In the last week of June, international producer Sharon Schaveet worked with a highly talented and professional production group from Chicago, who came to film a documentary about the History of the Catholic Church and Catholicism in the Holy Land. NBC correspondent Mike Leonard joined DP John Cummings, director Matthew Leonard and production manager Nanette Noffsinger on their week long documentary shoot in the Holy Land, further accompanied by their financial manager Nancy Ross. Father Robert Barron, the narrator and spiritual head of the group stunned the crew with his ability to do everything in just one take, with further support always at hand from his two assistants Diane Archibald and Denis McNamara.

The documentary will have the format of a ten part series for which further filming is planned in Rome, Egypt and around the world. Biblical Productions coordinated the entire shoot and arranged all permits, took care of logistics and hired local crew. The crew visited almost two dozen locations in 8 days, and Biblical Productions also managed to arrange yet another filming permit at the strictly secured Temple Mount area.

Although there is currently no release date available yet for the documentary, we are sure that this production is going to be a wonderful success, and the experience of working with such a stunning crew has been truly inspirational. If you would like to read what the crew has to say about their production in Israel, please click here. Special thanks to Nanette Noffsinger for putting this wonderful production together.

Illuminations Media from the UK already filmed in Israel at the beginning of March; producer Linda Zuck now came to Israel at the end of June to shoot parts of their new Faith to Faith documentary in the Galilee. The documentary is commissioned by the Co-exist Foundation in London and the Tanenbaum Organisation in New York; Executive Vice President Joyce Dubensky joined the film crew together with Heather DuBois for a series of interviews in the North. The crew filmed at the Kalanit School in Karmiel and at Al-Salam School in Majd el-Krum, where the two principals have set up an exemplary interfaith project between Israeli-Jewish and Israeli-Arabic children. The crew accompanied the children during their shared activities, interviewed teachers and educators on their thoughts about the project, their visions, and problems they have been experiencing along the way.

Biblical Productions, owned by international producer Sharon Schaveet, managed the entire shoot with a minimal turn around time before the actual production; arranging interviews, filming schedule, locations and hiring local crew; Anika Pilnei accompanied the shoot as a field producer for three days.

A Spanish crew from Barcelona arrived in May to film biblical and historical sites for a video that will be exhibited at the famous Montserrat Monastery in Barcelona this summer. Revisiting the sites and landscapes of a Spanish monk who traveled through Israel in the beginning of the last century as a pilgrim, the crew filmed at such spectacular sites such as Masada, Maktesh Ramon, Zinn Valley, the Mount of Beatitudes and of course in the city of Jerusalem. Biblical Productions arranged and managed the entire shoot which visited more than a dozen locations in just a few days.

After several months of intense preparation, Artwalker Ltd arrived from Hong Kong in Israel to shoot parts of their new feature film here in Israel. Permanent Residence is a character driven drama about friendship and the meaning of life that has been shot since the beginning of 2008 in Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia. Artwalker Ltd is owned by Australian – Chinese director Scud Cheng who took along famous DP Herman Yau from Hong Kong to turn his vision into reality.

With their choice to shoot at the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, the crew picked two of Israel’s top locations for filmmakers. Alongside the Dead Sea shore, a beautiful tent was built by the Israeli art crew to become the set for one of the major scenes in the script. The other day the crew headed out to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem to shoot another big scene at one of the world’s most photographed sites.

The Chinese crew and actors from Hong Kong worked alongside top professional Israeli crew to ensure to bring great footage home to their editors. Biblical Productions, under the management of international producer Sharon Schaveet, had prepared this feature meticulously for weeks, handling the entire pre-production process with the selection of the best locations, hiring crew, equipment and extras, liaising with the art crew and organizing accommodation, transport and catering.

After a few long days of work it was a successful ‘it’s a wrap’ for the production in Israel and also for the entire film. Post-production begins upon their return to Hong Kong with an expected completion and cinema release date of Permanent Residence at the end of 2008.

For more information on the film, cast & crew, please click here

At the beginning of April, Wild Dream Films traveled to Israel to shoot parts of the third season of Ancient Discoveries here in Israel. Sharon Schaveet managed the local production part, taking the crew to various locations around Jerusalem, to Jacob’s Ford in the North and to a breathtaking place in the Judean desert. The UK crew brought along well-known slingshot expert Luis Antonio Pons Livermore from Menorca to demonstrate ancient sling shot methods, hitting targets at a distance of up to 180 meters. If you want to see Luis in action, have a look at the photos below and check back on our website for the airing date of this fascinating Ancient Discoveries show.

Working with Illuminations Media from the UK

Short Film for the Jerusalem Academy of Music & Dance

Biblical Productions is proud to announce the completion of A Place for the Heart, a short film about the celebrated Jerusalem Academy of Music & Dance. The short film introduces the academy to potential new students and their parents, showcasing some of the students’ amazing works and showing the variety of the fields that the curriculum holds. It is a special honor that one of Israel’s most finest maestros, Mendi Rodan, shares his fond thoughts about the academy. A Place for the Heart is a truly inspirational insight at one of the world’s most celebrated institutions of its kind that has never lost its personal touch and feeling of friendliness among the strong competition. It has been a true privilege to produce this film.

Filming in Israel – International Producer Sharon Schaveet

Sending a crew overseas for a shoot can be a costly matter. The alternative is to have a professional and reliable producer in Israel to take the responsibility of delivering precise footage according to your script.

In the last month, international producer Sharon Schaveet has produced two productions for clients in the US and Canada, taking sole responsibility for the entire shoots. Biblical Productions can produce your project in Israel in the most reliable manner, working with high-quality crews and equipment. All tapes and paperwork will be delivered to your office after the shoot. Please contact us for recommendations at: info@biblicalproductions.com.

Filming in Israel for Valerie Lowe – Canadian Government
The production at The Jerusalem Institute for the Blind involved interviews with leading professors about their invention of a virtual mouse, as well as demonstrations and b-roll.

Filming in Israel for Alexander Haig –
Multi Media Productions / 21st Century Health
The second production was shot for Multi Media Productions in Florida, producing content for 21st Century Health, looking at a groundbreaking new invention in root canal procedure. Two of the most prestigious professors in the field of dental health in Israel, Prof. Oded Nahlieli and Prof. Joshua Mushanov, contributed to the shoot at Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, as well as the CEO of Sialo Technology, Itzik Henig.

Lone Wolf Doc. Group Heads out to Israel

In the last week of February 2008, Biblical Productions had the pleasure of working with the US based production house ‘Lone Wolf Documentary Group’. They are producing an exciting documentary about the good and the evil, filming at historical locations such as Qumran, Tel Megiddo and Jerusalem.	Here is the crew filming at Al-Aqsa Mosque
Biblical Productions was responsible for the production services in Israel, including all film permits and finding the right interviewees for this shoot. The documentary will air on the History Channel in July 2008.

Working with Roche Productions from France

During December 2007, Biblical Productions worked with Roche Productions, a French production company, assisting them with permissions and general consultation. Roche are currently producing a film about Jerusalem for the French TV station ARTE. Our assistance included finding them the best locations to shoot in Jerusalem.

Here is the team filming on Christmas Eve at the Salvador Church

Italian Documentary Film

Biblical Productions recently worked with the filmmaker Mr. Luigi Del Prete from Italy, who was in Israel filming a documentary entitled, "La sante," a historical film. We managed the production in Israel, and among other things, during the shoot, the crew interviewed famous Israel author Aaron Appelfeld. The film will be screened at a new museum in Italy in the end of 2008.

Waves of Freedom - New Film for ZDF and Arte

We are pleased to announce the production of a new film entitled Waves of Freedom. The film, directed by Alan Rosenthal, will air on ZDF in Germany and ARTE in France in the upcoming months. Waves of Freedom tells the story of several regular American guys who, during WWII, were swept up in the mission to save Jewish refugees fleeing Europe. Biblical Productions produced the film with Alan Rosenthal, and Nissim Mossek served as editor.

Click here to read more about the film

September Films UK working with Biblical Productions

December 2007 - This month we worked with September Films UK on a documentary co-production of Channel 4 UK and the History Channel USA. The team was here for 5 days filming a documentary that will air in March. The film follows Prof. Tudor Parfitt investigating a topic that will also be the subject of his new book. The topic will be made public in March. We are pleased to wrap up another successful shoot.

It’s a Wrap for "Cities of the Underworld" in Israel
The show will air on the History Channel on January 23rd, 2008

Biblical Productions managed the production of “Cities of the Underworld” for Authentic Entertainment, a production company based in Los Angeles. The show was filmed in various locations all over Israel during October – November of 2007. Host Don Wildman and the crew, including Philip Carr, Christian Ortega, Jeff Daniels, and Alper Nakri, stayed in Israel for 4 weeks filming this unique show in exciting locations with top experts in their fields. Sharon Schaveet managed this complex production working with top institutions and public organizations in Israel, taking care of all logistics and Production Services. We recommend you tune in on January 23rd and watch the show.

Here is the crew at the Dome of the Rock:

Celebrating the successful filming at the wrap dinner:

Congratulations to Authentic Entertainment on such an outstanding show!

Things are happening at Biblical Productions. Currently we are working with five film crews in Israel from different production companies in the U.S. and the U.K. This month we filmed in Eilat at the Red Sea and the Mount of Eilat for Multi Media Productions, based in Florida.

Biblical Productions is offering a service that we would like to invite you to read about - VIP Film Production Services in Israel.

Tribute to Teddy Kollek Film for the Jerusalem Foundation

Biblical Productions is proud to announce the production of a short film for the Jerusalem Foundation. We made the film as a tribute to the legendary mayor of Jerusalem, Teddy Kollek. The film tells the story of Teddy’s life, from an activist in the Jewish underground saving Jews from Nazi Europe, to his days working in the Ben Gurion government. The film explains how Teddy established the Jerusalem Foundation, which has, for over 20 years, served as a driving force in the improvement and development of Jerusalem with its countless projects. The film, containing photographs and rare archive footage, was screened at a special dinner in London. To read more about the event go to:

http://www.jerusalemfoundation.org/english/article.php?id=783

Biblical Productions Covers Newton Conference for
    Japanese Television

On Sunday June 17th The Van Leer Institute in Jerusalem began a week long conference entitled “Newton - in Pursuit of the Secrets of God and Nature,” bringing together the world’s top Newton scholars to discuss one of the greatest minds of the modern era. The conference took place in conjunction with the opening of the “Newton’s Secrets” exhibition at the National Library, displaying original Newton manuscripts never-before seen by the public. Biblical Productions covered this momentous event for Nippon television based in Japan and the Netherlands.

Citizen Nawi Premieres at the Jerusalem Film Festival

On July 6th 2007 Citizen Nawi, the latest feature documentary by Biblical Productions, premiered to a packed and enthusiastic audience at the Jerusalem Film Festival. The response from the audience was overwhelming and the director, Nissim Mossek, received a standing ovation. Citizen Nawi documents the tumultuous life of one of the most fascinating men in the Israeli left - Ezra Nawi - a plumber by trade and a political activist who fights for Palestinians’ rights. Ariel Hirschfeld, from Haaretz newspaper wrote, “The power of this film lies in the cogent dialogue between the film … and the captivating, highly complex personality of Ezra Nawi.” The film was awarded a Special Mention by the jury, "for its powerful portrayal of its hero, and for its persistent and courageous venturing into the most painful areas of life in this region."

New Zealand based “Top Shelf Productions” films documentary
    in Israel

Top Shelf Productions, a leading production company in New Zealand, arrived in Israel in June to film a documentary about Lloyd Geering, entitled “The Last Western Heretic.” Biblical Productions assisted the crew, by preparing the shoot and accompanying them during their time in Israel. We shot with director of photography Wayne Vinten and director Monique Oomen and the whole crew at several locations near the Sea of Galilee and all around Jerusalem.

April 2007 – Israel Production of The Exodus Case

During the month of April, Biblical Productions provided comprehensive Production Services to U.S. based, Mahoney Media Group, while they were working on The Exodus Case, a feature length documentary dealing with new exodus-related archeological finds. Sharon Schaveet produced the filming in Israel, which included reenactments, interviews with prominent Israeli figures such as Deputy Premier Shimon Peres and former Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu, and filming at various locations around Israel. Upon the film’s release in 2008, Mahoney Media are planning festive screenings around the world accompanied by unique events commemorating the exodus. The festivities in Israel will include a march from Eilat to Jerusalem in honor of the exodus and The Exodus Case.

Biblical Productions Produces Video Clip for Music Artist Nassiri

As part of his world peace tour, fashion mogul turned peace activist, Fred Nassiri landed in Israel to film a video clip to be aired on MTV, with the Production Services of Biblical Productions. After choosing to shoot the clip on top of the Tower of David, producer Sharon Schaveet led a crew of top Israeli professionals coming mostly from the world of quality feature films. The large-scale concept of the clip for Nassiri’s debut album, “Love Sees No Color,” is to use 12 locations around the world, including the Great Wall of China, The Statue of Liberty, and the Pyramids. In each site Nassiri will film with local crews and children singing his peace anthem. The purpose of the video is to spread the message of peace and harmony to the world through the powerful medium of music. Biblical Productions wrapped up the successful Israeli shoot, with the participation of talented children from the charming Hora Efrochim dance troupe and the one of a kind Israeli Palestinian Circus.
Watch the video

Biblical Productions to Release New Film – Israel’s War History

Biblical Productions is proud to announce the release of a new film: Israel’s War History. Up-to-date, informative, and featuring interviews with Israel’s most prominent generals and politicians, the film offers a complete review of the history of Israel and its wars, from the British Mandate in 1917 up until the latest events in Lebanon in 2006.

January 2007

January 2007 - Biblical Productions wrapped up the filming of - Henry Rollins uncut from Tel Aviv, for Swift River Productions, an LA based production company. Henry Rollins put on three successful shows in Jerusalem and in Tel Aviv. Biblical Productions provided Production Services for the filming of two performances in the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv, for Henry’s television show on the Independent Film Channel, entitled “The Henry Rollins Show.” After the show we spent time filming Henry in Jerusalem, interacting with locals and seeing the sights. The special from Israel, is scheduled to open the new season of Henry’s show, airing in April. Here is the team in Jerusalem.

This is the stage for the show in Tel Aviv designed by Erez Yaniv. It incorporates the phrase “freedom of speech” in Arabic and Hebrew.

Thomas Kinkade in Israel

Biblical Productions has provided productions service to Thomas Kinkade’s new documentary film project on his painting of the Holy Land. What an extraordinary experience Thomas Kinkade chose locations such as Sea of Galilee, Via Dolorosa , David’s Citadel, the Mount of Olives, the Gethsemane Garden and the Garden Tomb. The film was produced by The Nehemiah Group, Solomon Entertainment Enterprises LLC and 3DH from Atlanta, Georgia. Kinkade and his beautiful wife Nanette visited Israel for a week. The film will be released in a few months.

3DH From Atlanta Georgia shoots a huge project in Israel for the exhibition; “From Jesus to Abraham”
From “Abraham to Jesus” is the "can't miss" event of the year. Combining the awe of over 240 priceless artifacts, (some dating back to the time of Abraham), and original video footage shot throughout the Holy Land, this multimedia touring exhibit features the largest, most breathtaking, collection of Holy Land antiquities to ever hit U.S. soil. With the power of modern multimedia technology visitors are propelled on an unforgettable landmark walk through 2,500 years of Biblical history. This event will also feature the U.S. inaugural visit of some of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Ossuary of Simon the Cyrene, the man who carried the Cross for Jesus. From September 2006 until December 2007, this stunning 30,000 square foot walk-through exhibit will travel to 28 cities nationwide.

Producer Sharon Schaveet was the Production Manger in Israel for this project.
www.3dh.net

"The Salvador" film in a competition in the Jerusalem Film Festival

We are happy to announce that our new film "The Salvador" was chosen to be a contestant in the Jewish Experience Wolgin Award Competition in the prestigious Jerusalem Film Festival. The World Premier will be on the 9th of July in Jerusalem.Here is a short description of the film:

On the night of December 3, 1940 after many long and wearying months of lying to, at the Black Sea port of Varna Bulgaria, the Salvador, a rickety, old, sail-powered coal transport is finally towed out to sea with 352 Bulgarian Jews aboard. After ten hellish days on the high seas, the tiny old vessel is heavily buffeted by a storm and runs aground on a reef not far from Istanbul. It has been shattered to pieces, with most of its passengers lost at sea. While some of the survivors return to Bulgaria, most struggle on towards their original destination - Palestine. The remains of those who perished and washed up on shore were reentered in Israel in 1964.

Director: Nissim Mossek
Producer Sharon Schaveet

Shalom Abu Bassem in the Munich International Documentary Film
    Festival

The film Shalom Abu Bassem has been selected to be shown at the Munich International Documentary Film Festival that takes place in Munich at the beginning of May. Filmed over 18 years, the Shalom Abu Bassem film is a rare opportunity to see how the lives of Jewish and Moslem residents have intertwined on an unforgettable street in the Moslem Section of the Old City.
Producer: Sharon Schaveet
Director: Nissim Mossek

Doc Aviv Documentary Film Festival: 30th of March to the 8th of April in
    Tel Aviv

As is now an annual tradition, the eight days of the Doc Aviv Festival will include:
Documentary Films from Israel and the world. Israeli competition, International competition, student films, and "young doco"

The festival includes a tribute to the cantina film director Larry Vanstone and American director Kirby Dick. Both will be guests of the festival.

A special screening will be dedicated to Africa, the bleeding continent. In addition, there will be midnight screening to musicals, artist classes, and meetings with guests.

The screening will be at the Tel Aviv Cinematique and Tel Aviv Museum.

For more details contact: http://www.docaviv.co.il

Nazareth City celebrate Christmas

Nazareth City celebrate Christmas eve by Christmas Parade which will be held on Christmas eve. On the 24th of December at 15.00 crossing the main street Paul 6th Up to the Basilica of the Annunciation church at the old city of Nazareth. After the parade a Mass prayer will be held at the Basilica of the Annunciation Church AT 19.30 p.m.

The 7th Jewish Film Festival - Chanukah 24-30/12/2005

When the Jewish Festival of Lights, Chanukah, and Christmas occur at the same time, it reminds us that the two festivals are deeply interwoven. The double festival emphasizes the shared hopes for peace and light to which Jerusalem, holy city to three faiths, has always aspired.

What better time then for the seventh Jewish film festival? This year the program is dedicated to the spirit of diversity: diversity within Judaism, within Israeli culture and within spiritual expression in general. The eclectic nature of the films we are screening challenge the viewer to define and redefine what it means to be Jewish in the modern world.

In addition to films on Jewish themes, we are also screening films that shed light on aspects of Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. While deeply divided by customs, these religions are united in their quest for enlightenment. As audiences will see, images on the screen can convey more light than any number of lectures or sermons.

The Jewish film festival has always aimed both to enlighten and to entertain. This year the light comes not only from the beam of the movie projector, but from the political horizon too. The hope of this seventh annual Jewish film festival is for better understanding among different faiths and for a joyous celebration of the best of Jewish film.
http://www.jer-cin.org.il/

The Abu Gosh 28th Vocal Music Festival

Shoeva, 90855
Tel: 972-2-5341305
Fax: 972-2-5344126
E-mail: agfestiv@inter.net.il

The Abu Gosh Festival is held twice a year - during the Jewish festivals of Shavuot and Sukkot. In addition, noontime concerts are held regularly on the last Saturday of the winter months. Concerts are performed in the church with the best acoustics in Israel, situated in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the country, on route from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. October 21-25
www.agfestival.co.il

The 21st Haifa International film festival

www.haifaff.co.il
tel.: 04-8353515

From 18-25 of October, the 21st Haifa International Film Festival will be held on Mount Carmel in the Center of the city of Haifa. One hundred and fifty films from 47 countries will be shown in 7 movie theaters. This year the Festival is honoring film director Stanley Kubrick. Filmmakers and visitors are invited to meet Kristin Kubrick, his wife and partner and producer Yen Harlan who produced all of Kubrick’s films .The meeting is a great opportunity to learn about Stanley Kubrick’s work and films.
Thursday October 20th 0900-1900 at the Amarut Theater, Beit Hechat.

Original programming report of Israel satellite and cable companies

This week the Television Council of Israel Cable and Satellite companies presented their annual report of obligation for original programming. It appears that both companies are standing by their obligation to invest in original Israeli programs. In 2004, the HOT cable company invested 170 million shekels (Around 37 million $) in original programming and aired 1500 hours. The HOT children channel made the largest investment - 290 hours.

In 2004, the satellite company YES Invested 76 millions shekels (Around 16 million $) in original programming and aired 570 hours. The largest investment that YES made was in the Y channel, a youth channel for the younger audience.

A new co-production between Israel and Germany

A Tale of Love and Darkness, the best selling autobiography by Amos Oz, the prizewinning Israeli novelist and journalist, is due to be made into a feature film in a co-production between a German production company, German TV and an Israeli production company, with a budget of 5 million Euros. A Tale of Love and Darkness recounts Oz’s childhood in Jerusalem, his complex relationship with his father, his mother’s suicide during Israel’s War of Independence and its first years as a state. The book sold 100 thousand copies in Israel alone and has been translated into many languages. Oz was recently awarded the prestigious German Goethe prize for his literary work.
Shooting is due to begin in 2006.

The Israeli Academy of Motion Pictures & Television

On the 20 of September, the Israel Academy of Motion Pictures & Television competition will air on the Israeli cable station HOT. Eleven feature films and 21 documentaries will take part in the competition. The competition include awards for best actor, actress, director, script, costume design, sound track and art design.

The Israeli Academy of motion pictures is an organization of Israeli filmmakers based on the same governing principles as the American Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences.

The organization was established in 1990 by representatives from the full spectrum of Israeli filmmakers. Its 700 members include all those involved in the local film industry. The Academy holds an Annual Awards Ceremony for the Best Israeli Film, as voted on by its members. The film winning the "Best Film" Award represents Israel in the competition for the American Academy's Foreign Language Film Awards at the Oscars.

The Academy also promotes Israeli films and filmmaking in every possible way. The Academy initiated the proposed legislation known as the New Israeli Film Law. During the year, the Academy organizes activities and screenings of professional interest for its members.

Women in the Pictures Film Festival, Rehovot 2005

The International Women's Film Festival was established to honor and advance the careers of accomplished and emerging female filmmakers by providing a forum for them to showcase their distinctive and creative feminine voice. In Israel, as in other places, women directors are a minority within the film and television industry and one of the main goals in arranging this festival is to promote equal gender representation and equal opportunities in their profession. We strive to encourage and advance local women filmmakers by exposing our audience to some of the best feature films that have been made by women combined with seminars and workshops.

Following the unprecedented success of the 2004 International Film Festival, we are currently in the midst of organizing the Second International Film Festival, which is planned to take place between the 7th and 10th of September, 2005 in the city of Rehovot (located midway between the cities of Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem), Israel. This year we will be conducting a European Union Women's Film Program, a Focus on Swiss Women Filmmakers and a retrospective of the director Lea Pool. The festival's program will include an eclectic showcase of new works by women directors. Each film has been chosen for its cinematic voice, uniquely female perspective and striking storylines. You may obtain more information at: www.iwff.net

International film festival for children and youth

For the first time the Tel Aviv Cinematheque is offering a new film festival for children and youth. The festival’s goal is to bring young viewers a wide variety of quality films made during the last two years.

The experience of children is obviously different in different parts of the world, and so are the films made for children, and about them. Films from the following countries will be shown: India, Japan, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Iran, Russia, Spain, South Africa, and elsewhere. The opening film will be The Blue Bird which won the first prize in the children’s film category at the last Berlin film festival. Both the director and producer will be at the screening.

For more details contact the Tel Aviv Cinematheque site: www.cinema.co.il
For tickets phone: 03-6060800 extension o

New Documentary channel
Israeli audiences have developed a taste for documentary films and it is a popular form of filmmaking. In June 2005, the Israeli satellite company YES will be launching a new channel for documentary films and series that will compete against Israel’s Channel 8,owned by Noga Communications. For the last 15 years Channel 8 has been able to screen many locally produced documentaries and films from around the world. Like Channel 8, the new channel will produce original documentary films and buy films from abroad. YES is investing around US$ 70.000 in every documentary; the new channel has already produced 17 films that will be shown next year.

Israeli Channel 10 has new ownership
New investors in Israel Channel 10, Israel’s second commercial TV channel. On January 28th, 2001, a new commercial channel (Israel Channel 10) aired for the first time. Its owners expected to win the ratings war and become the number one commercial channel in Israel. However there is a difference between dreams and reality. Unfortunately for Israel and its TV industry, the Israel Channel 10 owners did not achieve their goals.

Because of financial difficulties during the last four years, the channel did not live up its investors’ expectations. Ratings were really low. In May 2005, two new investors acquired the channel. One of them is Arnon Milchen, an Israeli who is one of the most successful producers in Hollywood. Among the films he has produced is “Pretty Woman.”

Most people in the Israeli TV industry are hoping that Channel 10 will eventually succeed. Viable competition is important for both the TV industry and the viewing public.

Jerusalem International Film Festival
For over 20 years, the Jerusalem International Film Festival has been a highlight of Israel's cultural calendar and a significant landmark on the international film festival map. This year the Festival will run from July 7 to July 16 at the Jerusalem Cinematheque, its normal venue. There will be public screenings of nearly 150 films along with the presentation of several prizes and awards for shorts, documentaries, experimental films and videos. In addition to an annual Lifetime Achievement Award, international juries will award over US$100,000 in prize money to promising directors and producers of films focusing on human rights and Jewish themes.

The Jerusalem International Film Festival was founded seventeen years ago by Lia van Leer, and is Israel's most important cinematic event. It is expected that some 5,000 people will attend the open air opening in the Sultan's Pool Amphitheatre adjacent to the Jerusalem Cinematheque theatre. Fireworks will add to the festivities. For the following nine days, Festival guests and local fans will get to know each other at receptions and screenings and outdoor musical performances."...the Jerusalem International Film Festival has succeeded to be a special type of festival that everyone loves; because it is intimate you can easily meet all the filmmakers and speak with them. Today it is the most pleasant of all the small film festivals." Derek Malcolm, The Guardian

Channel 2 bid results
The winner of the bid for Channel 2 Israel’s commercial channel. All last year, the Israeli television market has been intensely involved in bidding for the opportunity to continue operating Channel 2 for the next 10 years. This would make the winning bidder the owner of the most popular and profitable commercial TV channel in Israel. Four groups were involved: Keshet Reshet, Telad and KANE. All groups invested millions of dollars hoping to win used every trick in the book: consultants, talent agencies and PR offices and behind the scenes negotiations. Every one wanted to win the golden egg. And the winners were: Keshet and Reshet, both located near Tel Aviv. Keshet will air from October 2005 for 4 days and Reshet for 3 days.

Severe turbulence at the IBA (Israel Broadcast Authority)
The Israeli public channel is undergoing turmoil. Despite a budget of 900.000.000 NIS per year for administration costs and production, the Authority’s finances are in a mess. The government recently dismissed the Managing Director for his unsatisfactory performance rampant promotion of unqualified friends to major posts and interference news content.

The competition for the next Managing Director is fierce. (We’ll keep you up-to-date.) Israeli public TV should be a showcase for quality drama and documentaries; in the next few years the IBA will have to go through many changes in order to be an efficient channel worthy of public trust.

The Beauty of Sanctity Masterworks from every age- Anew Exhibition
Since it first opened its doors to the public in 1965, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem has become one of the foremost museums in the world for the scope and quality of its art and archeology exhibitions: Archaeology of the Holy Land, Judaica, Jewish Ethnography, Old Masters through Contemporary Art and separate departments for Asian Art; the Arts of Africa; Oceania and Americas; Prints and Drawings; Photography; and Architecture and Design and of course the Dead Sea Scrolls. In honor of its 40th anniversary the museum is currently exhibiting masterpieces from the museum’s collections in a special exhibition called “The Beauty of Sanctity Masterworks from every age- The new exhibition relates to the subject of beauty and sanctity. The display of belonging to different periods and cultures creates an experience that most museum patrons have seldom if ever enjoyed before. For example the modern Israeli sculpture Nimrod is displayed near a statue of the Roman emperor Hadrian and an ancient fertility goddess stands beside an African reliquary figure. And there can be no better embodiment of the connection between beauty and sanctity than Venus, the goddess of love and beauty portrayed in a sculpture that graced a Roman bathhouse in Beth Shean. In its current special exhibition, the Israel Museum aptly shows that beauty is often the embodiment of sanctity. A visit to the Israel Museum would is an excellent expenditure of one’s time.

music festival in Haifa
On June 28, a music festival called “Music Experience” will take place in the Haifa port. The festival will include 150 artists from around the world including: earth, wind and fire, Fatels, Amilana Torini, Born Again, Keith Amerson, DJ Satushi, and many more. The festival will last for three exciting days of fantastic music.

Hanna Laszlo
Hanna Laszlo, Israeli actress, wins the highly prestigious Cannes film festival award

The Israeli entertainment world was truly surprised when the news was announced that Hanna Laszlo had won the highly prestigious Cannes film festival award for best actress for her role in the Israeli film free Zone. The plump, moon-faced Laszlo is known more for her work as a stand up comedian than as a major actress.

The film, Free Zone, takes place in a duty-free zone in Jordan where cars are bought and sold by residents of the area, which borders with Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. The zone is a no-man’s land where conflicts are forgotten and business rules the day. Laszlo’s role as an Israeli taxi driver allows her to “represent the Israeli-Jewish side of things in a friendly communicative manner.” Laszlo’s portrayal of the character as an assertive, charismatic, matter-of-fact personality charmed the Cannes critics and audiences alike.