THROUGH OTHERS' EYES - PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

Through Others' Eyes project uses photography as a medium of communication and self-expression among Israeli Jewish and Arab youth, exploring and creating a collective identity. Initiated and directed by the Givat Haviva Institute in Israel, the project involves visits to each others' homes and communities, with photography exercises on topics such as cultural and religious celebrations, the body, and family.

NEW GENERATIONS FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER AND CONVERSATION WITH CHAIM YAVIN & FESTIVAL GUESTS

Join us for a conversation around the dinner table with a panel of festival guest filmmakers, moderated by Israeli news persona Chaim Yavin.

The event is open to young leadership groups and people in their 20s and 30s. Advanced registration required.

WHEN MUPPETS DREAM OF PEACE

When Sesame Street tried to unite Jews and Arabs, to promote mutual respect, a world of clashing agendas and unforeseen opportunities arose. Featuring excerpts from the documentary-in-progress, When Muppets Dream of Peace, segments of the latest Rechov Sumsum, and a conversation with the filmmakers, this special event will highlight the challenge of bringing the "Other Israel" to our next generation.

THE IDENTITY & DEFINITION OF "OTHER ISRAEL"

Torn between Israeli and Palestinian existences, the question of the split identity of this sector of society is a complex issue. This festival has faced many controversial debates when looking into the acceptable terminology for Arabs with Israeli citizenship. Are they Israeli, Palestinian, or somewhere in between?

A panel of filmmakers and guests will discuss the complicated identity of Israel's Arab citizens.

PLANET OF THE ARABS

An interactive workshop about the face of Arabs in American media and films presented by Palestine/Israel Education Project. Learn about and discuss the dangers of the often slanderous visions of Arabs brought into American pop culture dating back to the earliest days of cinema, and continues today.

BUILDING BRIDGES

Join us for a full day of programming for the whole family based on building bridges between Jewish and Arab culture in Israel, celebrating the diversity of Israeli life through art and education.

I AM FROM THERE - MAHMOUD DARWISH

The most important contemporary Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish, who passed away earlier this year, gave voice to the Palestinian experience. Join us for an afternoon of poetry, music and conversation about Darwish and his work.

WORKING TOGETHER - THE BAND'S VISIT

Join us for a special screening of the all-time most successful Israeli film, followed by a conversation with guest filmmakers, who will share their experience working together on films in Israel.

Love, Hate & the Jewish State 2.0: Jews, Arabs, and Conflicting Narratives

Conflicting historical narratives lie at the core of the Jewish-Arab divide in Israeli society. These divergent versions of history lead to a fundamental misunderstanding of each others' experience. For the Jewish community, in particular, the narrative of Arab citizens of Israel raises questions about loyalty, security, democracy, and ultimately the future of Israel as a Jewish state. Join young social justice and Israel activists for an exciting evening of short films and an open, facilitated dialogue, which will grapple with the Arab experience in Israel.

Admission $5.

18 Photography Exhibit - Opening Reception

A photo-documentary project which examines contemporary visions of Arab society in Israel from a unique angle. 18 focuses on young Arab men and women at the pivotal age of 18 years old. This age is serves as a major divide in Israeli society as most citizens join the military, while most Arab citizens do not. The project includes a series of profiles of various individuals in Arab communities around Israel, including environmental portraits as well as documentation of their lives and close surrounding. Other Israel Film Festival had collaborated with the award winning Israeli photographer Natan Dvir to create and photograph this series of profiles. Exhibited through January 28, 2010.

Free Admission. This event will take place between 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

New Generation's Friday Night Dinner with Filmmakers Mohammad Bakri and Barak Heymann

Join the New Israel Fund's New Generations and other young leadership groups for a Shabbat dinner and discussion with award winning filmmakers Mohammad Bakri and Barak Heymann. Arrive earlier for a pre-dinner glass of wine and view of the groundbreaking "18" - Photography Exhibit.

6:30PM Pre-dinner exhibit gathering
7:30PM Dinner
Admission $30. Advanced registration required.

Sesame Street

The latest incarnation of Israel's Sesame Street is directed by one of Israel's top directors and focuses on building tolerance and understanding between Arab and Jewish children - including the first Arab Muppet "Mahbub". The show was developed by Arabs, Jews and professionals from around the world to create a well balanced educational environment.

Free Admission.

The Art of Change

Many artists in Israel are torn by their conflicted identity and their political integrity. Some are taking a stand and refusing to participate in certain Israeli productions in order not to create a situation of what they are calling "normalization". Join us for an in-depth panel with artists who have to make tough choices in a complicated political climate - Filmmaker Mohammad Bakri, hip hop musician Sameh Zakout, and Mahmood Shalbi. Moderated by Daniel Chalfen.

Free Admission.

The History of Arabs in Israeli Cinema

Israeli cinema has a relatively short history. The visions of Arabs in Israeli cinema has been developing since the early days of cinema and play a major role in this young industry's development. With a segment from a new documentary scanning the milestones of Arabs in Israeli cinema.

Free Admission.

Bedouin Rugs - Sale & Presentation

Prue Thorner founded BedouinWeaving.com to promote the wellbeing of the Bedouin women in the village of Lakiya in Israel's Negev Desert. She tells their story through her photographs of these women at work, and helps support them through the sale of their embroidery and weaving.

Free Admission. This event will take place between 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

18 Photography Exhibition Review & Talk with Artist, Photographer Natan Dvir

A photo-documentary project which examines contemporary visions of Arab society in Israel from a unique angle. 18 focuses on young Arab men and women at the pivotal age of 18 years old. This age is serves as a major divide in Israeli society as most citizens join the military, while most Arab citizens do not. The project includes a series of profiles of various individuals in Arab communities around Israel, including environmental portraits as well as documentation of their lives and close surrounding. Other Israel Film Festival had collaborated with the award winning Israeli photographer Natan Dvir to create and photograph this series of profiles.

Free Admission.

SAZ - Live Concert

A staple of the Palestinian hip hop scene, Sameh "SAZ" Zakout rhymes in Arabic, Hebrew and English and is widely hailed for his beatbox technique. Born and raised in Ramle, a predominantly Palestinian Arab city within Israel, SAZ has been featured in Rolling Stone and on CNN. His lyrics are very blunt and direct, and his songs deal with political, social and personal issues.

Admission: $20.

Special presentation of AJAMI

A special presentation of the Academy Award Nominated: Ajami, followed by a discussion on the films reflection on Israeli society.
A crime drama set in the multi-ethnic neighborhood of Ajami in Jaffa. This epic story weaves together Israelis and Palestinians from different walks of life, whose lives intersect and create a dramatic collision.

Limited number of tickets available. Tickete must be purchased in advance for this offer.

Screening will be held at Film Forum, 209 West Houston Street.