Jerusalem Film Festival 2026 Highlights Israeli Cinema and International Stories

The Jerusalem Film Festival 2026, opening next week, showcases a diverse lineup of eight must-see films, including a significant Israeli drama starring Assi Cohen. "Independence," directed by Moshe Rosenthal, marks Cohen's return to drama after 15 years and highlights a dual-period coming-of-age story set in 1987 and the late 1990s. Rosenthal, acclaimed for his previous film "Karaoke," expands his cinematic universe with precise period details and a compelling narrative that captures the spirit of the times, supported by strong performances from Yair Mazor, Ido Tako, and theater actress Keren Tzur.

From the United States, James Gray’s "Paper Tiger" features Miles Teller and Adam Driver as Jewish brothers entangled with the Russian mafia, delivering an intense and gripping story. The documentary "Noga," co-produced by the US, Austria, Israel, and Germany, follows Israeli singer Noga Erez’s rise amid global BDS boycotts and domestic criticism, offering an intimate look at her personal and professional challenges.

"In Arta’s Country," a French-Armenian film, explores a woman’s bureaucratic quest in Armenia to uncover her late husband’s hidden past, touching on Armenian identity and trauma from ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan. Danish director Christian Bonke’s debut "The Fall of Hercules" stars Dar Salim as a trauma survivor seeking healing in a Danish village, blending professional and non-professional actors for authenticity.

Israeli-German production "Where to Lewin" features Ido Tako and Palestinian actor Ihab Elias Salameh in Berlin, portraying a sensitive, non-political story of an unlikely friendship between a taxi driver and a young Israeli. The American film "Their Town," from the Duplass brothers, centers on two high schoolers from different social backgrounds who find solace in each other through late-night conversations about depression and societal expectations.

Finally, the French-Belgian animated film "Jim Quinn" offers a wild, comedic narrative about a virus turning gay men into straight football fans, with a soundtrack featuring the local gay anthem "Everybody Needs a Man." This energetic film adds a playful note to the festival’s lineup.

Together, these films reflect a rich blend of Israeli and international cinema, highlighting personal stories, cultural identity, and social issues, promising a compelling festival experience.