The Mummy's Rachel Weisz to Present at the Gala Opening of the Israel Film Festival

MovieWeb

By MW Staff

Published Nov 29, 2005

The film festival travels to three cities across the country. In Los Angeles this Wednesday. Tickets Available.

The 21st annual Israel Film Festival, the largest showcase of Israeli films in the US, and the only film festival that will visit three American cities - Los Angeles (November 30 - December 15), New York (February 23 - March 9, 2006) and Miami (March 22 - 29, 2006), will screen 40 new feature films, documentaries and television films. The first leg of the film festival will start in Los Angeles starting this Wednesday.

Actress/Singer Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) will serve as the evening's MC, with Army Archerd to welcome guests. Manager/Producer/Best-Selling Author Bernie Brillstein (Ghostbusters I & II, The Cable Guy) will be honored at the Opening Night Gala, with Jerry Weintraub (The Karate Kid I - IV, Oceans 11 & 12) introducing Mr. Brillstein. Focus Features Co-Presidents David Linde and James Schamus (introduced by Actress Rachel Weisz (The Mummy) and Israeli Filmmaker Amos Gitai will also be honored on that evening.

The festival's opening night film is "What A Wonderful Place" written and directed by Eyal Halfon, which is Israel's entry for the 2005 Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category.

Since 1982, the Israel Film Festival has been dedicated to promoting Israeli culture, teaching tolerance and gaining an understanding between all people worldwide through the powerful medium of film.

Many of this year’s Festival selections are US Premieres, intriguing documentaries, the best short films from Israel’s film schools and films that exhibit the cultural, religious and political diversity of Israel. In addition to celebrating 21 years of presenting the finest Israeli films to American audiences, the 21st Israel Film Festival will showcase some of the best, entertaining Israeli films from past and present in a new special spotlight section.

Opening Night Gala tickets for Los Angeles are $100.00. Tickets are still available at this time, and the event is anticipated to sell out. To purchase tickets or for further information on all screenings and events, call 1-877-966-5566 or visit www.israelfilmfestival.com.