Renowned Israeli filmmaker Avi Nesher's new film to open Haifa International Film Festival

Renowned Israeli filmmaker Avi Nesher's latest work, 'Our Loves,' is set to open the 42nd Haifa International Film Festival. The festival will run from September 26 through October 3, coinciding with the Sukkot holiday. At the opening ceremony, Nesher will be honored with the festival's Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to Israeli cinema and culture.

'Our Loves,' which has garnered 12 Ophir Award nominations including Best Film, draws inspiration from true events. The film follows seven characters whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined. Each character is navigating an unusual and often difficult relationship, experiencing situations that are both painful and comic, with all narratives taking unforeseen turns. The film's central theme revolves around the characters' shared conviction that October 6, referred to as "the day love died," was the worst day of their lives.

However, the narrative takes a dramatic shift on October 7, as the events of that day force the characters into desperate efforts for survival. This period of crisis leads each character to confront hidden revelations about their past and future. The film's ensemble cast features prominent Israeli actors such as Shalom Michaelshwilli, Maggie Azarzar, Yaniv Biton, and Noa Cohen, among others.

Festival artistic director Yaron Shamir expressed pride in opening the festival with Nesher's film and presenting him with the award. He described Nesher as one of Israeli cinema's most consistent, beloved, and highly regarded filmmakers across generations, whose works have become cherished classics. Shamir noted that 'Our Loves' addresses the pain experienced on October 7 while also offering messages of hope, compassion, and the potential for healing.

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We are proud to open the Haifa International Film Festival with Avi Nesher’s new film and to present him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Avi is one of the most consistent, beloved, and highly regarded filmmakers in Israeli cinema across the generations. Many of his films have become classics that Israeli audiences have warmly embraced. ‘Our Loves’ looks at the pain we all experienced on October 7, but also offers hope, compassion, and the possibility of healing.