Ohad Naharin, artistic director of the Batsheva Dance Company, is regarded as one of the most important choreographers in the world. Meeting him at a critical turning point in his personal life, this spirited and insightful documentary will introduce you to a man with great artistic integrity and an extraordinary vision. Filmed over a period of eight years, director Tomer Heymann mixes intimate rehearsal footage with an extensive unseen archive and breathtaking dance sequences.
All communities are welcomed to learn about Israel's culture through personal stories of disabilities in the films “My Hero Brother,” the art of dancing in “Mr. Gaga,” and remarkable stories of Israeli holocaust survivors in the kibbutz in “The Essential Link: The Story of Wilfrid Israel.” Panel discussions focusing on multiple aspects of the film will follow each screening. All events are open to the public and the first two screenings will be free and shown on the Ithaca College campus, while the third and final film will be shown at Cinemapolis in downtown Ithaca at regular admission cost.
The theme for this year’s festival is “Israel is Real,” highlighting humanistic elements of Israel life and culture exclusively through documentary film selections, a first for the festival. “This year’s festival portrays a unique reality through art, disabilities and history with a selection of unique, vibrant, and diverse Israeli cinema,” said Mirit Hadar, IFF co-founder and director. “We are honored to present these films around Ithaca communities, and for the first time, in downtown Ithaca at the Cinemapolis theater.” The Israel Film Festival is sponsored by Hillel at Ithaca College, the Ithaca College Jewish studies program, the Ithaca Area United Jewish Community, The New Fund for Cinema and TV, J Street U and Student Alliance for Israel at Ithaca College. For more information, visit israelfilmfest.com or contact mhadar@ithaca.edu.
