Welcome

Once again, for the fourth time in five years, an Israeli film was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Foreign Language Film. This year, Joseph Cedar’s “Footnote” was deemed among the best in the world, the second time one of his films was nominated for the honor (the first being “Beaufort” – also presented at the Montreal Israel Film Festival)!

Israeli cinema continues to flourish with a wide variety of films on a vast array of topics being produced. There is no better place to see these cinematic offerings than at the Montreal Israel Film Festival.

It all started eight years ago with a modest three day programme. It was then, at the closing night of the first Festival, when people gathered around pleading with me: “Promise us you will be here again next year.” It was then that I entered into an unwritten contract with my Montreal audience. For my part: I, for as long as I possibly can, will continue to organize this Festival, a top class festival, in my humble opinion.

Your part of the contract: you continue to come to see the best in Israeli film.
Since this pact took place eight years ago, I have put my heart into the Festival and, each year, seek out the best Israeli films and most interesting speakers to bring to Montreal.

Since this pact took place eight years ago, I have put my heart into the Festival and, continuously seek out the best Israeli films and most interesting speakers to bring to Montreal.

And you? Each year you fill the theaters, discuss the films and talk about the speakers. You truly provide us with the incentive to take the Festival to new heights . Above all, it is your commitment that guarantees our return to Montreal again and again.