42nd Haifa International Film Festival 2026 | 26.9.26 – 3.10.26

The 42nd Haifa International Film Festival, to be held In the Sukkot period between the dates 26.9–3.10.2026, will open this year with a particularly moving moment: the screening of Avi Nesher's new film, "Our loves", alongside the awarding of Lifetime Achievement Award To the creator, for cinematic excellence and an exceptional contribution to Israeli culture. The festival is launching a new tradition this year, the festival's central image will quote a familiar and beloved cinematic moment from an Israeli film, and chose to open the tradition with a tribute to Nesher's iconic film, "Dizengoff 99".

"Our Loves": International Premiere and Gala Opening

The film "Our Loves," nominated for 12 Ophir Awards including Best Film, will open the festival after its world premiere at the prestigious Centrepiece of the Toronto Film Festival. Based on true events, the film follows seven characters whose lives become unknowingly intertwined, in painful, comical and surprising relationships. They all believe that October 6th is "the day love died," but the events of October 7th force them to confront new insights into their past and future.

The film stars Shalom Michaelashvili, Maggie Azarzer, Yaniv Biton, Hadas Yaron, Evelyn Goel, Kim Or Azoulay, Naomi Aharoni Gal (Nono), Lior Miller and many more.

Israeli Film Competition: 12 films, feature and documentary

This year, the main competition for Israeli cinema will feature: 12 movies – Seven feature films and five documentaries. Among the notable films:

• "I want to tell my story" – Tomer Heyman retells his life story with a 100-year-old Holocaust survivor.
• "Hager - Land" – A moving feature drama about the journey of Ethiopian Jews to Israel.
• "And you loved" – The last film by the late Nitzan Giladi, about an ultra-Orthodox couple dealing with a faith and personal crisis.
• "Children of Hebron" – A documentary that follows children growing up in the heart of the conflict.
• "A place called hope" – A journey of a father and son in search of hope during a time of war.
• "Blue marks" – A drama about a young woman from Paris fighting for her life after a severe trauma.
• "Double Panther" – A crime drama based on the story of Yaakov Elbaz inside the Black Panthers.

In addition, there will be a short film competition with 24 films, including student films, and the winner of the independent short feature film category will compete for an Oscar nomination.

First Exposure: Israeli Debuts

The festival will screen special premieres of new Israeli films, including:

• "Within a Breath" – A drama about a judo fighter torn between his dream and his family.
• "Much water" – A love story between a paralyzed young woman and a young orderly.
• "negative" – A social thriller about an HIV testing clinic during violent protests.

Cultural figures: Portraits of giants

In a new framework dedicated to key figures in Israeli culture, three documentaries will be screened:

• "Alice. Last Calls" – An intimate portrait of Prof. Alice Shloy.
• "Naomi Shemer, Between Grass and Stone" – A revealing biography of the national poet.
• "Topol: On the Roof of the World" – A journey following the life of the Israeli actor who came the furthest from everyone.

Special Events: Gila Almagor and Yehoram Gaon on Stage

The festival will host a gala screening of the film "Yoram and Gila", featuring Gila Almagor and Yehoram Gaon, a pair of mythological actors dealing with an inevitable separation from the stage.

Support and partners

The festival is held with the support of the Israel Film Council - the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Regional Cooperation and the Haifa Municipality. The production is done by ETHOS - the Haifa Society for Arts, Culture and Sports.