Tel Aviv Cinematheque Hosts Tribute Series for Late Director Nitzan Giladi

Approximately two weeks after the passing of acclaimed Israeli director Nitzan Giladi at age 56, the Tel Aviv Cinematheque is launching a special tribute series featuring screenings of his films and panel discussions with actors and family members. Originally planned as a celebration with Giladi present, the event has transformed into a memorial honoring his legacy.

The tribute opens with a panel moderated by Roy Asaf, including actors Moran Rosenblat, Raymond Amsalem, and Assi Levy, who were key collaborators throughout Giladi's career. Following the discussion, the award-winning film "Paper Wedding" and the short film "Nechama," among his final works, will be screened. Over the ten-day event, additional documentaries such as "Jerusalem Proud to Present," "In the Status of Satmar," "Family Time," and "The Last Enemy," as well as the narrative film "As If There Is No Tomorrow," will be shown.

The series will also feature conversations with Giladi's family, friends, and film professionals reflecting on his contributions. Giladi passed away earlier this month, just one day before the academy screening of his last completed film "Ve'ahavta." His work spanned documentary and narrative cinema, often exploring themes of identity, LGBTQ+ issues, the ultra-Orthodox community, and complex Israeli societal conflicts.

Avishai David Kohana, artistic director of the Tel Aviv Cinematheque, expressed that the tribute was conceived to honor Giladi while he was still alive. He stated, "We wanted to tell him, in front of the screen and with his presence, how much his cinema touched, moved, and opened space for people and stories that are not always seen. Unfortunately, we did not win against time."