News & Updates: Israel Film Festival winners announced

The 36th Israel Film Festival in Los Angeles, the largest showcase for Israeli films in the United States, triumphantly returned after a two-year absence with sold-out screenings, the most sponsors in its history and over 7,000 attendees. The festival’s audience choice award for best feature film was awarded to “Come Closer,” written and directed by Tom Nesher in her feature film directorial debut and Israel’s submission for the Academy Awards’ Best International Film. The festival’s audience choice award for best documentary was given to “The Child Within Me,” directed by Yaniv Amoday and Eti Aneta and winner of the Ophir Award for best documentary film – Israel’s equivalent of the Academy Award.  The festival’s audience choice award for best student film was awarded to “Girl No. 60427,” directed by Shulamit Lifshitz, a student at The Ma’aleh School of Film and Television in Jerusalem, and winner of the BAFTA Student Film Award for best live action film.  The announcement was made by Meir Fenigstein, founder and executive director of the Israel Film Festival.

“Los Angeles audiences thoroughly embraced the return of the Israel Film Festival which had been postponed due to the war in the Middle East. Residents from Santa Monica and Beverly Hills to the San Fernando Valley gathered to be entertained and celebrate Israeli culture, storytelling, its filmmakers and talent both behind and in front of the camera,” Fenigstein said. “As our hearts ache for so many effected by the war, the sense of community was pervasive as people shared, learned and were reminded of all that Israel has to offer.”

During the festival’s Nov. 13–26 run at six theatres located in Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles and Encino, over 40 features, documentaries and student short films from Israel’s top seven film schools were screened. Twenty visiting Israeli filmmakers and talent conducted post-screening Q&As with audiences. Actress and producer Gal Gadot awarded the 2024 IFF Industry Leadership Award to Ynon Kreiz, Mattel chairman and CEO, who has transformed the company and spearheaded its global blockbuster film, “Barbie.” The 2024 IFF Lifetime Achievement Award was given to actor and comedian Shaike Levi, an Israeli comedian, singer and actor best known for his role in HaGashash HaHiver, at the festival’s closing night ceremony.

The 37th Israel Film Festival in Los Angeles will take place in November 2025. For information, visit israelfilmfestival.com.