Sderot film festival turns 25 with new programs and local focus

The Cinema of the South Festival is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary in Sderot, marking a significant milestone for a regional event that has grown into a major platform for Israeli cinema. Scheduled to run from November 1 to 5 at the Sderot Cinematheque, the upcoming edition aims to bridge the gap between local artistic production and broader national audiences. For a quarter-century, this gathering has served as a vital hub for cinematic discourse, and this year’s program reflects a deliberate effort to deepen its roots in the western Negev while maintaining its international connections.

Founded by the School of Audio and Visual Arts at Sapir Academic College, the festival continues to be driven by an academic yet community-focused ethos. The central premise of this year’s lineup is a spotlight on creators from Sderot and the surrounding western Negev region. A particular emphasis is placed on works that explore the social and emotional landscape of the past three years, specifically the period following the October 7 Hamas-led massacres. This thematic focus suggests an intent to document and reflect on a transformative era in Israeli life through the lens of local filmmakers who have lived through these events firsthand.

The opening evening promises to draw significant attention with a high-profile discussion featuring Hanan Savyon and Guy Amir. The two are scheduled to discuss their Netflix series, Bros, which centers on two childhood friends and Beitar Jerusalem fans who operate a pub together. The narrative explores how a series of personal crises tests the durability of their long-standing friendship. Following the discussion, the world premiere of the first two episodes of the show’s second season will take place, offering fans an early look at the continuation of the storyline.

Beyond the headline event, the festival offers a diverse array of advance screenings designed to showcase recent KAN productions. Audiences will have the opportunity to view Motherland, a comedy-drama directed by Yael Hedaya and starring Dana Ivgy, Sasson Gabay, and Alma Zack. Additionally, the program includes Whose Daughter Are You, a documentary series directed by Efrat Shalom Danon and Keren Shayo and produced by Osnat Trabelsi. This series examines the experiences of Mizrahi women in Israel, adding a layer of sociological depth to the festival’s offerings. The team behind the popular KAN series The Pshute will also be present, with director Dan Messer and creators Bar Elmaliach Donzov, Chen Rotman, and Oshrit Sarusi engaging with attendees.

The festival is set to conclude with a screening of Iris Zaki’s film, What Was She Thinking? The movie explores the decision to remain childless within the context of Israeli society, a topic that resonates strongly with contemporary demographic debates. Zaki, who heads the master’s degree program at the college, will oversee this closing segment, which also serves as a tribute to editor Nili Feller. A two-time Ophir Award winner, Feller will be honored through a selection of four films she edited, a master class, and discussions with prominent filmmakers such as Ari Folman and Dani Rosenberg.

A substantial portion of the program is dedicated to the work of returning Sapir graduates, highlighting the pipeline of new talent emerging from the institution. Efrat Corem will present Heart of Gold, starring Chen Amsalem, Menashe Noy, and Israel Atias. In the documentary category, Shir Houri Abu will show 100 Gates, while Sderot-based filmmaker Tal Avitan will screen Carlos Outside the Lines. The latter focuses on a children’s soccer coach in Kiryat Gat, offering a slice-of-life perspective from the region. To provide context for the new entries, eight winning films from previous editions of the festival will also be screened, allowing audiences to trace the evolution of the competition over the years.

Regional programming features a collection titled Sketches of the Soul, comprising five short films by western Negev filmmakers. These works collectively examine life after October 7, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to documenting the immediate aftermath of the conflict. Another notable premiere is My Beloved Gourama by Sami Shalom Chetrit, which follows the life of his father in both Morocco and Israel. This personal narrative adds an international dimension to the regional focus, connecting the local community to broader diasporic experiences.

International collaboration remains a key component of the event, with Swiss director Thomas Imbach scheduled to present two films and lead a master class in cooperation with the Swiss Embassy. This partnership underscores the festival’s role as a bridge between Israeli and European cinematic communities. Finally, the closing ceremony will mark the launch of Negba, a new incubator designed to support young filmmakers from the south. This initiative signals a strategic move to nurture local talent through structured mentorship and development opportunities, ensuring the festival’s impact extends beyond the five-day event.

As the festival approaches its 25th year, the combination of premieres, educational sessions, and new initiatives suggests a robust framework for future growth. The inclusion of both established industry figures and emerging graduates indicates a balanced approach to showcasing cinematic excellence. With the new Negba incubator and a heavy emphasis on regional storytelling, the event positions itself as a critical cultural institution for the western Negev. Detailed information regarding the program is available on the festival’s page on the Sapir Academic College website.