Film Diplomacy

Film Screenings & Discussion Panels

Actor, Film Director... as Social Entrepreneur

The panels and screenings focused on cinema as a catalyst for action and social change within all communities. In addition to this, it promoted the idea that films have the potential to address political issues, challenge assumptions, transform perceptions, and help people to learn from, and to be inspired by, one another.

The 2013 Children’s and Women’s empowerment programs highlighted film professionals involved in film production seeking to foster worldwide awareness of social and educational issues. These various sessions were geared towards diverse youth communities and included screenings and panel discussions with education professionals.

Children's Empowerment Program

A Series of Colloquies for Educational Professionals and NGO Representatives

Producer/Writer/Director Katie Dellamaggiore was invited to lead a series of events held at the Public Affairs Office, US Embassy in Tel Aviv, and at the Holon and Jerusalem Cinematheque. Moderated by Noah Reguev, Director of La Cinematheque in Jerusalem, Dellamaggiore discussed how film can be a powerful educational and media literacy tool, especially in inspiring and in motivating youth groups of all ages.

Women's Empowerment Program

Film Screenings & Discussion Panel at the US Embassy Public Affairs Office in Tel Aviv

The program was hosted by the Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs from the US Embassy Public Affairs Section, Hilary Olsin-Windecker, and Ellen Schnitser the Exchanges Specialist from the same section. The colloquy included a screening of five “Makers: Women Who Make America” segments, which was followed by a discussion panel.
Participants and panelists discussed: how women are portrayed in the media, how to increase gender balance in the entertainment industry, and how prominent media businesswomen have, and can continue to, impact their field, as well as inspire future female generations to become involved in the media industry.

Speakers included:

Dana Goldberg

Dana Glodberg graduated from HaMidrasha School of Art, Beit Berl College in Illinois. Since then, she has worked as an actress, film director, producer and writer. One of her latest films, "Alice” focuses on the struggle that comes from emotional crises. Alice, torn between a husband tormented by her coldness and a son desperate for her love leaves Alice feeling alone, until she finds her lover at a rehabilitation center. This love reignites a passion within her as well as hopes for a new life. Sadly, this love triangle leads to devastating consequences. The film has since generated three awards At the Jerusalem International Film Festival 2012. The awards included an Honorable Mention for Best Full Length Feature Film, Winner of Best Actress (Ilanit Ben Yacov), and Winner of Best Screenplay

Elite Zexer

Elite Zexer graduated from the Tel Aviv University in 2006 and majored both in Film and Television as well as Business Management. After working on film production, casting and marketing, Zexer worked on her MFA degree in Film Directing at Tel Aviv University, as well as managing the public affairs office for the Tel Aviv University Film and TV Department.
Elite directed the film Tasnim that came out in 2010, which is based in a neglected Bedouin village. It highlights how a young girl handles becoming a woman as well as the struggle in confronting societal conservative norms and tribal tradition all through a surprise visit from her father.

Annette Levy-Willard - Moderator

A former diplomat and currently a distinguished reporter for the daily Liberation, Annette Levy-Willard is an investigative journalist as well as a former professor at Mills College in California, and lecturer at the University of Texas. Her success also expands to writing, having published a book ( Chronicles of Los Angeles) that gives a fierce and funny picture of the ephemeral society. Another published work entitled 'I Jane seek Tarzan is being adapted for film bringing her talent into the film industry.