The Jerusalem Film Festival’s Artistic Director Elad Samorzik has announced his intention to depart from the position, after ten editions in the role, from 2014 to 2023. Orr Sigoli, currently the Artistic Director of the Holon Cinematheque, will be the Jerusalem Film Festival’s new Artistic Director.
Elad Samorzik, Outgoing Artistic Director released a statement: “After a decade at the festival, I have decided to leave my position and move on to new challenges. It was an incredible honor to serve as Artistic Director of the Jerusalem Film Festival for so many years and work with a team that became such a meaningful part of my life. I have known Orr Sigoli for many years; he is a true cinephile and I am certain that the festival will benefit greatly from his deep commitment to the art of film.”
Samorzik has left an impressive mark on the festival during his tenure there, initially working alongside Executive Director Noa Regev, and later alongside Roni Mahadav-Levin. Samorzik initiated several new competitions, developed the festival’s industry days, expanded international partnerships, and increased the number of films and screenings, enhancing the festival’s standing both locally and internationally. International filmmakers, actors, and film industry professionals who attended the festival during Samorzik’s tenure as Artistic Director include Helen Mirren, Oliver Stone, Claire Denis, the Dardenne Brothers, Ruben Östlund, Pawel Pawlikowsky, Laurie Anderson, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Quentin Tarantino, and Park Chan- wook.
Samorzik will continue working at the festival in the coming months as Outgoing Artistic Director, working together with Orr Sigoli on the Jerusalem Film Festival’s next edition, which will take place from July 18 – 28, 2024.
Orr Sigoli is a graduate of the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School. He previously worked as a movie channels programmer for yes-satellite-TV, as well as a film critic of print media such as City Mouse, Calcalist, and Globes. In 2010, he co-founded Srita.net, Israel’s most viewed independent film site, where he serves as Head Writer and Assistant Editor. In 2019, he began working as the Artistic Director of Holon Cinematheque. In 2020, he published his first novel; his second novel is set to be published in 2024.
Orr Sigoli, Incoming Artistic Director released a statement: “Becoming the Artistic Director of the Jerusalem Film Festival is a dream come true. The festival and the city became a great love of mine during my time as a student in Jerusalem. I am a firm believer in the role of cinema in the cultural landscape and am therefore honored and very much looking forward to being a part of this important and wonderful institution, showcasing the best of world cinema to tens of thousands of viewers every year, as well as the most noteworthy and interesting Israeli and international filmmakers. I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to the Jerusalem Cinematheque and its Board of Directors for its warm reception and trust.”
