Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia
The Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia is a local film festival based in Philadelphia, PA. The festival's aim is to "enrich the American vision of Israeli culture and society through film." Each season, a slate of feature films and documentaries are selected to provide a "diverse and impartial" reflection of Israel.
History
The festival was founded in 1996 by Mindy Chriqui, Aryeh Rudnik and Ruti Kulka. The first season began at Philadelphia's Gershman Y on Saturday, November 9, 1996 with Eytan Fox's "Song of the Siren".
Program and Funding
The festival's program includes feature films, dramas, comedies and documentaries that are award-winning and have received wide recognition both in Israel and abroad. The Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is funded through ticket sales, personal and corporate contributions, art grants, as well as in-kind contributions. Organizational support is provided by The Center for Israel and Overseas, the Consulate General of Israel in Philadelphia, and a wide array of community partners.
Key Personnel
The Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia's current chairperson is Nurit Yaron. She assumed this position in 2009. The Festival's coordinator is Mindy Chriqui. The Festival is organized by a committee of 12 volunteers, who perform different functions from fundraising and marketing to venue coordination and distribution.
External links
- Jewish Exponent Online Edition - "Israeli Film Festival to Unspool Here", February 17, 2011 by Michael Elkin, Arts & Entertainment Editor
- The Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia - Official Website