L.A.’s Israel Film Festival to Open With ‘Come Closer’ and Honor Mattel’s Ynon Kreiz

Los Angeles’ Israel Film Festival has announced its full program, kicking off with Tom Nesher’s directorial debut, “Come Closer” as the fest’s opening night gala. The centerpiece screening is a sneak preview of Erez Tadmor’s “Soda.”

The 36th edition of the festival, which runs Nov. 13-26, will honor Mattel chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz with the Industry Leadership Award. Actor Shaike Levi will receive the 2024 IFF Lifetime Achievement Award at the Closing Night ceremony.

The festival’s founder and executive director, Meir Fenigstein, leads the event with support from Variety’s CEO and Group Publisher, Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, who serves as chairwoman, and Arnon Milchan, founder of New Regency, as honorary chairman.

Fenigstein said, “The Israel Film Festival has always maintained an environment of mutually respectful discussion and viewpoints as well as nonpartisanship. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the war. Festivalgoers represent the diverse communities of Los Angeles who want to be both educated and entertained by a selection of powerful and exciting Israeli films that offer a great window into Israeli culture.”

The festival will screen a total of 40 features, documentaries, and short films. These include Sophie Artus’ Ophir Award-nominated “Halisa,” Maya Dreifus’ nominated “Highway 65,” and Ayelet Menahemi’s “Seven Blessings,” which won 10 Academy Ophir Awards.

Kreiz will be honored on Nov. 13 at the Opening Night Gala, leading into the West Coast premiere of “Come Closer” at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. “Soda” will screen on Nov. 18 at the Writers Guild Theater, and Levi will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award on Nov. 26 during the Closing Night festivities at the Fine Arts Theatre. Additional screenings will take place at the Laemmle Royal Theatre and Laemmle Town Center 5. Tickets for the Opening Night Gala and all screenings will be available at israelfilmfestival.com starting Nov. 5.