Terence Winter, a writer and producer on The Sopranos and creator of Boardwalk Empire, will visit Israel for the first time for Jerusalem Sessions, the international television festival returning to the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem from November 17-19.
Winter will take part in a conversation about his work at the festival’s second edition, which brings international television creators and executives together with Israeli industry figures for public events and professional meetings.
Founded by the Jerusalem Development Authority’s Film and Television Fund, the festival will celebrate 100 years of television with a program exploring the medium’s past, present, and future, including artificial intelligence and the rise of microdramas.
Other international guests will include director and producer Minkie Spiro, whose credits include Better Call Saul, The Five-Star Weekend, Downton Abbey, and 3 Body Problem; David Hadda, creator of The Zweiflers, about a contemporary Jewish family in Frankfurt; and veteran producer Martin Moszkowicz.
Skydance drama executive Nancy Cotton will also participate, while Keshet Studios’ Liz Cohen will lead a panel on developing drama and building creative partnerships.
The festival will open with the world premiere of the third season of The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem, with Michael Aloni, Hila Saada, Eli Steen, and Daniel Salomon attending.
A Paris-set episode from the third season of The Chef will be screened, followed by a conversation with actress Yael Elkana and writer-director Erez Kav-El.
Dinner at Jerusalem's Mona includes inspired menu, discussion with stars
An accompanying dinner at Jerusalem’s Mona restaurant will feature a menu inspired by the episode and a discussion with the series’ culinary adviser, chef Moshiko Gamlieli, and stars Guri Alfi and Gal Toren.
The National Library’s collections will provide another highlight: a reading of Assi Dayan’s unproduced television script Emergency Room, with the participation of his son, Lior Dayan, and other actors.
Rotem Sela and Noa Koler will discuss their creative work, while a live version of Kan 11’s You Have to Read This will feature recommendations for books that should become television series, with Maor Zaguri among the participants.
The program also includes a tribute to the late Tehran producer Dana Eden, featuring her producing partner Shula Spiegel and other collaborators, moderated by journalist Ran Boker.
Keshet International is joining as an official sponsor. Alongside the public program, closed industry meetings will give Israeli creators opportunities to connect with visiting television professionals.
For the full program and tickets, visit jerusalemsessions.com.