The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan has announced the full lineup of films to be shown at the 13th annual Other Israel Film Festival, which will take place from November 14th to 21st.
A diverse and thought-provoking selection of award-winning films and US premieres round out the festival’s 2019 slate, all celebrating unique cinematic stories that highlight the lives and experiences of under-represented populations living within the region, and bringing to light timely issues and challenges that these communities face.
A theme you will find throughout this season is the Israeli judicial system; films will depict the experiences of political prisoners, refugees and asylum seekers. In addition, the minority populations of the Druze and Samaritan people, often overlooked by mainstream Israeli society, will be examined – as well as stories of Jews and Arabs who unite through food
The Other Israel Film Festival provides a platform to engage and face some of the challenges within Israeli society through film and dialogue and seeks to foster social awareness and cultural understanding.
At a time of political and social turmoil within Israel, The Other Israel Film Festival has become a crucial stage for sharing in-depth perspectives with the community. The festival was founded by Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan board member and New York City staple, Carole Zabar.
Other Israel Film Festival Highlights:
Advocate
A look at the life and work of Jewish-Israeli lawyer Lea Tsemel, who has tirelessly represented political prisoners for nearly 50 years.
Screwdriver (“Mafak”)
A Palestinian man struggles to cope with the consequences of his imprisonment and adjusts to modern life after returning home from a 15-year sentence in an Israeli prison.
Cause of Death
A documentary about the potential cover-up of the decade-old killing of Druze police officer Salim Barakat, and his brother’s emotional and desperate quest to find the truth.
Breaking Bread
The New York City premiere of Beth Hawk’s inspiring documentary, featuring Dr. Nof Atamna-Ismaeel of Master Chef Israel.
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An affectionate portrait of left-wing Jewish politician and activist Dov Khenin.
“Our film festival has become a home for our community to grapple in a nuanced and in-depth manner with some of Israel’s bigger questions of democracy and equality for all,” says Carole Zabar, Founder of The Other Israel Film Festival.
The Other Israel Film Festival runs from November 14-21 at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, as well as Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Brooklyn, JCC Harlem, and NYU. The festival will feature Q&As with numerous filmmakers and talent after select screenings.
For a full schedule of films and to buy tickets, please visit the film festival’s official website here.
