The Other Israel: New Perspectives Film Festival announces 20th Festival Lineup and Transition to New Festival
NEW YORK (October 08, 2026) – The Other Israel Film Festival announced the lineup for its 20th anniversary edition, to be held November 5–12, 2026, at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.
After 20 years of impact that has changed the landscape of the American Jewish community, the Other Israel Film Festival is proud to carry forward its mission by transitioning into a new festival: New Perspectives Film Festival. Through films, panels, and events, New Perspectives highlights crucial topics that benefit from thoughtful consideration and provides a platform for important conversations. This year will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Other Israel and announce the transition to New Perspectives.
“Difficult times call for more dialogue, not less. We remain committed to meeting this moment by continuing to support Israeli filmmakers telling stories that reflect the complexity and humanity of Israeli society,” says Rabbi Joanna Samuels, CEO of The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan,
As boycotts, cancel culture, and polarization continue, the festival creates a space for conversation, exploration, and understanding. Through bold new films and post-screening conversations, Other Israel: New Perspective highlights the region’s complexities while fostering hope and coexistence.
“The festival remains an Island for listening and conversing,” said Other Israel founder Carole Zabar. “Instead of canceling, we ask our audience to join us and challenge themselves by watching and listening to new perspectives. These spaces are desperately needed right now and give a message of hope and understanding.”
The festival is also proud to present a special presentation of Israel’s official entry to the Oscars, and Sundance select, Tell Me Everything by Moshe Rosenthal, about a boy in the innocent Israel of the 1980’s who discovers his father is gay during the AIDS crisis.
This year’s festival opens with the NY. Premiere of Where To? by Assaf Machnes, which premiered at the Berlinale 2026, and tells the story of a Palestinian Uber driver forming a relationship with an Israeli customer while driving through the streets of Berlin.
The festival dives into timely topics relating to the Arab community in Israel, including: Amal, by Nahd Basheir and David Ofek, about the escalating cycle of violence within the Arab sector. On Thin Ice gives a rare look into the Syrian Druze community living in Israel, with one of the most complex realities. One Street in Silwan by Bissan Tibi explores the reality of Arabs in East Jerusalem, and Unraveling UNRWA by Duki Dror explores the history of the UN’s controversial organization. Split by Shady Srour and Dina Riklis explores the history and reality of mixed Arab Jewish cities in Israel and Shalom by Meital Zvieli gives us hope as a rhinoceros is cared for by both Arab and Jewish providers.
Beyond stories of Israeli and Arab relations, the festival brings New Perspectives and dives into other topics in Israeli society, including Double Panther by Marco Carmel, which explores a controversial true story from the Israeli Black Panther movement of the 1970’s. Looking for Yadida by Israela Shaer Meoded investigates the touching topic of the missing Yemenite children, and Over and Out (Formerly, Good Morning Gaza) by Hanan Brandes, Matan Sacofsky shows the diversity and complexities of Israeli soldiers through one Tank commander who launches a podcast on his communication radio.
“At a time of escalating conflicts and growing divide, we are proud to take a nuanced look into some of the challenging topics of the region, using film to create a welcoming space for complicated conversations and explorations,” Says Isaac Zablocki, Sr. Director of the Carole Zabar Center for Film and Executive Director of the Other Israel Film Festival.
All screenings will be followed by the festival’s signature conversations with filmmakers and thought leaders. Special panels will focus on freedom of speech, collaboration across divides, and the role of the arts in conflict and reconciliation.
Tickets & Passes
Festival passes ($99) and single tickets ($20) go on sale October 8, 2026 at www.otherisrael.org. Conversations, guest speakers, and the festival trailer will be announced soon.
