kids – 15 ILS
*All activities happening are included in the admission of the day the tickets were purchases.  

Closing Event At The Cinematheque: Isle of Dogs

Wes Anderson is back with a new animated movie that’s taking place in Megasaki, Japan. The film tells the story of Atari, the nephew of a corrupt mayor, who goes on an odyssey to find his beloved dog. Following the outbreak of a canine flu, the city banishes all dogs and sends them to a remote trash island. Atari hijacks a plane and gets to the island hoping to find his dog. He encounters a pack of dogs and together they try to turn the whole world upside down.

Where: Cinematheque, Jerusalem
When: August 4, 2018 at 10:30 am
Tickets: Buy now!

Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Looking for accommodation while you’re in town for the International Film Festival 2018? Check out our complete listings!

Hotels in Jerusalem >>
Best value accommodation in Jerusalem >> 
Best vacation rentals in Jerusalem >>

Restaurants in Jerusalem

Don’t go to the festival on an empty stomach! There are plenty of amazing restaurants near the Cinematheque, whether your looking for a quick bite, something romantic or family-friendly!

All restaurants in Jerusalem >>
Recommended restaurants in Jerusalem >>
Restaurants near the Old City >>
Restaurants at the First Station >>

Must-Visit Sites

Once you’ve experienced the Festival, check out the rest of what the Jerusalem has to offer!

The Tower of David Night Spectacular >>
The Tower of David Museum >>
The City of David >>
The Southern Wall Promenade >>
Teddy Park >>

Read more about the Jerusalem Cinematheque >>

Photos: Courtesy of the International Film Festival and Iris Productions\British Film Institute

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