Jerusalem Women's Film Festival explores trauma, healing, and hope - preview

The seventh Jerusalem International Women's Film Festival runs October 12-16, curated by Lihi Sabag and Shira Meishar. The festival features feature films, documentaries, and shorts from Israel and abroad, with screenings at the Jerusalem Cinematheque and other city venues. Filmmakers attend for Q&As. The program addresses trauma from the October 7 attack and hostage crisis, alongside themes of healing and hope. Sabag notes the emotional weight of the ongoing conflict, saying 'There is emotional baggage we carry with us. It's hard.' The festival aims to showcase female artistry and perspective, with Sabag citing a scarcity of films directed by women in Israeli Film Day lineups. Featured films include Swiss prison drama 'Frank & Louis' by Petra Biondina Volpe, French drama 'La Maison des Femmes' by Melisa Godet, and documentary 'My Underground Mother' by Marisa Fox. The festival also faces budget challenges, though no specific figures are provided. The article does not include perspectives from male filmmakers or attendees, nor does it address criticism of gender-segregated festivals. The October 7 attack is referenced as a source of trauma, but no specific films addressing it are named.

The seventh Jerusalem International Women's Film Festival runs October 12-16, curated by Lihi Sabag and Shira Meishar. The five-day agenda includes feature films, documentaries, and shorts from Israel and abroad, with screenings at the Jerusalem Cinematheque and other city venues. Filmmakers attend for Q&As and discussions. The program addresses trauma from the October 7 attack and hostage crisis, alongside themes of healing and hope. Sabag notes the emotional weight of the ongoing conflict, saying 'There is emotional baggage we carry with us. It's hard.' The festival aims to showcase female artistry and perspective, with Sabag citing a scarcity of films directed by women in Israeli Film Day lineups. Featured films include Swiss prison drama 'Frank & Louis' by Petra Biondina Volpe, French drama 'La Maison des Femmes' by Melisa Godet, and documentary 'My Underground Mother' by Marisa Fox.