Meir Fenigstein Story
Thirty-two years ago Meir Fenigstein, the Founder and Executive Director of IsraFest Foundation, Inc. and the Israel Film Festival (IFF) had a dream that started with six films first shown in Boston. The festival is now a phenomenon of creativity and entertainment.
In 1982, the first Israel Film Festival began with six films and in 2018, the 32nd Israel Film Festival will screen 18 full feature films, 13 documentaries, 3 TV-series and 6 master piece of classic cinema from November 6-till November 20, 2018.
Through the lens, acting and content, Meir Fenigstein brought Israel to America. Through the cinematic arts America is able to learn about Israeli culture and life, with films that promote new ideas of peace and social harmony.
The IFF has come a long way, accounting for more than one million viewers of 1000 Israel films.
Israeli film and series content have become Hollywood favorites, and Hollywood has been lining up to purchase the rights to show them or produce adaptation to them.
The Political Angle
Avi Nesher, an Israeli award-winning director and screenwriter was awarded the 2018 IFF Cinematic Achievement Award for his accomplishments in the Israeli film industry.
Jason Blum, the American Academy Award nominee, and Emmy Award winning producer who was to be awarded the 2018 IFF Achievement in Film & Television Award received the boos.
In his speech, Mr. Blum skidded into politics accusing President Trump of enflaming and the rise of anti-Semitism in America. In return, large number of the audience, who appeared to be President Trump supporters left the auditorium in protest, while the rest kept on booing the renegade and yelling for him to leave the stage.
Video by Dr. Estella Sneider:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQmqC4d2864
The Lesson to Learn
The IFF is a popular festival that takes place in Los Angeles each year. The opening screening of the film The Other Story, by director Avi Nesher, was shown at the Steve Tisch Cinema Center at the Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills to a full house.
When partaking in an art festival, it is advisable to remain within the quarters of the arts and not ski into ugly politics you lie for and about.
We look forward to the Israel Film Festival continuing being a festival of very special endeavor.
