Scene from 'A Matter of Size'
צילום: מאיר רג'ואן
Jerusalem Film Festival kicks off
Representatives of Scriptwriters and Directors Guild protest outside event at Cinematheque, calling on Knesset not to hurt Israeli cinema
The Jerusalem Film Festival opened Thursday evening with a festive gala screening of the film "A Matter of Size" on a huge screen at Sultan's Pool to an audience of 7,000 cinema fans, dignitaries and guests of the festival from Israel and abroad.
The guests were greeted at the festival plaza in the late afternoon hours by a silent protest held by representatives of the Scriptwriters and Directors Guild.
Dozens of people stood at the Cinematheque plaza wearing a black ribbon on their arms, in protest of the Opposition's vote against the Cinema Law at the Knesset two days ago. Kadima members had opposed an agreement reached between the Culture and Finance Ministries to transfer NIS 67 million ($17 million) to the cinema industry in the next five years.
At the opening ceremony, the festival's founder and president Lia van Leer awarded actress Ayelet Zurer with an achievement prize.
Zurer, who arrived in Israel from the United States in order to take part in the event, said that as an Israeli actress working abroad and as a cultural ambassador, she understands now more than ever the importance of Israeli cinema. "Please don't hurt Israeli cinema," she pleaded.
The Life Achievement Award was given to actor Yosef Shiloah for his work and contribution to Israeli cinema, to Yitzhak (Ijo) and Nurit Shani – owners of the Shani Films distribution company and the Lev Cinemas, and the Sam Spiegel School of Film & Television.
