Four decades of cinema, culture and life in the city of Haifa.
I was privileged to be at the first Haifa Film Festival, founded in 1983. It was the first film festival of its kind in Israel.
More than four decades have passed since then, and the festival has gradually established itself as one of the main cultural events in Haifa and the world of cinema in Israel. This year, 2026, the 42nd festival will be held.
And since then, over the years, the event has become part of the identity of the city of Haifa. Every year during the Tishrei holidays, the Carmel Center fills with film lovers, visitors, creators and actors, and the entire city enters the atmosphere of a cinematic celebration.
The magic of the film festival is not only in the films, but also in the meeting of people. People come to see films from all over the world, but also to meet people, to talk, to get to know creators and to experience film culture together. Cinema becomes a part of life on the streets of Haifa.
Another important thing is that it is possible to encounter a cinematic work that does not immediately reach commercial theaters. The viewer can move from story to story and country to country, be exposed to different languages and cultures, and discover new perspectives on the world.
Thus, the festival is also a cultural and educational event. It is not content with just entertainment, but invites us to observe, think, be moved, and sometimes even change the way we saw the subject or the person.
The festival gives Haifa a lot… it becomes To the gentlemen and tourist centerDuring the festival, the center of Carmel becomes especially lively, with the cafes, restaurants, and businesses in the area benefiting from the heavy traffic of residents and visitors.
The festival provides directors, actors, producers, and young creators with an opportunity to present their work to an audience, industry professionals, and journalists.
Over the years, the festival has been a stage for many Israeli films and creators who have left their mark on cinema in the country. For me and for many creators on community television, it is a significant chapter in our lives as creators.
Creative Stories – Three Films and Awards
Years ago, I attended the festival every year and we won awards for three of our films. The films are related to the society, history, and heritage of the country:
- "And you said" – A film about the liberation of Haifa in 1948. Fighters talk about the battles and the moments that shaped the city.
- "Short on the connection" – A social film that deals with the phenomenon of violence among young people. A work intended to provoke conversation and thought and, unfortunately, is still relevant today.
- "The sea is not cruel" – A film about maritime archaeology, revealing the fascinating world beneath the sea. The film also tells the story of the Italian submarine "Shira", which sank off Haifa Harbor during World War II.
The Italian ambassador was also present at the award ceremony.
A festival that is a memory – and a story of generations
Since 1983, generations of spectators and creators have passed through Haifa. People who came to the festival in their youth return with their children, and sometimes even their grandchildren. The festival has become a family, urban and cultural story.
Movies that remain in the heart, meetings with creators, conversations in cafes, walking the streets of Carmel, all of these create a special feeling of an entire city that celebrates culture.
finish
The Haifa Film Festival is much more than a cinematic event. It is part of the city's memory, cultural history and the lives of the city's residents. For many, it is a significant chapter in their lives. For Haifa, it is a symbol of creation, encounter and love for cinema.
I am proud of Haifa and love it, like many other Haifa residents who experience this magic anew every year.