First Iranian film festival in Israel to be held in Sderot

An educational and cultural centre in Sderot is hosting the first Iranian Film and Culture Festival in Israel, next month, with its founder describing how it will allow Israelis “to encounter different facets of the Iranian people”.

The festival, which will take place on 24 and 25 November, will be held under the title “Nowruz” – literally meaning “New Day” in Persian – and aims to highlight the power of culture in bridging hearts and nations.

Celebrating cinema and music, the initiative at the western Negev’s city’s Cinematheque is the brainchild of Dana Sameach, an artist, cultural researcher, social entrepreneur, and speaker, in partnership with the Municipality of Sderot.

Sameach said: “In a world filled with threats and the clashing of swords, culture reminds us that there is another language, a language of emotion, beauty, and human connection.”

She stresses that the festival seeks to “open a channel of dialogue and human curiosity through art, cinema, and music, allowing the Israeli public to encounter different facets of the Iranian people”.

Some of the events will be broadcast live on the festival’s Facebook page, enabling viewers from Iran to watch and respond in real time – a rare act in the current political climate.

“At the same time, it’s important for the Iranian public to see our genuine interest in their culture and cinema. If even one Iranian viewer connects to the broadcast and sees us speaking from a place of love – we’ve already achieved something great,” adds Sameach.

The festival opens on Monday, November 24, with a public concert of traditional and contemporary Persian music by the Itay Armon Ensemble, attended by Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi – himself of Persian descent – along with artists, cultural figures, foreign diplomats, and guests from Israel and abroad.

The evening will feature a screening of “Reading Lolita” and a special performance by Hezi Pinyan, presenting an oriental Persian music show.

On Tuesday, November 25, the programme will continue with lectures, additional screenings, and live music, concluding with the screening of the award-winning film “The Salesman” by Iranian director Asghar Farhadi.

Mayor of Sderot, Alon Davidi, said: “Sderot is a city of resilience, creativity, and mutual responsibility. Especially in times of tension between nations, we choose to speak the language of culture, art, and human connection. This festival proves that Israel is not only a nation that defends itself – it is also a nation that opens its heart to others, seeks understanding, and respects their culture. This is a true mission, and it begins here, in Sderot.”

• For details and registration, click here.