Film

Docaviv 2026 reveals the Israeli film lineup

Twelve new films have been chosen for the Israeli competition. They include Soccer for the Soul, by Avida Livny, and Shalom, by Meital Zvieli.

|ByHANNAH BROWN
Meir Shalev
’LIFT THE BAN’ rally organized by Defend Our Juries, challenging the British government’s proscription of ‘Palestine Action’ under anti-terrorism laws, in London’s Parliament Square, Sept. 6, 2025

‘Broken Glass’ 2026: History repeats itself as Britain's Jews face new wave of terror - opinion

Attacks on synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses are increasing – not only in the UK but throughout the free world.

|ByBRENDA KATTEN
Nora Navas and Rodrigo de la Serna in 'My Friend Ava.'

Spanish film, 'My Friend Eva' - an unromantic comedy, defined by covert cynicism

It’s usually the men in movies who have this kind of sudden-onset midlife crisis, but here it’s Eva who impulsively decides to move out of her apartment and start dating.

|ByHANNAH BROWN
Avi Nesher on the set of Image of Victory with Amir Khoury

Director Avi Nesher discusses upcoming film, ‘Sons and Soldiers’

Sons and Soldiers tells the amazing true story about a group of young Jewish refugees from Germany and surrounding countries, who made it to the US in the 1930s just before the Nazis closed in.

|ByHANNAH BROWN

Berlin International Film Festival winners blast Israel in award speeches, ignore Iran

Abdallah Al-Khatib, who won Best Feature Debut for his film 'Chronicles From the Siege', criticized the German government, saying it was complicit in Israel’s conduct in the war against Hamas.

FEBRUARY 22, 2026ByHANNAH BROWN
SOFIANE ZERMANI, Abdallah Alkhatib, Taqiyeddine Issaad and Salah Issaad pose with the GWFF Best Feature Film Debut Award for “Chronicles From the Siege” at the 76th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, February 21, 2026.

Over 80 Berlin Film Festival alumni sign open letter urging organizers to take stance on Gaza

The Berlin Film Festival is considered the most political of its peers, Venice and Cannes, and prides itself on showing cinema from underrepresented communities and young talent.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026ByREUTERS
Cast member Julia Jones attends the premiere of 'The Weight' at the 76th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, February 17, 2026.

Frederick Wiseman, social institution documentary filmaker, dies at 96

Wiseman directed 45 films and some theatrical productions in France. His experiences of antisemitism greatly influenced his documentary career.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026ByANDREW LAPIN/JTA
Frederick Wiseman attends the "Law And Order" Photocall at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2024 in Cannes, France.

Berlinale head Tricia Tuttle defends jury for refusing to condemn Israel for ‘genocide’

The issue surfaced following the opening press conference, where the International Jury president, director Wim Wenders, said that filmmakers should stay out of politics.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026ByHANNAH BROWN
Tricia Tuttle, director of the Berlinale.

Godfather actor Robert Duvall dies aged 95

Duvall passed away peacefully, aged 95, on Sunday, his family announced on Monday.

FEBRUARY 16, 2026ByJAMES GENN
Actor Robert Duvall arrives for the world premiere of Widows at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto, Canada, September 8, 2018.

Iranian director unveils film confronting Tehran's Evin prison torture

Her film Roya tells the story of a fictional teacher detained in Evin, but it is also deeply personal for Mohammadi, who has been arrested multiple times in Iran on charges of propaganda.

FEBRUARY 16, 2026ByREUTERS
MAHNAZ MOHAMMADI poses at the "Meet the Filmmakers" event during the 15th Zurich Film Festival on October 01, 2019 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Jerusalem highlights: February 13-19

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

FEBRUARY 13, 2026ByHAGAY HACOHEN
MAO concert (see Thursday)

Freed hostages David, Ariel Cunio to attend Berlinale with updated version of 'A Letter to David'

David Cunio and Ariel Cunio were both kidnapped on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where more than a quarter of the approximately 400 residents were either killed or abducted.

FEBRUARY 11, 2026ByHANNAH BROWN
David and Ariel Cunio

From ‘Hairspray’ to ‘South Park,’ composer Marc Shaiman tells a story shaped by Jewish humor

In his new memoir “Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner,” Marc Shaiman reflects on a life shaped by chutzpah, fate, disappointment

FEBRUARY 10, 2026BySTEPHEN SILVER/JTA
Shaiman writes about the bitter and the sweet of a long, successful career with setbacks that still sting.

‘All Moms Lie’ and winter dramas: New sports stories to watch on Israeli television

TV Time: "All Moms Lie" is a rare case where the series is better than the promos would have you believe.

FEBRUARY 7, 2026ByHANNAH BROWN
Estelle Duvin (12) of Team France battles for the puck against Anna Caumo (8) of Team Italy during a women's ice hockey Group B game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 5.