World Cinema Takes Center Stage at 42nd Jerusalem Film Festival
The international lineup shows Jerusalem’s role as a major platform for global cinema in Israel, offering local audiences a chance to experience the most compelling films the world has to offer.
The Jerusalem International Film Festival will celebrate its 42nd event from July 17–26 with a grand opening ceremony at Sultan’s Pool. The event will feature the Israeli premiere of "Sentimental Value" by Norwegian director Joachim Trier, best known for "The Worst Person in the World" and winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes.
This year’s international program showcases the diversity of global cinema, with dozens of narrative, documentary, and experimental films that have received acclaim at top festivals worldwide. The festival’s curatorial vision continues to emphasize bringing the best of world cinema to Jerusalem, including award-winners from Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Sundance, IDFA, San Sebastián, Locarno, Tallinn, SXSW, Tribeca, and Rotterdam.
Notable screenings include "The Secret Agent" by Kleber Mendonça Filho, which took home directing and acting awards at Cannes, and "Bubblegum" by British actor Harris Dickinson, whose debut earned him the Best Actor award in Cannes' "Un Certain Regard" section. The Dardenne brothers' latest, "Young Mothers," will also screen, having won the Cannes Best Screenplay award.
From international cinema, highlights include "Things You Kill" by Iranian-Canadian director Alireza Khatami, winner of the Sundance Directing Award, and "April" by Dea Kulumbegashvili, recipient of a Special Jury Prize at Venice.
A special spotlight on film classics will feature "Balada Triste" marking 15 years since the macabre satire’s release, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" paired with the documentary "Chain Reactions" exploring its legacy, and Michelangelo Antonioni’s "The Passenger" starring Jack Nicholson, screened in honor of the Jerusalem Cinematheque’s 50th anniversary.
The festival will take place across four venues at the Jerusalem Cinematheque and Lev Smadar Cinema and will host four official competitions: the International Competition, the International Debuts Competition, the "Spirit of Freedom" Competition, and the Chantal Akerman Competition for experimental films rooted in true stories.
This year’s highlight includes two world premieres: "Snow South of Winter," a poetic documentary about settlers in Chile, and "American Baby," the debut feature by Alan Rudiansky.
The robust international slate affirms the Jerusalem Film Festival’s status as a major platform for global cinema in Israel, offering local audiences a chance to engage with some of the world’s most vital, current films.