InFocus: Israeli Cinema

INDUSTRY DELEGATES
Todd Brown
XYZ Films
Ryan Bernstein
Endeavor Content
Jared Ian Goldman
Producer
Shannon McIntosh
McIntosh Films
Sandra Condito
UnbeliEVAble
Austin Bowman
AGBO
Maia Hollinger
HBO
Tom Pojunas
HBO
John Orlando
Universal
Axel Caballero
WarnerMedia 150
Brian Harvey
Amazon Studios
PROGRAM MODERATORS
Jacqueline Coley
Rotten Tomatoes
Malina Saval
Variety
Daniel Loria
Boxoffice PRO
SPEAKERS | PANELISTS
Alma Har’el
Filmmaker
Alon Aranya
Producer
Ron Leshem
Filmmaker
Ruthy Pribar
Filmmaker
Shira Haas
Actress

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) with presenting partners the Consulate Generals of Israel in Los Angeles and New York co-host a virtual InFocus: Israeli Cinema program, which will highlight emerging and acclaimed Israeli talent both behind and in front of the camera.

The line-up is comprised of some of the top short films currently on the festival circuit, including winners and alumni of festivals including Cannes, Tribeca, SXSW, Palm Springs ShortFest and Jerusalem Film Festival, as well as Ruthy Pribar’s Asia. The film stars Alena Yiv and Primetime Emmy nominee Shira Haas (Unorthodox) and premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival this year, where it won multiple awards.

The program begins with a thought-provoking selection of films that explore identity and ones place in the world, taking us into the perspectives of a Russian girl on a birthright trip to Israel, a man whose humanity is tested by a stolen bicycle, an insecure high school internet troll hiding behind a screen, a wounded soldier under a national spotlight, and a single mother who weighs the cost of a better life for her and her daughter. The program includes SXSW winner White Eye by Tomer Shushan, Palm Springs ShortFest winner Birth Right by Inbar Horesh and Dekel Berenson’s BIFA winner and BAFTA-shortlisted Anna..

The night then continues with Asia, director Ruthy Pribar’s internationally impressive debut feature film, which tells the story of a mother-daughter relationship set amidst a teenage girl’s deteriorating health, as the two navigate a changing landscape of autonomy and dependence.

Schedule Details
January 11th, 2021
Conversation: Alma Har’el | Moderated by Jacqueline Coley at Rotten Tomatoes

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PT – Discussion

January 14th, 2021
Panel: Shira Haas, Ron Leshem and Alon Aranya | Moderated by Malina Saval at Variety

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM PT – Discussion

Program #1: InFocus: Israeli Cinema Shorts

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM PT – Suggested Screening Time
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM PT – Audience Q&A with directors

Program #2: Asia

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PT – Suggested Screening Time
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM PT – Audience Q&A with director Ruthy Pribar