Sderot Film Festival Celebrates 25 Years with New Incubator and Premieres

The Cinema of the South Festival will mark its 25th anniversary by hosting a series of premieres, master classes, and industry meetings at the Sderot Cinematheque from November 1 to 5. Organized by the School of Audio and Visual Arts at Sapir Academic College, the event aims to highlight the creative output of the region while fostering new talent. The five-day program features a mix of international and Israeli cinema, television debuts, and musical performances, serving as a central cultural hub for the area.

A primary focus for this year's iteration is the work of filmmakers from Sderot and the western Negev. Many of the selected projects examine the social and personal realities that have emerged in the three years following the Hamas-led massacres of October 7. This thematic emphasis allows the festival to reflect on the changing landscape of life in the south through a cinematic lens, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the local experience.

The opening evening will center on the popular Netflix series "Bros." Creators Hanan Savyon and Guy Amir are scheduled to discuss the show, which follows two childhood friends and Beitar Jerusalem fans who manage a pub together. Their friendship is tested by a series of crises that unfold throughout the narrative. The discussion will be followed by the world premiere of the first two episodes of the series' second season, marking a significant milestone for the production.

Audiences will also have the opportunity to view several television productions in advance of their wider release. These include "Motherland," a comedy-drama by Yael Hedaya featuring Dana Ivgy, Sasson Gabay, and Alma Zack. Additionally, the KAN documentary series "Whose Daughter Are You?" will be shown. Directed by Efrat Shalom Danon and Keren Shayo, the series explores the experiences of Mizrahi women in Israel. The festival will also host the team behind the KAN series "The Pshute," including director Dan Messer and creators Bar Elmaliach Donzov, Chen Rotman, and Oshrit Sarusi.

The festival's closing segment will preview Iris Zaki's film "What Was She Thinking?" Zaki, who heads the school's master's degree program, created a work that explores the decision to not have children within Israeli society. The closing film serves as a tribute to editor Nili Feller, a two-time Ophir Award winner. In her honor, the program will screen four films she edited and host a master class. Meetings with notable filmmakers such as Ari Folman and Dani Rosenberg are also planned as part of this tribute.

Alumni of Sapir Academic College will return to present new projects during the event. Efrat Corem will show "Heart of Gold," starring Chen Amsalem, Menashe Noy, and Israel Atias. Shir Houri Abu will present the documentary "100 Gates," while Sderot-based filmmaker Tal Avitan will screen "Carlos Outside the Lines." The latter film follows a children's soccer coach in Kiryat Gat. The program will also include screenings of eight winning films from previous festival editions, allowing audiences to revisit past successes.

Regional programming will feature "Sketches of the Soul," a collection of five short films by western Negev creators that depict life in the aftermath of October 7. The festival will also host the premiere of "My Beloved Gourama" by Sami Shalom Chetrit. This project chronicles the life of his father in both Morocco and Israel, offering a personal perspective on the region's history and identity.

International participation is highlighted by the presence of Swiss director Thomas Imbach. In cooperation with the Swiss Embassy, Imbach will present two of his films and lead a master class for attendees. The event will conclude with the launch of Negba, a new incubator designed to support young filmmakers from the south. This initiative aims to provide resources and mentorship to the next generation of creators. Further details regarding the schedule and tickets are available on the festival's page on the Sapir Academic College website.