‘Yossi’ gets second chance at love

By Tom Tugend
Published on January 30, 2013

Yossi, the central character in the new eponymous Israeli movie, has changed over the past 10 years, and so have Israel and the world. In 2002, director Eytan Fox introduced him in “Yossi & Jagger,” which became Israel’s highest-grossing film abroad, up to that time.

Muslims and Jews vs. Nazis in French film

By Tom Tugend
Published on March 19, 2012

George Clooney to chase Nazi-looted art

By Tom Tugend
Published on February 7, 2012

Jessica Chastain and John Madden on “The Debt”

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on August 23, 2011

2 Israeli Works Highlight L.A. Jewish Film Festival

By Tom Tugend
Published on April 27, 2010

The annual Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival this year bookends its six-day run with two Israeli films, opening with a bittersweet comedy and closing out with a hard-hitting look at the “lone soldiers” in the country’s army.

Why did “Waltz” lose?

By Tom Tugend
Published on February 25, 2009

Los Angeles Israeli Film Festival put focus on social justice—and secrets

By Amy Klein
Published on May 29, 2008

Critics and audiences alike can try to search for a political message in the 23rd Israeli Film Festival's premiere films

Oscars are Coen ‘Country’ but a win is still foreign for Israeli filmmakers

By Tom Tugend
Published on February 28, 2008

Report from Oscar night including a discussion of "Beaufort," the first Israeli film to be among the five finalists for Best Foreign Film in 23 years.

Film: Israel’s ‘Band’s Visit’ finally plays L.A.

By Tom Tugend
Published on February 7, 2008

Jewish-Arab relations, sometimes in war, occasionally in love, are frequent themes of Israeli movies, but rarely are they examined with the subtle humor and sensitivity of "The Band's Visit."

At the center of the leisurely action is the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra, eight Egyptian men in immaculate light-blue uniforms, who have come to Israel to perform at the opening of an Arab Cultural Center in Petach Tikvah.

Briefs: Cancer helps Olmert poll numbers, Mrs. El Presidente in Argentina—still good for the Jews

Published on November 1, 2007

Briefs.

Possible Oscar at stake in Israeli film fight

By Tom Tugend
Published on October 18, 2007

The story of two movies vying to represent Israel in the Oscar race is full of intrigue, confusion, backbiting and alleged skullduggery.

The Six-Day War changed Israel’s film industry forever

By George Robinson
Published on May 31, 2007

Of course, this is a gross oversimplification that does an injustice to both Zohar and Millo, but in essence, the remarkable and swift victory of Israeli forces in 1967 tore a veil of insecurity off the standard cinematic discourse around issues of Zionism and personal self-sacrifice and gave the nation's filmmakers the right to a certain heroic panache without-guilt. It was a sunny day that lasted only a short while, ended by the storms of the Yom Kippur War a mere six years later, but it was quite real.

Trio of Israeli student films shine on the French Riviera

By Jane Ulman
Published on May 24, 2007

Asaf Korman's 25-minute short is one of three Israeli student films at Cannes this year. The other two were selected for the Cinefondation category, a competition exclusively for short films produced by film school students.

Three Israeli entries vie for honors at 60th Cannes International Film Festival

By Jessica Steinberg
Published on May 10, 2007

With three Israeli films competing at this year's 60th Cannes International Film Festival, running May 16-27, as well as several Israeli student films, Israel Film Fund director Katriel Schory credits the country's success to the "strength and power of our stories."

‘Beggars’ Can Be Choosers

By Tom Tugend
Published on November 17, 2005

The scene and the babel of voices was half Tel Aviv and half Hollywood at the Writers Guild Theater last Sunday for the world premiere of "The King of Beggars."

One notable aspect was that "King" is not only a new Israeli film, but the first to open not in its homeland but in Los Angeles, which is also known for producing occasional movies.

‘Water’ Hits High Tide

By Tom Tugend
Published on June 30, 2005

"Walk on Water" has become the highest-grossing Israeli film in the United States, with box office receipts topping $2.1 million.