What’s happening
The ReFILM: Restoration Film Festival at the Jerusalem Cinematheque will present a remarkable collection of restored cinematic classics, highlighting diverse narratives from Jewish and Israeli life. The festival runs from October 27th to November 2nd, featuring global classics alongside treasured Israeli films, sustaining a conversation about culture and history through film.
Why it matters
By spotlighting the festival, it places emphasis on Israel’s role in preserving and celebrating film heritage. The Israeli Film Archive at the Jerusalem Cinematheque plays a key part in film conservation, offering access to Israel’s rich cinematic past, crucial for maintaining cultural identity. This year’s festival perfectly encapsulates the essence of Jewish and Israeli life, including explorations of the 1950s fishing industry, Beersheba’s urban development, and the integration stories of Polish immigrants.
The lineup
The program features classics like Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest” and the chilling “Carrie”, offering audiences the opportunity to experience iconic scenes in vibrant restorations. Among exciting global entries are Japanese War dramas like “The Burmese Harp” and culturally profound showcase films from regions like Hungary and Czechoslovakia.
Fortifying Israeli narratives
A special addition is the screening of Natan Gross’s 1946 Yiddish film, “Unzere Kinder”, which presents poignant narratives addressing the legacy of Holocaust history. This exemplifies an unparalleled commitment to securing and representing narratives critical to Jewish heritage.
Preserving diversity in film
The festival also offers Saar Node vs NP selected footage from the esteemed Steven Spielberg Jewish Film Archive. This is the world’s largest collection of Jewish-oriented documentary film footage with over 20,000 titles. The diverse collection underlines Israeli dedication to exploring multifaceted Jewish experiences through cinema.
Bottom line
By hosting ReFILM, Jerusalem reaffirms its position as a touchstone for artistic rebirth and reflection through film preservation. Festivals such as this not only reinforce Israel as a custodian of cinematic heritage but also relish in bringing both historical and modern cultures to a new generation of audiences, ensuring the breadth of Israeli stories are accessible globally.
This story was first published on jpost.com.