Israel’s cinemas are finally set to reopen on Thursday after a 14-month, pandemic-induced hiatus.
Despite the anticipated reopening, the variety of films available for screening is limited, with most films set to be shown have been released over the past year on streaming platforms
Among the films set to be screened in Israel's cinemas in the near future is "Wonder Woman 1984", starring Israeli movie star Gal Gadot. The film was released on HBO max streaming service back in December.
It is the follow-up to the 2017 blockbuster about the renowned Amazonian superhero and also stars Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian), Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live) and Chris Pine (Star Trek).
Another anticipated movie whose theatrical release was scrapped due to coronavirus is Disney and Pixar’s "Soul".
The movie, which was released on Disney’s streaming service in 2020 to critical acclaim, was directed by Pete Docter (who also directed Pixar’s "Inside Out") and stars Jamie Foxx as the lead. Soul is about a music teacher who dies on the same day he gets his dream job, and his soul's subsequent journey in the afterlife.
Pixar's latest offering is suitable for older and younger viewers alike, despite some undoubtedly heavy topics on display such as death, loss and heartbreak.
"Nomadland" is another 2020 movie that got a myriad of accolades upon release, including an Oscar for best picture. It was unavailable for streaming in Israel via any legal platforms.
The movie was directed by independent filmmaker Chloé Zhao, and tells the story of people who chose, or were otherwise forced, to live as nomads and drifters in rural America.
The movie stars Frances McDormand (Transformers: Dark of the Moon) alongside a myriad of unprofessional actors who really live the nomad lifestyle and portray themselves in the movie.