Celebrating Cinema South

Tel Aviv may boast Israel’s leading cultural institutions, but Sapir just stole the show. Cinema South, the annual, cutting-edge film festival organized by Sapir’s School of Audio and Visual Arts, opened for the 22nd time on Sunday – this time at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque due to restrictions imposed by the Gaza war. The event, dedicated to the return of Israel’s hostages, also memorialized leading figures in the public life and cultural affairs of the Western Negev who were murdered on October 7th, including Ofir Libstein, head of the Shar Hanegev Regional Council, Sapir faculty member Yahav Wiener, and the talented soundtrack designer and Sapir graduate Lior Waitzman.

The centerpiece of the event was a pre-screening of Asaf Asulin’s fantasy drama Horse with No Name.

Adv. Gilead Sher, Chair of Sapir’s Board of Directors joined Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi, Yossi Keren, Acting Head of the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, Aliza Lavie, Chair of the Israel Film Council, and other luminaries at the opening.

Other planned events include a debut film competition named after Yahav Wiener, a short film competition, and activities for children and youth.

According to Sher, “Cinema South has promoted artistic innovation without pause for 22 years, despite ongoing terror and rocket attacks. The Sapir community remains a bulwark of resilience for the entire Western Negev, even as much of its population is dispersed around the country. Nothing better expresses the Spirit of Sapir than this unique event.” 

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