Other Israel film festival set for NY

The festival is credited as being the place where producer Orin Wolf first saw Eran Kolirin’s The Band’s Visit.

By HANNAH BROWN
TZAHI GRAD’S comedy ‘The Cousin.’ (photo credit: Courtesy)
TZAHI GRAD’S comedy ‘The Cousin.’
(photo credit: Courtesy)
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan’s 12th Annual Other Israel Film Festival will run from November 1 to November 8, and has announced its lineup of special guests and programs. The festival presents high-quality cinema that takes an in-depth look into Israeli and Palestinian societies and minority populations in Israel, by exploring human stories and social issues.
This year, events will include panels on inclusiveness in Israeli film and the controversial Nation-State Law passed by the Knesset. There will also be opportunities to meet stars, directors and producers, many of whom will participate in Q&A sessions throughout the festival.
“Films at this year’s Other Israel Film Festival delve into societal issues that are at the forefront of the news,” said Isaac Zablocki, festival director. “From the #MeToo movement to immigration or Israel’s controversial Nation-State Law, we are not shying away from difficult topics, and instead will explore them through film and in-depth discussions.”
The festival is credited as being the place where producer Orin Wolf first saw Eran Kolirin’s The Band’s Visit, which inspired him to create the 2018 Tony Award-winning Broadway version. Many films screened at the festival have been picked up for US distribution after premiering there.
The festival will open with a screening of Tzahi Grad’s feature comedy, The Cousin, and the closing film will be the US premiere of Iris Zaki’s Unsettling. The Saturday Night spotlight film will be a special presentation of Working Woman by Michal Aviad.
For tickets and more information on screenings, special events and guest appearances, visit otherisrael.org