Reel Culture: The History of Israeli Cinema
Hosted By: My Jewish Learning
Discover the rich history and legacy of Israeli film through this online class with a top expert.
How is film molded by national memory — and how does film create it?
This course traces the development of cinema in Israel/Palestine from the 1930s to the present, examining how films reflect and shape cultural identity, political tensions and social change.
Prof. Olga Gershenson, a leader in the study of Jewish film history, will begin by discussing early Zionist cinema then explore the “bourekas” ethnic comedies of the 1960s-70s, such as “Sallah” (1964).
The 1980s-90s brought serious social dramas addressing Holocaust memory and the Palestinian Wave, with films like “Wedding in Galilee” (1987). The 2000s saw international recognition for directors like Eytan Fox, Joseph Cedar, and Eran Kolirin.
Recent developments include Israeli horror films and films with a Palestinian point of view. The course will even include cinematic responses to Oct. 7.
Together, we’ll examine how cinema functions as a form of memory, and we’ll explore epic themes of land, migration and conflict.
