INTRODUCTION: THE SAM SPIEGEL FILM AND TELEVISION SCHOOL, JERUSALEM, ISRAEL

The diversity of the young and exciting Israeli cinematography reflects the full and rich life of the young Israeli society which is facing the challenge of receiving numerous immigrants from all over the world, who are building a pluralist and open society, faithful to its traditions and values.
Yossi Armani Ambassador of the State of Israel The Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, Jerusalem, Israel Throughout its 20 years, is constantly striving to bring the most authentic voices of young Israeli filmmakers to international audiences.

The Sam Spiegel Film and Television School was established by The Israeli Ministry of Education and The Jerusalem Foundation. It pursues a storycentered approach to filmmaking, concentrating on the short film as a legitimate film genre. The school’s approach to film and television making is considered very unique and innovative as the school’s teaching method is founded on a triangular structure: Filmmaking program, Creative Writing program and Entrepreneur Producer’s program. With uncompromising standards of excellence, The Sam Spiegel School is forging new directions in the Israeli film industry while gaining worldwide recognition for the outstanding achievements of its students. It has been playing a key role in the Israeli film renaissance of the last decade, by virtue of its distinctive focus on a personal and sensitive dialogue with the audience. Over the years, the school won 15 times The Best Film School award at various student film festivals In 1996, Sam Spiegel became the first school ever selected for a retrospective by the Museum of Modern Art in New York. To date, the school’s films have been shown at 165 retrospectives in 50 countries. Some of the largestfilm festivals in the world such as Berlin, Rotterdam,Clermont- Ferrand, Hong Kong, Valladolid, Sarajevo and The Hamptons have honored the school with tributes. Its student films represent Israel at more than 130 international festivals each year and have won more than 260 international prizes including the first prize in the Cinéfondation category of Cannes Film Festival 2008. 300 graduates, an average of 70% of total alumni, hold leading positions in Israel’s film and television industry.

The presentation of the Sam Spiegel School films, which will be held within the Zagreb Film Festival programme, is organised in association with the Embassy of the State of Israel and the Zagreb Academy of Dramatic Art.

Screening of FIlms: The Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, Jerusalem, Israel

Bedouin Sand / Chol
režija / directed by: Omri Levy
1997, 17’, boja, color, video

Cock Fight / Krav Tarnegolim
režija / directed by: Sigalit Liphshitz,
2000, 14’, boja, color, video

The Substitute / Hayelet Bodeda
režija / directed by: Taly Lavie
2005, 19’, boja, color, video

Sabbath Entertainment / Omeg Shabat
režija / directed by: Mihal Brezis & Oded Binnun
2003, 21’, boja, color, video

Guided Tour / Siyur Mudrach
režija / directed by: Benjamin Freidenberg
2009, 25’, boja, color, video

21 OCTOBER / THURSDAY / 6pm / ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ARTS