2008 Woodie Awards
The Secrets: Israel Film Festival 2008
Nava Billet
Issue date: 11/24/08 Section: Israel
The 23rd Annual Israel Film Festival (IFF) made its appearance in NYC from October 29 through November 13. This year's theme celebrated Israel at 60 years. In honor of the occasion, documentary films celebrated the beginnings of Israel's statehood including a film about first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion. Other screenings addressed popular modern issues such as the religious singles community in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Kattamon, as presented in the popular TV drama, Srugim [literally referring to the kippot worn by Religious Zionists, called srugim, a show that follows the lives of Religious Zionist singles in Israel], directed by Eliezer Shapiro.
The founder and director of the Israel Film Festival, Meir Fenigstein, reported that this year was their most successful year, with many sold out films. The IFF was very proud that a large number of Israeli directors, actors, scriptwriters, and filmmakers were able to attend as well. In the film festival's press release Fenigstein is quoted as follows, "I was very moved by the audience's reactions to the Israeli films we presented this year…With over 26 screenings totally sold out and lines stretching down Broadway, the energy and excitement I experienced from the public as well as the filmmakers at this year's festival truly highlight the terrific creative voices in Israeli filmmaking. It was a wonderful way to help celebrate Israel's 60th Anniversary."
Most popular among the movies screened was Director Avi Nesher's "The Secrets." At the conclusion of the festival in NYC, "The Secrets" was presented with the coveted Panavision Audience Choice Award. Several Stern students and Alum attended this movie and found it interesting and provocative.
The movie addressed themes that concern Jewish Modern Orthodox women, such as the study of Talmud, women rabbis, and homosexuality. While Talmud is studied at Stern College, this lifestyle has not gained universal acceptance within this sector of Judaism. In addition, issues such as women becoming rabbinic authorities and lesbianism are topics that remain taboo within the Modern Orthodox society.
The founder and director of the Israel Film Festival, Meir Fenigstein, reported that this year was their most successful year, with many sold out films. The IFF was very proud that a large number of Israeli directors, actors, scriptwriters, and filmmakers were able to attend as well. In the film festival's press release Fenigstein is quoted as follows, "I was very moved by the audience's reactions to the Israeli films we presented this year…With over 26 screenings totally sold out and lines stretching down Broadway, the energy and excitement I experienced from the public as well as the filmmakers at this year's festival truly highlight the terrific creative voices in Israeli filmmaking. It was a wonderful way to help celebrate Israel's 60th Anniversary."
Most popular among the movies screened was Director Avi Nesher's "The Secrets." At the conclusion of the festival in NYC, "The Secrets" was presented with the coveted Panavision Audience Choice Award. Several Stern students and Alum attended this movie and found it interesting and provocative.
The movie addressed themes that concern Jewish Modern Orthodox women, such as the study of Talmud, women rabbis, and homosexuality. While Talmud is studied at Stern College, this lifestyle has not gained universal acceptance within this sector of Judaism. In addition, issues such as women becoming rabbinic authorities and lesbianism are topics that remain taboo within the Modern Orthodox society.
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