Supported by ELAL Israel Airline Inc,  Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

A Mirror for The Sun documents a harrowing adventure of the IDF’s first-ever Orthodox combat navigator, Tamar Ariel. After her military service, Tamar Ariel wishes to broaden her experiences and understanding of the world. She joins a multinational group of hikers who have decided to brave the mountain ranges of Nepal. After reaching the summit, the group is hit with an unexpected snow storm and are forced into a struggle for survival in one of the world’s harshest climates. This documentary is a captivating story of exceptional achievement and a testament to the power of humanity.

Sponsored by Seth and Nealy Fischer / Supported by Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre

Synopsis

A documentary featuring a seldom-told, thought-provoking story of revenge. 6 million Jews are dead, but by 1946, just a handful of Nazis face trial. Most of the guilty will never face justice. For many of Hitler’s victims, this is not enough. Based on previously unheard recordings and exclusive interviews with those involved—all of whom are over 90—this film tells the story of a secret organization of Holocaust survivors who decide to take matters into their own hands. Assembled by the warrior-poet Abba Kovner, their aim is “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life.”

Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau
With the support of Pink Season

Synopsis

Before leaving for Germany where he will undergo irreversible surgery, Liam reflects on his previous female identity.

Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

A heartfelt and funny intergenerational road trip drama from a veteran Israeli-Argentinean filmmaker. When divorced Israeli dad Roberto finds himself on a spontaneous family trip from Israel to Brazil for the World Cup, with his Brazilian father, a soccer fanatic possibly, and his disinterested 12-year old son, what could possibly go wrong?

Sponsored by Judy & Michael Green / Supported by Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre and the Goethe Institut

Synopsis

Frankfurt, 1946. David Bermann and his friends have survived the Holocaust, escaped the Nazi regime and are now dreaming of leaving for America. But how will they get the money in these tough post-war times? The smooth-talking businessman focuses on what the Germans now need most: fine bed linens nicely wrapped in amusing stories! The six talented entertainers go from home to home, praising German housewives with chutzpah. Business flourishes and a bright new future can be seen in the horizon. But questions about Bermann‘s past catch up with him. Why does he have two passports? What about his visit to Hitler‘s mountain retreat? Could he have collaborated with the Nazis?

Awards

• 2019 Magritte Awards, Belgium
  Winner
  – Best Costume Design
  – Best Supporting Actress (Tania Garbarski)
  Nominee
  – Best Script (Bitter Flowers)
  – Best Production Design
  – Best Script (Writer)
• 2018 RiverRun International Film Festival
  Winner
  – Audience Choice Award – Best Narrative Feature

Reviews

• San Francisco Chronicle by David Lewis
  A formidable exercise in storytelling. Even at the end, when the inevitable goodbye toast occurs, there is a twist awaiting us.

Supported by Consulate General of Canada, Hong Kong

Synopsis

“From Cairo to the Cloud” tells the gripping story of the discovery and significance of the Cairo Geniza, a vast treasure trove of manuscripts hidden for centuries in the “geniza,” or sacred storeroom, of an ancient synagogue in Old Cairo.  The Cairo Geniza is the largest cache of Jewish history ever found, illuminating over a thousand years of Jewish, Christian and Moslem life in the heart of the Islamic world.

Supported by: the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Israeli author Meir Shalev, Esau follows a 40-year-old writer who returns to his family home after half a lifetime to face the brother who stole both his love and livelihood. The story is a modern twist on the biblical story of Jacob and Esau in the book of Genesis. Featuring acclaimed actor Harvey Keitel.

Sponsored by Sheri and Robert Dorfman / Supported by the Consulate General of the United States, Hong Kong and Macau

Synopsis

For the first time, intimate interviews with the show’s creators reveal how the tremendous success and worldwide impact of Fiddler on the Roof is most appropriately viewed through the lens of the social upheaval and change in mid-20th century America.  As the film shows, the true wonder of wonders and miracle of Fiddler is that audiences world-wide have, for the last half century, claimed the story as their own.  This remarkable documentary explores a variety of international productions of the show, detailing how individuals of many cultures see themselves represented as residents of Anatevka.

Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau, the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau and the German Consulate General Hong Kong

Synopsis

Awards

• 2019 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
  Winner – Emerging Filmmaker
  Jury Prize – Aa;am-Warque Davidian (director)
  
• 2018 Awards of the Israeli Film Academy
  Winner
  – Best Cinematography
  – Best Film
  – Best screenplay
  Nominee
  – Best Editing
  – Best Art Direction
• 2018 Toronto International Film Festival
  Winner
  – Euroimages Audentia Award

In Honor of the directors of Keren Hayesod – UIA – United Israel Appeal Hong Kong  and Supported by the Consulate General of the United States, Hong Kong and Macau

Synopsis

Supported by: Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

Through the heroic story of a rabbi known as “The Admor of Sanz-Klausenburg,” this documentary presents the complex relationship between ultra-Orthodox Jews and the memory of the Holocaust. Through rare archival footage and interviews it reveals the ways we experience the revival and spiritual victory over the Nazis and pass it on to the ensuing generations, while dealing with the biggest question of all—where was God during the Holocaust?

Sponsored by Louise Brown & Udi Oz / Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

In the last few days of her pregnancy, a terrified mother-to-be kidnaps a maternal stranger for an afternoon of high jinks.

Sponsored by Alexandra Kumin & Justin Solomon

Synopsis

Explore the life and legacy of Joseph Pulitzer, the father of modern journalism. Joseph Pulitzer spoke of “fake news” and highlighted the dangers of the suppression of news long before current threats to press freedom. How did Joseph Pulitzer, once a penniless young Jewish immigrant from Hungary, come to challenge a popular president and fight for freedom of the press as essential to democracy?  Narrated by Adam Driver and with Liev Schreiber as the voice of Pulitzer, Tim Blake Nelson as the voice of Teddy Roosevelt and Rachel Brosnahan as the voice of Nelly Bly.

Sponsored by Robert L. Meyer

Synopsis

“King Bibi” explores Benjamin Netanyahu’s rise to power, relying solely on archival footage of his media performances over the years: from his days as a popular guest expert on American TV, through his public confession of adultery, and his mastery of the art of social media. From one studio to another, ‘Bibi’ evolved from Israel’s great political hope, to a controversial figure whom some perceive as Israel’s savior, and others – as a cynical politician who will stop at nothing to retain his power.

Awards

• 2019 Cleveland International Film Festival
  Nominee: Nesnady and Schwartz Documentary Competition
  – Best Documentary: Dan Shadur
• 2019 Festival du Cinéma Israélien de Paris 2019
  Winner
  – Best Documentary: Dan Shadur
• 2018 Jerusalem Film Festival
  Nominee
  -Best Documentary
  
• 2019 Santa Barbara International Film Festival
  Nominee
  – Best Documentary Feature Award
  – Jury Award – Best Documentary Film: Dan Shadur

Sponsored by Philippa & Marvin Carsley / Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

Laces tells the story of a complicated relationship between an aging father and his special-needs son, whom he abandoned while he was still a young boy. Reuben’s kidneys are failing and his son Gadi wants to donate one of his own kidneys to help save his father’s life. However, the transplant committee objects to the procedure claiming that Reuben, acting as Gadi’s sole legal guardian, does not have the right to authorize such an invasive procedure. Gadi, who recently lost his mother, is afraid of losing his father as well. He feels he finally has the chance to do something meaningful; to become a man and stand on his own.

Awards

• • • • • • • • • • • • • 2019 Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival (HKJFF)
                          Winner
                          – Audience Award: Best Feature Film
                        • 2019 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
                          Winner
                          – Audience Award: Best Narrative Jacob Goldwasser (director)
                        • 2018 Awards of the Israeli Film Academy
                          Winner
                          – Best Supporting Actor: Doval’e Glickman
                          – Best Film
                          – Best Director: Jacob Goldwasser
                          – Best Actor: Nevo Kimchi
                          Nominee
                          – Best Editing: Itamar Goldwasser
                          – Best Art Direction: Yoel Herzberg
                          – Best Makeup: Revital Cohen
                          – Best Music: Daniel Salomon
                          
                          

Supported by Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

One man’s attempt to marry off his daughter—the Jerusalem way.

Sponsored by the Jewish Women’s Association of Hong Kong / Supported by the Consulate General of the United States, Hong Kong and Macau

Synopsis

Set in the Hasidic enclave of Borough Park, Brooklyn, “93Queen” follows a group of tenacious Hasidic women who create the first all-female volunteer ambulance corps in New York City. With unprecedented insider access, “93Queen” offers a unique portrayal of a group of women who are taking matters into their own hands to change their community from within.

Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

A troubled teen’s desperate efforts to unite his broken family spin out of control in this modern Greek tragedy nominated for ten Israeli Academy Awards including Best Film. Almost everything in 15-year-old Eli’s life is on the brink of disaster. Overweight and dealing with an eating disorder, he lives in a seedy Tel Aviv neighborhood with his mother and her possessive husband, two ex-junkies preoccupied with living a normative life, while his alcoholic father is an unemployed artist and street philosopher. Eli tries to escape his parents’ fate and be a responsible adult. A beautifully acted examination of anguished characters fighting to overcome their circumstances

Parent Advisory: Disturbing content and nudity
Please note: This film is not suitable for children under 16.

Supported by Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

Awards

• • • • • • • • • • • • • 2018 Jerusalem Film Festival
                          Winner
                          – Audience Award – Narritive: Yossi Madmoni, Boaz Yehonatan Yaacov
                          – Van Leer Group Foundation Award – Best Music: Assaf Talmudi -“For a soundtrack that enriches the film as if it  were another character.”
                          Nominee
                          – Haggiag Award – Best Israeli Feature: Yossi Madmoni, Boaz Yehonatan Yaacov
                          – The Lia Van Leer Award: Yossi Madmoni, Boaz Yehonatan Yaacov
                        • 2018 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
                          Winner
                          – Award of Ecumenical Jury: Yossi Madmoni, Boaz Yehonatan Yaacov
                          – Best Actor: Moshe Folkenflick
                          – Crystal Globe – Best Film: Boaz Yehonatan Yaacov (director), Yossi Madmoni (director)

Supported by the Austrian Consulate General Hong Kong

Synopsis

A Jewish American woman and an Ethiopian refugee reconcile Austria’s past with its present.

Supported by the Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

The Sachs are running late to their cousin’s wedding when their driver lets loose a bizarre, anti-Semitic rant.

Sponsored by Louise Brown & Udi Oz / Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

Elka tries to prove that her best friend Daniela will still need her once she’s married, especially for her great knowledge about sex.

Please note: This film is not suitable for children under 16.

Sponsored by Louise Brown & Udi Oz / Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

Sponsored by Withers International, Supported by: the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

Taking a job way beyond his pay grade, Salam becomes a writer on the Israeli Arab hit show, “Tel Aviv on Fire”.  His career advances until he has creative differences with the show’s financial backers as to how the series will end. Told with humor and understanding of the difficulties Arabs and Israelis face living together in a small country, this film addresses the similarities and differences between the two cultures. Caught in the middle between two sets of ideas, how will Salam resolve his conflicts?

Winner of multiple film festival awards, including from Seattle, Venice, Haifa, and Tokyo, this is not to be missed. Using humor to tackle serious issues, this award winning film is a great opener for this year’s 20^th anniversary Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival.

Awards

• • • • • • • • • • • • • 2018 Haifa International Film Festival
                          Winner
                          – Israeli Film Competition Award – Best Film: Sameh Zoabi
                        • 2019 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
                          Winner
                          – Audience Choice Award – World Cinema – Narrative: Sameh Zoabi
                        • 2019 Sarasota Film Festival
                          Winner
                          – Audience Award – Best in World Cinema: Sameh Zoabi
                        • 2019 Seattle International Film Festival
                          Winner
                          – Golden Space Needle Award – Best Film: Sameh Zoab
                          Nominee
                          – Golden Space Needle Award – Best Director: Sameh Zoabi – Second Place
                        • 2018 Venice Film Festival
                          Winner
                          – Interfilm Award – Best Film: Sameh Zoabi
                          – Venice Horizons Award – Best Actor: Kais Nashif
                          Nominee
                          – Venice Horizons Award  – Best Film: Sameh Zoabi

Sponsored by Louise Brown & Udi Oz / Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Supported by: the Consulate General of the United States, Hong Kong and Macau

Synopsis

A touching film that tells the story of Yoram Raanan, an American-Israeli artist, as he rebuilds following a sudden fire that destroyed forty years of work. It’s a story about resolve in the face of loss, but also about faith, family and searching for a sense of place.

With the support of Pink Season

Synopsis

Sponsored by The Zion Family

Synopsis

Sponsored by Rafael Aharoni / Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

When Yakov Cohen’s daughter is expelled from school due to ethnic discrimination, he decides to fight back. It’s 1983 and Yakov, a printer in Jerusalem, is just a regular guy. He has no knowledge, no money, no connections and no political experience. But he does have the will and the passion to take action, and a belief that he and and other Sephardic Jews should be able to hold their heads up high. Yakov and his friends start the first ethnic political group in Jerusalem, with an operation characteristic of the people they represent: not the suit-wearing types, but rather the people working their way up from the bottom.  An Israeli dark comedy inspired by real-life events.

Sponsored by Louise Brown & Udi Oz / Supported by the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong & Macau

Synopsis

Leah, an ultra-Orthodox woman who works in her widowed mother’s store, is ready for love, but her mother seems unwilling to let her go.

Sponsored by Louise Brown & Udi Oz / Supported by the Consulate General of Switzerland in Hong Kong

Synopsis

Sponsored by Sandra & David Khorsandy / Supported by the Consulate General of the United States, Hong Kong and Macau and the Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre

Synopsis

Awards

• • • • • • • • • • • • • 2019 Ferrara Film Festival
                          Winner
                          – Golden Dragon – Best Documentary World