Jerusalem Film Festival Calls on Palestinian Filmmakers to Join Next Year’s Lineup

The 43rd Jerusalem Film Festival opened its doors on July 9, 2026, and ran through July 19, showcasing a mix of Israeli, Arab and international cinema. While the city’s streets bustled with festival‑goers, the event’s own leadership took a moment to look beyond the screen.

Roni Mahadav‑Levin – the executive director of both the Jerusalem Cinematheque and the festival – published an open letter on the first day of the show. In it, she urged Palestinian filmmakers to consider submitting their work for the next edition, warning that cultural boycotts are “counter‑productive” and that genuine artistic exchange can help break down hard‑line narratives that have hardened on both sides.

Mahadav‑Levin’s appeal carries a sense of urgency. She reminded readers that the Israeli public will head to the polls in roughly three months, a reminder that the cultural conversation does not exist in a vacuum but is intertwined with the country’s political climate.

In an unexpected turn of events, the festival’s own awards ceremony highlighted Palestinian talent. Actor Ehab Elias Salami took home the Best Acting Performance prize for his role in the feature film Where To?, directed by Assaf Machnes. The win was a quiet yet powerful affirmation that Palestinian stories can thrive on a Jerusalem stage.

Earlier in the program, a curated compilation titled “All That Remains” screened a handful of short films by six Palestinian creators. Curator Fadi Far assembled the pieces to present a mosaic of contemporary Palestinian life, giving audiences a glimpse into narratives that might otherwise remain unheard.

The festival’s atmosphere was described as “diverse crowds, Jews and Arabs, secular and religious citizens, locals and internationals,” a vivid reminder that, despite the region’s complexities, cinema can still bring people together. Mahadav‑Levin hopes that next year’s lineup will reflect even broader participation, turning the Jerusalem Film Festival into a true crossroads of cultures.