Culture

'Gangland' director Vincent Grashaw brings Native American story to Jerusalem Film Festival

Director Vincent Grashaw found the screenplay for ‘Gangland’ online, then worked with Native American advisers and actors to bring its fictional reservation to life.

LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS (right) stars with Dana Namerode in "Gangland."
IDO TAKO in the two-character movie ‘Where To?’ which explores a bond that forms between Palestinian Hassan and Israeli Amir.

Israeli movies balance excitement, sorrow, and war at Jerusalem Film Festival

Palestinians are standing in queues in front of Damascus Gate on Eid Al-Fitr on March 20, 2026 in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem highlights: July 17-23

Avi Nesher, Emilio Schenker, and Danny Cohen (on the screen) spoke at a panel on Israeli film at the Jerusalem Film Festival.

Cautious optimism at JFF panel on post-October 7 Israeli cinema


Mifal HaPais presented its 2026 Landau Prizes for Arts and Sciences to leading Israeli researchers

Each of the nine winners received a NIS 150,000 grant. The ceremony marked the 25th anniversary of the Landau Prize, which recognizes exceptional achievements and contributions to Israeli research.

Mifal HaPais chairman Itzik Lary, CEO Benny Dreyfuss, Weizmann Institute Vice President Prof. Rony Paz and the recipients of the 2026 Landau Prizes for Arts and Sciences at the award ceremony marking the prize’s 25th anniversary.

What Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' can teach Jewish readers about Homer and the Bible- opinion

It’s not that the Jewish tradition doesn’t understand realpolitik. Abraham is a great warrior as well as a man of God. They understand it. But the starting point is trust.

Matt Damon plays Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of Homer's "Odyssey."

The little object that traveled the world: A story of trade, culture, and tradition

A journey through the remarkable history of playing cards, from ancient trade routes and coffeehouses to the digital age, revealing how a simple deck became a global cultural icon.

A centuries-long journey of cultural exchange, where traditions, ideas, and human connections traveled across borders and generations.

United in art: Jerusalem's Manofim Festival returns with art, music, and performance

The 18th edition of the Manofim arts festival maintains its inclusive take on local life.

The Manofim program includes a plethora of live entertainment.

What to watch this week: Larry David's new HBO comedy, talking sheep, and Kim Novak

TV Time: Gitit Fisher, Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, and Hugh Jackman are just a few names to entertain TV watchers this summer in releases like On Standby and The Sheep Detectives.

US-ENTERTAINMENT-STREAMING-WARNER-NETFLIX-FILM The HBO Max logo is seen outside the Warner Bros. Discovery offices in Culver City, California, on December 5, 2025.

Tzavta Theater to celebrate 70 years with Freedom to Create festival

Supported by top organizations, the event features diverse cultural programming, culminating in a star-studded gala on September 8 featuring prominent Israeli artists, comedians, and performers.

Daily life in Tel Aviv. July 08, 2026.

Culture Minister Zohar releases video skewering the film industry

The Israeli film industry is at its lowest ebb in decades, perhaps ever, as more film festivals around the world openly or covertly boycott Israeli movies.

Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar attends a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, May 20, 2026.

Why "Mazel Tov" endures as the Jewish World's Favorite Blessing

The tradition of “Mazel Tov” and the belief in luck and fate continue to accompany Jewish life from its ancient roots to the modern world.

Israeli actress Evgenia Dodina triumphs in Or Sinai's ‘Mama’ - review

Speaking in Polish rather than her native Russian, Dodina gives a memorable performance in "Mama" – one of her many unforgettable theatrical accomplishments.

EVGENIA DODINA in ‘Mama.’ She exemplifies the kind of woman who has made the devastating choice to leave her family behind so that she can support them.

Israeli author Amir Tibon wins Sami Rohr Prize for Oct. 7 memoir

“It is an incredible honor to receive the Sami Rohr Prize and join the esteemed list of writers who have won this award over the past two decades,” Tibon said in the Sami Rohr Prize press release.

 Israeli journalist Amir Tibon's "The Gates of Gaza" retells his family's experience on Oct. 7 and his country's experience since.