South Film Festival to Celebrate 25 Years with Premieres and Local Focus
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
The South Film Festival in Sderot will celebrate its 25th anniversary from November 1-5, 2026, with a program featuring film premieres, local creators, and a focus on the Western Negev's experiences since October 7th. The festival opens with the premiere of "Besh U'vameim" season two and includes a tribute to film editor Nili Fleer. It aims to support emerging filmmakers from the region and foster connections between the college and the community.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The South Film Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in Sderot from November 1-5, 2026.
- The festival opens with the world premiere of the second season of the Netflix series "Besh U'vameim".
- A special tribute will honor the acclaimed film editor Nili Fleer.
- The program highlights local creators and stories from the Western Negev, especially post-October 7th.
- A new incubator for young Southern filmmakers called "Negba" will be launched.
The South Film Festival, marking its 25th anniversary, will take place in Sderot from November 1-5, 2026.
The opening night will host the world premiere of the first two episodes of the second season of "Besh U'vameim" ("Fire and Water"), a Netflix series created by Hanan Savyon and the creator. The series follows two childhood friends from Jerusalem who run a pub and face challenges that test their friendship. A discussion with the creators will precede the screening.
Other notable screenings include an early look at "Mah Im HaYeled?" ("What About the Kid?"), a new comedy-drama from Kan, written by Yael Hedaya and starring Dana Ivgy, Sasson Gabai, and Alma Zack. Also featured is "Bat Shel Mi At?" ("Whose Daughter Are You?"), a Kan documentary about Mizrahi women in Israel, directed by Efrat Shalom Danon and Keren Shaio. The festival will close with a preview screening of "Mah Hi Choshevet Le'atzma?" ("What Does She Think About Herself?"), a film by Iris Zaki, head of the graduate program at Sapir's School of Audio and Screen Arts. This film explores childlessness in Israeli society and is part of a special tribute to film editor Nili Fleer.
This year's festival will highlight local creation, particularly stories from the Western Negev in the three years since the October 7th attack. The "Rishumei Nefesh" program will showcase five short films by creators from the region reflecting on the post-attack reality. Premieres include "Gorama Ahuvati" by Sami Shalom Shitrit, and two films by Bedouin women creators from the Negev, made within the "Be'einai Isha" (In a Woman's Eyes) incubator. Graduates of Sapir's School of Audio and Screen Arts will also present their new works, including "Lev Zahav" by Efrat Koren, the documentary "Chayei Sarah" by Shir Chori Abu, and "Carlos Me'echtz LaKavim" by Tal Avitan.
As part of the 25th-anniversary celebration, eight award-winning films from the festival's history will be screened, and the "Kolnoa Darom Chadash" (New South Cinema) competition will feature films by the school's alumni. A new incubator for young creators from the South, "Negba," will be launched at the closing ceremony. The festival will also pay tribute to Nili Fleer, a two-time Ophir Award winner, with screenings of four films she edited and discussions with filmmakers like Ari Folman and Dani Rosenberg. Swiss director Thomas Imbach will be a guest, with screenings of his films and a masterclass.
Rani Blair Elkabetz, Head of the School of Audio and Screen Arts and Festival Chairman, noted the festival's tradition of blending humor and pain, reflected in the opening choice of "Besh U'vameim." The festival will also feature a masterclass by Nili Fleer and international guest director Thomas Imbach.
Mentioned
