International Film Festival 2018Sun | Jul 1
Dates & Times
July 1-31 2018
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.
International Film Festival 2018 events and schedule will be updated as they become available.
International Film Festival Events 2017
The Jerusalem Cinematheque serves as the main venue for International Film Festival screenings, but this year, there will also be special screenings at various other venues throughout the city, as well as workshops, meeting sessions with filmmakers, award ceremonies and many other events.
OPENING NIGHT AT THE SULTAN’S POOL: REDOUBTABLE
The festival will open with a special screening in the presence of director Michel Cournot’s latest film, Redoubtable, at the stunning outdoor Sultan’s Pool venue just outside the Old City walls.
Redoubtable takes place in the late 1960’s in France and reveals the love story of Jean-Luc Godard and Anne Wiazemsky in the midst of the French “New Wave” film movement. Louis Garrel portrays Jean-Luc Godard, a revered French filmmaker who is responsible for films such as A Woman is A Woman and My Life to Live. The film goes through the ups and downs of his relationship with his wife, Anne Wiazemsk, a French actress and novelist who is portrayed by the talented actress Stacy Martin, and of his relationship with the French cinema and industry.
Where: Sultan’s Pool, Jerusalem
When: July 13, 2017 at 8:00 pm
A sneak peek of some of the films playing the 2017 Jerusalem International Film Festival
Family (2017)
Tolstoy claims that ” ‘All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” This unfortunate family certainly has its own way. Roni Keidar’s psychological thriller paints a family portrait which discusses the notion of boundaries inside families in the most graphic and courageous form. Not for the faint hearted.
Where: Jerusalem Cinematheque, 11 Hebron Road, Jerusalem
When: July 15, 2017 at 9:30 pm
Tickets: Buy now!
The Man with the Iron Heart (2017)
This is the story of the assassination attempt on Reinhard Heydrich. Jozef Gabcik and Jan Kubis are two young men who are sent to Prague by the Czech resistance in London to execute one of World War II most complicated missions: the assassination of the Head of the Gestapo – Reinhard Heydrich. The film is based on the historical novel HHhH by Laurent Binet, combining a portrayal of Heydrich’s personal life as well as his activities as a Nazi leader.
Where: Yes Planet, 4 Naomi St, Jerusalem
When: July 15, 2017 at 10:30 am
Tickets: Buy now!
Free Fire (2017)
A hilarious British action comedy takes place in a deserted warehouse in Boston in 1978. Two gangs meet to finalize an arms deal. Their business meeting soon becomes a gun-fight choreography filled with American and British punchlines wrapped into a perfect yet chaotic dance.
Where: Yes Planet, 4 Naomi St, Jerusalem
When: July 16, 2017 at 10:00 pm
Tickets: Buy now!
Cinema Futures (2016)
In love with the film industry? This one’s for you. Director Michael Palm explores the influences of the digital revolution on the process of filmmaking. The film addresses the issue of digital memory; take us into old film archives and modern studios; and features interviews with renowned filmmakers, such as Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan.
Where: Jerusalem Cinematheque, 11 Hebron Road, Jerusalem
When: July 13, 2017 at 3:00 pm, July 17, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Tickets: Buy now!
God’s Own Country (2017)
Johnny’s life changes completely when a foreign worker from Romania arrives in his farm to help with the hard labor and daily tasks. It is a subtle human drama with breathtaking views coming straight from Yorkshire in Northern England. The film has already won awards at the Berlin and Edinburgh International Film Festival and the prestigious Sundance Festival.
Where: Lev Smadar, 4 Lloyd George Street, Jerusalem
When: July 17, 2017 at 2:30 pm
Tickets: Buy now!
Where to Stay in Jerusalem
Looking for accommodation while you’re in town for the International Film Festival 2017? 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
Dates & Times
July 1-31 2018