The Israeli Affairs Committee is pleased to announce the Tikvat Israel’s 2026 Israeli
Film Festival. The dates are Saturday evenings, January 31 and February 7 (no
competing NFL games!).
The moderator is Erik Zakim, Associate Professor, School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Program and Center for Jewish Studies, Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. Tickets are $20 per film screening. Click here to register for either one or both showings.
January 31: Seven Blessings
Marie was just two years old when her mother gifted her to her infertile sister, a
common Moroccan custom at the time. 40 years later, Marie travels from France to
Israel, where her family now lives, to marry her one true love. Her warm and excited
family is preparing for the custom of “Seven Blessings”- a week of festive meals in
honor of the bride. But Marie has also come to open old wounds. Between
intoxicating family means, secrets and lies are revealed. Marie is desperate for an
apology although her family is sure she should be thanking them. This week turns
into a sad comedy about family crimes, forgiveness and loss.
February 7: The Property
Regina and her granddaughter Mika embark on a journey to Poland to reclaim their
family property seized during World War II. But their quest quickly unravels. Regina
unexpectedly decides to abandon the mission entirely, leaving Mika lost and
confused. To complicate matters further, an irritating distant relative keeps appearing
at every turn. Just as Mika finds herself falling for a charming tour guide, Regina
seizes the opportunity to pursue her own hidden agenda: finding her long-lost love,
from whom she was separated seventy years ago.
Please also stay tuned for information about the Israeli Affairs Committee’s plan to host the 2024 Oscar winner for best documentary No Other Land, on Sunday, March 15.
