Our Mission & History
Founded in 1982 with six films and a dream, today the largest showcase for Israeli film in the United States.
Six films and a dream.
Founded by Meir Fenigstein in 1982, the Israel Film Festival has grown to become one of the most important Israeli cultural events in the world, and the largest showcase for Israeli films in the United States.
For over four decades it has spotlighted Israel's thriving film and television industry, offering an intercultural exchange that advances tolerance and understanding, and enriches the American vision of Israel's social and cultural diversity.
Presented annually by IsraFest Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Los Angeles.
To brand Israel as the lively and innovative nation that it is, shining a spotlight on its thriving film and television industry and enriching the American experience of Israel’s social and cultural diversity.
As an international entertainment industry event, the festival has brought acclaim to the films and their makers, and opened new possibilities for cooperation and co-production between the U.S. and Israeli film and TV industries. Each year it premieres Israeli features, documentaries, television dramas and student shorts, alongside conversations with visiting Israeli filmmakers.
Four decades on the red carpet
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Past honorees
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Past presenters
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Meir Fenigstein
Once known as Poogy, the drummer of the legendary Israeli rock band Kaveret, he channeled that energy into a love of Israeli cinema.
Founder and Executive Director of IsraFest Foundation, Inc. and the Israel Film Festival in the USA, Meir has spent four decades raising awareness of Israel's cultural diversity and cinematic creativity. He has earned industry respect for elevating Israeli film and television in America, and for building an artistic bridge that fosters understanding between Israel, the U.S. and the world.