Israeli Cinema Scores Historic Win at Locarno

In a groundbreaking moment for Israeli cinema, *Some Notes on the Situation*, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Eran Kolirin, has been selected for the prestigious Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, set to screen in August 2025. What sets this film apart is its cast: third-year acting students from the School of Performing Arts at Seminar Hakibbutzim College, marking the first time globally that students lead a full-length feature by an established director.

The project, spearheaded by the school’s head, Yechezkel Lazarov, weaves six short, seemingly absurd stories into a poignant commentary on Israel’s existential and social landscape amid its ongoing conflicts.

Kolirin, known for *The Band’s Visit* and *Let It Be Morning*, described the film as “a fast-paced artistic response to the crazy events of the past two years,” referencing Israel’s 21-month war with Hamas and regional tensions. Working with students, he said, was “a return to the simplicity and necessity of artistic creation.” The film, backed by the Israel Film Fund, Makor Foundation, and Mifal Hapais, stars talents like Tal Perlman, Guy Nataf, Noa Cohen, and Yonatan Shimoni, with a cameo by Lazarov himself.

Lazarov hailed the project as a testament to learning through doing, allowing students to “experience the professional world they aspire to enter.” The Locarno selection, a rare honor for a low-budget film, places Israeli cinema alongside global arthouse giants at a festival known for its open-air screenings since 1946. Amid challenges in distributing Israeli films internationally, this achievement highlights the resilience of local artistry, bridging education and global stages in a time of national strife.