Two Israeli films selected for Tribeca Festival

The Jerusalem Post celebrates the selection of two distinct Israeli films, "What Is to Come" and "Moishe Badhan" (The Tale of a Wedding Entertainer), for the prestigious 2026 Tribeca Festival in New York. This inclusion highlights the continued vibrancy and international recognition of Israeli cinema, even amidst challenging times.

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Our film was created during a period of much pain and uncertainty and presents the possibility of a new beginning and hope.

Ruthy Pribar's "What Is to Come" is set to have its world premiere in the international competition. The film delves into the profound struggles of a farming couple facing a deep financial crisis, exploring themes of despair, loss, and the arduous journey toward hope and a new beginning. Pribar, whose previous film "Asia" garnered significant awards, expressed her pride and happiness at the opportunity to present her work, believing its humanity will resonate with audiences.

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I am happy and filled with pride at the opportunity to present the film before an audience, and I believe that the humanity in it will find its way into viewers’ hearts.

Producer Yoav Roeh and Liron Edery, head of distribution at United King Films, emphasize that participation in such international festivals is a high bar for Israeli films. They view the selection not just as an achievement but as a hopeful sign that Israeli cinema continues to thrive and communicate powerful human stories that transcend borders and political contexts, especially relevant given the current climate.

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Participation in an international festival has become a high bar for Israeli films. We hope that the screening in New York marks the beginning of a change and that in the near future we will return to days when it was a source of pride to represent Israeli culture.

"Moishe Badhan," directed by Gidi Dar and featuring Shuli Rand, will be showcased in the Viewpoints section. This film offers a poignant look at a former Jerusalem wedding entertainer, Moishe, who has fallen into hardship due to alcoholism. The narrative centers on his seemingly impossible task of raising a substantial sum for his daughter's wedding, presenting a compelling human drama. The Jerusalem Post frames these selections as a testament to the resilience and artistic depth of Israeli filmmakers, showcasing their ability to create impactful art that speaks to universal themes.

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Despite the not-simple conditions for Israeli cinema at this time, Ruthy Pribar’s excellent film was selected to be included in the international competition. In the very inclusion of the film in this prestigious festival, precisely at the present time, there is recognition that Israeli cinema continues to beat and that art can grow and speak to the human heart beyond borders and political contexts.