The 41st Jerusalem Film Festival concluded on Thursday night with a ceremony that highlighted both emerging talents and established filmmakers.
This year’s festival was marked by historic achievements, notably with the Haggiag Award for Israeli Feature Films going to Eid, the debut feature film by Bedouin director Yousef Abo Madegem.
This accolade is a groundbreaking moment as it is the first time a film directed by a member of the Bedouin community has received the festival’s top honor for Israeli features.
Eid is a poignant narrative centered on a construction worker from Rahat, the largest Bedouin city in the Negev, who battles societal expectations and personal desires.
The film explores themes of tradition versus modernity, love, and personal integrity. Abo Madegem, who described the film as his “11th child,” revealed at the premiere that the project had been a decade in the making.
His dedication and personal connection to the story resonated with the judges, who praised the film for its “sensitive, completely mature, and authentic portrayal” of preserving self-respect amidst rigid traditions and unfulfilled love.
The festival’s Anat Pirchi Award for Best Actor was awarded to Shadi Mar’i for his compelling performance in Fauda.
Known internationally for his role in the acclaimed TV series, Mar’i’s portrayal was noted for its depth and sensitivity, capturing the main character’s complex emotions with remarkable authenticity.
Another standout of the evening was Tom Nesher’s Come Closer, which won the GWFF Award for Best First Feature.
The film, which delves into the emotional journey of a young woman dealing with the grief of losing her brother, received high praise for its profound exploration of loss and the intricate emotional landscape surrounding it.
The judges commended the film for its “moving and profound search into the conflicting emotions and struggles experienced through loss,” highlighting the script, direction, and performances as particularly exceptional.
Come Closer also garnered recognition last month at the Tribeca Festival in New York, where it won the Viewpoints Award.
In a night filled with notable achievements, Lia Elalouf’s portrayal in Come Closer earned her the Anat Pirchi Award for Best Actress.
The jury lauded her “sensitive and profound portrayal of the most difficult moments in life,” emphasizing her ability to convey deep emotional pain with authenticity and grace.
The Anat Pirchi Award for Best Screenplay went to Maya Kenig for The Milky Way, a black comedy exploring the lives of impoverished young mothers in Tel Aviv who sell their breast milk to wealthy families.
The film was celebrated for its originality and biting social satire, turning an industrial issue into a metaphor for emotional bonds and societal critique.
The Ensemble Award was presented to Youthful Grace by Yuval Shani, recognizing the collective performance of its cast, which includes Ido Tako, Amitay Shulman, Moris Cohen, and others.
The film’s nuanced exploration of youth and grace received accolades for its ensemble work.
Maya Dreifuss’s Highway 65 received a Special Mention for its gritty depiction of a female detective investigating a murder in Afula.
The film’s portrayal of a tough, complex protagonist, played by Tali Sharon and featuring a memorable performance by Idan Amedi, who was injured in the Gaza conflict, added to its impactful narrative.
In the documentary category, the Diamond Award for Best Documentary was awarded to The Governor, directed by Danel El-Peleg.
The film examines a dark chapter in Israeli history, focusing on the director’s grandfather and his controversial actions, blending personal revelations with historical analysis.
The judges praised the film for its courageous storytelling and masterful intertwining of history and personal narrative.
The Diamond Award for Best Director was awarded to Shakked Auerbach for Strange Birds, a film exploring the relationship between a girl and her brother on the autism spectrum.
Auerbach’s sensitive direction in portraying this intimate family dynamic was highly regarded by the jury.
The Nechama Rivlin Award for Best International Film went to The Story of Souleymane by Boris Lojkine, a film about an African migrant in France.
The judges appreciated the film’s humanistic approach and its skillful, nuanced portrayal of the migrant experience.
Emanuel Parvu’s Three Kilometers to the End of the World won Best Director, recognized for its exceptional direction and storytelling.
In the In the Spirit of Freedom Competition, Jonathan Millet’s Ghost Trail took the Cummings Award for Best Feature Film.
The film’s script and acting were highlighted for their brilliance in exploring the complex and tormented soul of a Syrian refugee seeking justice and redemption.
The MKR Award for Best Documentary was awarded to The Invasion by Sergei Loznitsa, a film that captures a critical perspective on recent global events.
This year’s Jerusalem Film Festival not only celebrated cinematic excellence but also marked a significant milestone in the representation and recognition of diverse voices within the Israeli film industry.
The achievements of Abo Madegem, Mar’i, and others underscore the festival’s role in fostering groundbreaking and thought-provoking cinema.