Graduates of the Department of Screen-Based Arts to compete in the Jerusalem Film Festival competition

Lee Dror, Efrat Berger, Nika Zhukova, and Rimma Gefen, graduates of the Department of Screen-based Arts, will compete in the Jerusalem Film Festival’s Diamond Competition for Israeli Short Films. 

The Jerusalem International Film Festival was founded in 1984 and has become a major event for film lovers and filmmakers. Over the course of ten days every summer, over 200 films are screened as part of the festival, turning the spotlight on Israeli cinema. The festival serves as a platform for creators, films and the audience. In the framework of the competitions, prizes are awarded to Israeli creators in the fields of feature films, documentaries, student films, short films, dramas, and television series. The winner of the Diamond Competition for Israeli Short Films will be eligible to submit the film for contention for the Oscars.

"Heart Hug" – Nika Zhukova and Rimma Gefen 

On the first day of the war in Ukraine, Lilia and Max find themselves defenseless. They embark on a journey in which they will discover how much courage can be found in a loving heart. “Heart Hug” addresses the humanity and compassion that sprouts from catastrophe. The film was created as part of the final project of the Department of Screen-based Arts.

"Pisces" – Lee Dror 

After being separated from her family, Rona moves to Japan and finds work as a relative for hire. A surprising phone call announcing the death of her sister creates shock waves in her world and reopens her soul’s most painful wounds.

"Nothing Special" – Efrat Berger 

Two women sit within four walls and wait. One waits for death that refuses to come and claim her. The second waits for her life to begin. The film imagines their attempts to escape from “nothing” and the understanding that it too can sometimes be special. Based on a documentary interview.

The Jerusalem Film Festival will take place July 18-27, 2024.

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