Chaplin,“Dr. Caligari” and “Antichrist” will all be at the 25th Haifa International Film Festival which takes place from October 3 – 10 during the Sukkot holidays. If you were looking for a reason to explore the scenic pleasures of Mt. Carmel – this is it. 150 new movies will be screened at the festival, whose artistic director is Pnina Blayer. The impressive roster includes pre-distribution premieres, such as Woody Allen’s “Whatever Works”, international films that have garnered rave reviews and awards but will not be commercially distributed in Israel, new Israeli films, the Golden Anchor Competition for films from Mediterranean countries, FIPRESCI Award for emerging directors and a focus on films from Eastern Europe. But there is more to the festival than the movies themselves: workshops, discussion panels, poetry and live music performances throughout the week. Midnight East will be there with daily updates.
Movies & more – some of the festival highlights:
Opening ceremonies on Saturday, October 3rd in the presence Mr. Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel and Adv. Yona Yahav, Mayor of Haifa will begin with The Haifa Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rafi Kadishson, performing music from the films: “Star Wars”, “Tied Hands” and “Cinema Paradiso,” with a violin solo by Eliyahu Shulman. Haifa born and internationally known dancer Ido Tadmor will perform dance segments from Dan Wolman’s film “Tied Hands,” followed by a screening of Ang Lee’s “Taking Woodstock.”
Charlie Chaplin’s 120th will be celebrated with nightly outdoor screenings of his films in the festival piazza.
“Burning Issues” – an annual conference co-sponsored by Keren Gesher for Multicultural Films and the festival to discuss current issues in film and television. This year’s focus is on the Short – examining the place of short films on television and in the theatres. Advance registration is recommended.
Monday, October 5, 10:00 – 13:00, the Mirror Hall, Beit Hecht
That Woodstock 70s groove continues as honored guest of the festival and chair of the panel judging the Israeli Feature Film competition, actor Elliot Gould will receive a prize for excellence in cinema. He will be present at select screenings of his landmark films, such as “MASH,” “Bob, Carol, Ted and Alice,” and present a Masterclass in English on “The 70s of Elliot Gould,” moderated by film critic David D’Arcy.
Masterclass: Tuesday, October 6, 18:00, the Mirrors Hall, Beit Hecht
Henri-Georges Clouseau – Master of Suspense
A tribute to the films of Clouseau will include the screening of the documentary “Henri-Georges Clouseau’s Inferno”, directed by Serge Bromberg and Ruxandra Medreain addition to Clouseau’s films: “Les Diaboliques” and “L’enfer”.
World renowned Czech animation artist Michaela Pavlatova will screen her films and conduct a workshop discussing animation techniques.
Wednesday, October 7, 18:00, the Mirrors Hall, Beit Hecht
Comic Documentary Cinema special screening of the first Palestinian documentary sitcom “Demon and Madness” directed by Mahmoud Afdile, followed by a panel discussion of filmmakers who employ humor as their cinematic language.
Wednesday October 7, 20:00, the Mirrors Hall, Beit Hecht
Poetry and Film: Neighbors – 30 Years to the Peace with Egypt
A collage of excerpts from Egyptian films will accompany a panel on the effect of peace on cultural, literary and cinematic creation. The participants include author Sami Michael, Poet Haim Gouri, Professor Sasson Somekh, Professor Uzi Shavit, poet Hiam Kablan, and Eyal Sagi who is an expert on Egyptian film. The session will be moderated by Anat Zaif and accompanied by live music with Wafa Blan and Faiz Abu Hatoum.
The second part of this session will be devoted to poet Haim Gouri.
Thursday, October 8, 16:00, the Mirrors Hall, Beit Hecht
The classic “Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” will be screened accompanied by music composed for the film and performed by violinist Yuval Gotlibovich and cellist Jonathan Gotlibovich.
Friday, October 9, 20:15, Rappaport Hall
Festive screening of Golden Lion Award winner “Lebanon” a film by Samuel Maoz.
Friday, October 9, 22:00, Auditorium
Live Music in Gan HaEm every night! Free!
Saturday, October 3: 20:00 capoeira, 21:00 Izhak Klepter, Ephraim Shamir & Alon Olarchik
Sunday, October 4: 21:00 Ronny Peterson in a tribute to Bob Dylan
Monday, October 5: 21:00 Izhar Ashdot with Black Velvet in an evening of Irish music
Tuesday, October 6: 20:00 New Ediction, 21:00 Overtone in a tribute to U2
Wednesday, October 7: 20:00 Or Eddy, 21:00 The “Echoes” in a 60s tribute
Thursday, October 8: 20:00 Lydia’s Meatballs, 21:00 A tribute to Meir Ariel
Friday, October 9: 20:00 Avilon, 21:00 Magical Mystery – a tribute to the Beatles
Saturday, October 10: 20:00 Hadar Ya’ar, 21:00 Reggae tribute to Bob Marley
For a complete schedule, check out the festival website: http://www.haifaff.co.il/index.php
The Ruth & Bruce Rappaport, Art and Culture Center
Information: 048363863
Screening Halls:
Haifa Auditorium: 138 Hanassi Ave.
Haifa Cinematheque: 142 Hanassi Ave.
New Rappaport Hall: 142 Hanassi Ave.
Panorama Cinema: 109 Hanassi Ave. 048382020
The Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art: Auditorium Raphael-89, Hanassi Ave. 048383554
The Kriger Center for the Performing Arts: 6 Eliahu Hackim St. Carmel Zarfati 048598012
Handicap access available at all theatres – details on festival website.
Paid parking available at Auditorium car park and Panorama car park
Free parking and easy access available at Kriger Center
Image: scene from “Taking Woodstock” courtesy of PR
