Jerusalem Guidebook · Festivals
Jerusalem Film Festival
Israel's premier cinema celebration at the Jerusalem Cinematheque
Founded in 1984 by Lia van Leer, the Jerusalem Film Festival (JFF) is Israel's most prestigious film event — 10+ days of international premieres, Israeli cinema competitions, retrospectives, and outdoor screenings at Sultan's Pool below the walls of the Old City.
Dates & Editions
2026 — 42nd Edition
July 16 – 26, 2026
Opening night at Sultan's Pool. International competition, Haggiag Awards for Israeli cinema, and the traditional outdoor cinema series.
2027 — 43rd Edition
July 14 – 24, 2027
Dates confirmed. Full program and ticket sales announced each spring on the official JFF website — opening night at Sultan's Pool, competition and retrospectives at the Cinematheque.
Venues
- Jerusalem Cinematheque — 11 Hebron Road. Main indoor venue with five screens.
- Sultan's Pool — Iconic outdoor amphitheater under the Old City walls; hosts opening night.
- Beit Shmuel & Gerard Behar Center — Overflow venues for talks and industry events.
Awards & Competitions
- • Haggiag Awards — Best Israeli feature, documentary, and debut film
- • International Competition — First & second features from around the world
- • Van Leer Award — Jewish experience in cinema
- • In the Spirit of Freedom — Human rights and social justice films
Tickets & Press
Tickets typically go on sale 3–4 weeks before opening night. Festival passes and single tickets are available through the Cinematheque box office and the official site.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Jerusalem Film Festival 2027?
- The 43rd edition runs July 14–24, 2027, at the Jerusalem Cinematheque with opening night at Sultan's Pool.
- Where are screenings held?
- The Jerusalem Cinematheque (11 Hebron Road) is the main indoor venue. Opening night and major outdoor screenings are at Sultan's Pool; Beit Shmuel and Gerard Behar Center host overflow events.
- How do I buy tickets?
- Tickets go on sale 3–4 weeks before opening night via the Cinematheque box office and the official JFF site. Festival passes and single tickets are both available.
- What awards does the festival give?
- The Haggiag Awards (Israeli cinema), International Competition (first & second features), Van Leer Award (Jewish experience in cinema), and In the Spirit of Freedom prize (human rights films).