The 43nd Jerusalem Film Festival announced the competition winners in a ceremony that took place on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Jerusalem Cinematheque. The total value of prizes awarded this year reached approximately one million NIS.
International Competition
Jury: Angela Schanelec, Lionel Baier, Nanako Tsukidate
Nechama Rivlin Award for Best International Film:
The Dreamed Adventure, Dir.: Valeska Grisebach (Germany)
Jury Statement: We were impressed by the masterful direction and the handling of the film’s multiple themes. Borders, European identities, and interpersonal stories are all masterfully explored. We congratulate the director on this film, which has truly impressed us.
The Best Performance Award to Kārlis Arnolds Avots for Ulya.
Jury statement: The award goes to Karlis Arnolds Avots in the film Ulya for the embodiment of a character through movement and looks, the courage to be serious and still, the beauty of the expression of body and face.
International Debuts Competition (sponsored by GWFF)
Jury: Corinna Harfouch, Marc-Benoît Créancier, Yona Rozenkier
GWFF Award for Best International Debut Film goes to 17, directed by Kosara Mitic.
Jury statement: The prize for first feature film goes to the movie “17” by Kosara Mitić. A raw, unapologetic punch. Full of rage and skillful cinematography, a very talented director and incredible acting. The film depicts a long silenced violence which must be faced.
Special Mention was awarded to the film Panda, directed by Xinyang Zhang.
In the Spirit of Freedom Competition
Jury: Isaac Zablocki, Roni Aboulafia, Nir Bergman
Cummings Award for Spirit of Freedom Competition Winner: Skateboarding is not for Girls, directed by Dina Duma.
Jury statement: The film explores difficult subjects while making room for humor, compassion, and vitality. It avoids easy answers, choosing instead to observe its characters in all their complexity, vulnerability, and strength. Through an authentic and attentive gaze, the film creates a precise and deeply affecting cinematic experience that stays with the viewer long after the screening ends.
Experimental Documentary Competition in Honor of Chantal Akerman
Jury: Nevet Yitzhak
The Chantal Akerman Prize for Experimental Documentary Film: Silent Flood, directed by Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk.
Jury statement: “Silent Flood” directs its gaze toward what remains beyond the battlefield, discovering there the profound movement of history. With a rare faith in the power of observation, the film crafts a cinematic language that is at once poetic, political, and deeply human. In the shadow of war, it offers an artistic stance that views compassion, attentiveness, and contemplation as acts of resistance.
Israeli Competition
Haggiag Competition for Full-Length Israeli Feature Films
Jury: Sergei Loznitsa (President), Alissa Simon, Jorge Stamadianos
Haggiag Award for Best Feature through the Jerusalem Foundation:
Where To?, Director: Assaf Machnes, Producers: Tomer Mecklberg, Estee Yakov Mecklberg, Haim Mecklberg, Oren Rogovin, Guy Shani, Julia M. Müller, Luis Singer
Jury Statement: “The film portrays what makes us human with remarkable clarity and deep sensitivity, transcending personal beliefs and cultural conflicts.”
Anat Pirchi Award for Best Script: Assaf Machnes – Where To?
Jury Statement: “A simple and nuanced way to tell a complex story with humor and humanity.”
Anat Pirchi Award for Best Performance: Ihab Salami – Where To?
Jury Statement: “A convincing, subtle and truthful performance that takes us on a journey.”
Diamond Competition for Full-Length Israeli Documentary Films
Diamond Award for Best Documentary Film:
I Am Neo, Director: Yael Abecassis, Producers: Shlomi Elkabetz, Galit Cahlon
Jury Statement: “A fight for life that is touching, patient and human.”
Awards for Israeli Cinema
GWFF Award for Best Israeli Debut Feature:
Find Me, Okay?, Director: Yula Gidron, Producers: Jeff Hoffman, Hilla Medalia, Maria Ionova
Jury Statement: “Courage to confront and immerse viewers in the pain of a family that reflects Israeli society.”
Aaron Emanuel Award for Best Cinematography: Meidan Arama – I Can’t Say No to Myself
Jury Statement: “Lively camerawork showing the modern reality of a young, urban, searching generation.”
Aliza and Micha Shagrir Award for Best Editing: Gal Rosenbluth – Amal
Jury Statement: “Tension-building cutting that leads to an inevitable tragedy.”
Yossi Mulla Award for Best Original Score: Asaf Talmudi – The Wedding Entertainer (The Tale of Moishe Badhan)
Jury Statement: “A score that celebrates life״.
Diamond Competition for Israeli Shorts
Jury: Hélène Schoumann, Or Sinai, Eliran Elya
Diamond Award for Best Live Action Film: Another Body, Director: Orit Fouks Rotem, Production: Daizy Films
Diamond Award for Live Action Film, Second Prize: Fireworks, Director: Eily Freid, Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, Jerusalem
Best Animated Film Donated by Animation Israel: Saba, Director: Liron Topaz, Producers: Lirit Rosenzweig-Topaz and Neko Films by Neko Productions
Diamond Award for Best Performance: Dar Zuzovsky, for her performance in Peppa the Great, Director: Dylan Joseph
Honorable Mention: Larnaca, Director: Talia Tai Bitton, Gil Peled, Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, Jerusalem
The Israeli Video Art and Experimental Film Competition
Jury: Miri Segal, Irena Gordon, Dvir Shaked
Afterglow Awards for Best Film goes to A Pleasant Sail on Land, Director: Gadi Yampel
Aliza and Micha Shagrir Award for Experimental Film goes to Krav Maga, Director: Tal Elkayam
Special Mention: Dragon, Director: Natalia Ryss
