Haifa International Film Festival

Eran Kolirin’s latest film, Let It Be Morning, won the lion’s share of the major awards in the Israeli Feature Film Competition at the Haifa International Film Festival on Sunday night.

A pointed commentary on the political situation, based on a novel by Sayed Kashua, Let It Be Morning works as a drama and black comedy because the characters are so well-drawn and appealing.

Image of Victory is not so much a political movie as an existential statement about the price paid, quite literally, for the image of the title.

The documentary is a smart, funny and entertaining movie about the smartest, funniest and most entertaining series ever for young children. But it is also moving.

The Haifa International Film Festival is held with the support of the Israel Film Council - the Culture and Sport Ministry, the Tourism, the Regional Cooperation Ministry and the Haifa Municipality.

The 37th Haifa International Film Festival, one of the most enjoyable film festivals in Israel, will run from September 19-28 at the Haifa Cinematheque and other theaters around the city.

Other events at the festival that were announced Sunday include a screening of Avi Nesher’s new film, Image of Victory, a look at young people on both sides in the War of Independence.

Ophir Awards are the top prize for excellence in the Israel film industry, known locally as known as the Israeli Oscars or the Israeli Academy Awards.

Blayer, one of the most influential figures in the Israeli film industry, became the artistic director of the festival in 1988.

Leaving Paradise by Ofer Freiman won the Best Film Award in the Israeli Documentary Film Competition, and its creators will receive NIS 40,000 as part of this prize.