Tel Aviv Cinematheque Screens Films on Power and Politics Ahead of Elections

Tel Aviv Cinematheque is dedicating the month of October to a film series titled "Democracies Under Test: Cinema on Power, Truth, and the Fight for a Free Society." The program aims to explore themes of power, elections, protest, and freedom of expression, particularly relevant in the lead-up to Israeli elections. The series will feature films from various eras and countries that examine the relationship between citizens and the state, the influence of governmental systems, and individual struggles for rights.

Notable films in the program include the 1939 Frank Capra classic "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," the acclaimed German drama "The Lives of Others" about surveillance in East Germany, and George Clooney's "The Ides of March" which delves into the behind-the-scenes of American elections. Other selections include "Selma," focusing on the U.S. civil rights movement, Steve McQueen's "Hunger," "Suffragette" about the women's suffrage movement, and Clint Eastwood's "In the Line of Fire."

In addition to these, the Cinematheque will host pre-release screenings of "Yellow Letters" and "Women on Trial: The Story of Marie Claire." A new program, "How to Read Cinema," will offer introductions by film scholars and lecturers, discussing cinematic language, directorial choices, and film interpretation. Participants include Benjamin Tobias, Meital Abuksis, Anat Eisenberg, and Ziv Hermelin Shadar.

The Cinematheque will also present a tribute to Israeli director, writer, and actor Amos Kollek from October 11-20. Kollek, son of former Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek, will be honored for his international career. Several of his prominent works, such as "Sway," "Fiona," "Fast Food, Fast Women," "The Cutting Edge," "Happy End," and the documentary "Chronicle of a Crisis," will be screened. Kollek himself will participate in some audience discussions, and the tribute will culminate with the premiere of his new Israeli-American production, "Emma Ruff," slated for 2026.

From October 13-26, the Cinematheque will showcase Romanian cinema under the "Foreign Language" series, presenting films that are not typically mainstream in Israel. These films will explore Romanian society, history, and culture. Highlights include "The Great Robbery," "A Place to Be Safe," "The Dream," "Cătăna," "Three Days in September," and "Only Us." A particularly intriguing screening is the documentary "Jews for Export, The Dark Trade of the Cold War," which examines a historical aspect of Romanian-Jewish relations during the Cold War, followed by a discussion with director Pierre Goutal, Iris Lacker, and the Ambassador of Romania to Israel, Rado Ioanid. The film "Cometogen" will also be screened with producer Cristian Gogou in attendance.

The Cinematheque's October programming encourages a deeper engagement with cinema, prompting audiences to reconsider the connections between film and reality, art and politics, and personal stories and broader social issues. Separately, Israeli Cinema Day will return on Wednesday, offering dozens of Israeli films for 10 shekels per ticket.