new
Israeli cinema
The New Israeli Cinema Festival is a festival of contemporary short films from Israel, presenting bold and award-winning works by a new generation of directors. The films reflect the complexity, depth and humanity of Israeli society through personal, intimate and at the same time universal stories.
Festival in Numbers
About the Festival
The New Israeli Cinema Festival presents contemporary short films from Israel — bold, award-winning works by a new generation of filmmakers. Through personal and universal stories, they reveal the complexity and humanity of Israeli society.
Each film in the program offers a powerful cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression without the need for feature-length format.
The films will compete before a professional jury of renowned film industry figures, with the best works receiving a special festival prize.
Following the screenings, audiences are invited to live discussions with the directors and industry professionals.
3000+ tickets
Tickets sold
The festival has already surpassed 3,000 tickets sold — an impressive result achieved before all screenings have taken place.
16 cities
Festival geography
This year, the Israeli Film Festival is taking place in 16 cities, expanding its audience and reaching even more viewers.
Since 2024
Festival history
The festival started in 2024 and has quickly grown, expanding its reach and gaining recognition for showcasing bold short films by emerging Israeli directors.
Over 45 partners
Festival support
The festival collaborates with over 45 partners — media outlets, cultural centers, and organizations — helping to expand its reach and enhance the quality of events.
Schedule
The New Israeli Cinema Festival takes place offline in 16 cities across the country. Explore the dates and venues to catch screenings of bold, award-winning contemporary Israeli short films that showcase the creativity and vision of a new generation of filmmakers. Each event features a film screening followed by a live discussion with directors and industry professionals, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with the stories, ideas, and voices shaping modern Israeli cinema.
Bold Stories from a New Generation
Festival Program
The festival program features five outstanding short films by a new generation of Israeli filmmakers.
From family dramas to touching stories about memory, choice, and tradition, each film offers a unique perspective on contemporary Israeli society.
Each of these stories is a small but powerful cinematic world that stays with the audience long after the screening.
Son of the Father
Israel, 2025, Director: Nadan Pines, Duration: 24:22
Starring: Suzanne Papyan (Sovietskaya) and Oded Leopold (Fauda).
Yotam Regev, a teenager and the son of a successful city mayor, must make a choice: reveal the truth about his father or lie and become his successor.
Check
Israel, 2024, Director: Anya Kaspi Shema, Duration: 3:33
A casual argument over who should pay the bill escalates into a quiet storm of old resentments as a mother and daughter, both immigrants, confront everything they’ve never spoken about.
Order
Israel, 2025, Director: Meirav Heyman, Duration: 4:47
In this video work created during the current war, a family dinner goes awry; ordinary life turns into a chaotic, spectacular performance as everything falls apart.
My Name is Dania
Israel, 2024, Director: Lev Brodinsky, Duration: 22:24
Starring: Daniel Stepin (Kupa Rashit) and Vladimir Fridman (Yana’s Friends).
Dania (35) visits his father Abrasha, who lives in social housing for immigrants and suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Abrasha does not recognize his son and wants only one thing: to go home, even though he is already there.
Nesekh
Israel, 2024, Director: Shmuel Elmaleh, Duration: 10:35
Today, Mikki’s son is getting married at the winery he has owned and cherished for decades. For 24 years, Mikki has kept a special barrel of wine to open on this occasion. Shortly before the ceremony begins, an unexpected mishap threatens to ruin the entire celebration.
A Symbol of Courage and Creativity
Nominations and Awards
The New Israeli Cinema Festival presents two main awards:
– Audience Choice Award
– Jury Prize
Winners receive:
– A festival statuette — a unique piece of artistic metalwork
– A cash prize
This statuette is more than just an award; it is a symbol of courage, creativity, and integrity. Timeless and tangible, it honors bold voices in cinema and remains with the creators as a reminder that art can be fearless.
Voices of the Industry
Festival Jury
The festival films are evaluated by a jury composed of professionals from Israel and the international film industry, including actors, directors, producers, critics, and costume designers. Their experience and achievements lend special significance to the evaluation of the competition films.
KOBI MIZRAHI
Producer
Academy Award (Oscar) nominee, winner of international film festivals
HADAS YARON
Actress
Winner of the Venice International Film Festival Award (Best Actress), starring role in the Netflix series Shtisel
IDDO GOLDBERG
Actor
Hollywood and Israeli actor, known for Peaky Blinders, Westworld, The Zookeeper’s Wife, and others
ANTON DOLIN
Film Critic
Journalist and the world’s most well-known Russian-speaking film critic
AMIT RAHAV
Actor
Israeli actor, star of the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Unorthodox
DAN WOLMAN
Film Director
Israeli film director, nominee for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival
ANATOLY BELY
Actor
Israeli actor, star of Metro and Prosecutors, a film recognized at the Cannes Film Festival
JUSTIN SEYMOUR
Costume Designer
Emmy-nominated costume designer, best known for the series Unorthodox
RUTI BLUM
Casting Director
Casting director of the Netflix series Fauda
TANYA KISELEVSKI
Director and Producer
Film and television director and producer
ANDREY IOSIFOV
Director of Photography
Two Antons, Psychologini, Rodkom, Operation Mahabbat, The Last Warrior 2 & 3 (in collaboration with Disney)
Voices Amplifying the Festival
Media Partners & Interviews
The New Israeli Cinema Festival is supported and covered by a network of media partners who share our passion for bold cinema and cultural dialogue. Through interviews, feature articles, and festival reports, these media outlets help bring the voices of filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences to a wider international community. Their insightful coverage highlights the creative journeys behind the films and offers deeper perspectives on contemporary Israeli cinema.
Radio Kesem 106 FM
Podcast
Radio Kesem podcast episode, release #150 with guest Ron Fogel.
Radio First
Interview
In this episode of the program “Gostiny Dvor” with Vlad Zernitsky — an exclusive interview with the organizer of the “New Israeli Cinema 2025” festival, presented by the organization Ose Haim (www.osehaim.co.il ). We discuss: What lies behind the festival’s concept and why the new Israeli cinema is so important for the Russian-speaking audience How the films with Russian subtitles were selected and what stories they tell How the festival differs from other film projects and what the main focuses for 2025 are How you, the audience, can participate: attend screenings, talk with the creators, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere
Sheinkin40
News episode
Oscar for fraud, explosions in Gaza, riots in Jerusalem, and wealthy fugitives” — this is an episode of the program “Nedelka”, where the hosts discuss the main news of the week: disputes around the Oscars, explosions in Gaza, unrest in Jerusalem, and stories of wealthy people fleeing from problems.
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9 channel
Interview
Interview with the director of the New Israeli Cinema Festival
Radio Reka
Podcast
Podcast about the New Israeli Cinema Festival
Become Part of the Festival Program
Submit Your Film
We welcome bold and original short films by emerging filmmakers that reflect contemporary voices and unique perspectives. Submit your film to the New Israeli Cinema Festival and join a platform that celebrates fearless storytelling and creative freedom.
Step 1:
Prepare Your Film
Ensure your short film meets the festival’s requirements and is ready for submission (format, runtime, subtitles, etc.).
Step 2:
Fill Out the Submission Form
Complete all required fields on FilmFreeway, upload your film, and include any supporting materials (synopsis, credits, press kit).
Step 3:
Review & Confirmation
Our programming team reviews all submissions and will notify you if your film is selected for the festival program.
Step 4:
Join the Festival
If accepted, your film will be screened, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in Q&As, discussions, and networking events.
The New Israeli Cinema Festival is made possible through the generous support of cultural institutions, media partners, public initiatives, and sponsors who share our commitment to artistic expression, cultural dialogue, and cinema that challenges and inspires. Their collaboration helps bring contemporary Israeli short films to diverse audiences and enrich the festival experience across cities and communities.
Whether through municipal support, media partnerships, or institutional sponsorship, these organizations play an essential role in strengthening the festival’s reach and impact.
We’re Here to Help
Contact Us
Have questions about the festival, submissions, accreditation, or any other inquiries? Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. We’re happy to assist filmmakers, journalists, and festival-goers alike.