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Hollywood producer Lawrence Bender, best known for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino, said that the attacks on October 7 “broke me.”
By Shula Rosen
The Jerusalem Film Festival began its 42nd edition Thursday night at Sultan’s Pool, proceeding in the shadow of war and cultural boycotts but drawing packed crowds and international attention.
Gal Gadot, who received recognition both from the festival and from Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, followed with remarks of her own. “I love my country, and I’m proud to be a part of it and to raise our voice for it,” she told the audience. Gadot said she looks forward to working on an Israeli film and added a prayer: “I want to breathe again — and that will only happen when the hostages come home.”
The first major award of the night went to Hollywood producer Lawrence Bender, best known for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino. Accepting the honor, Bender recalled how the Hamas terrorist assault of October 7 and the rise in antisemitism worldwide had changed him. “It broke me. I knew it was my moment to be here,” he said. Bender revealed he is producing a five-part Israeli drama, Red Alert, depicting ordinary people turned heroes during the attack. “I’m not sure the world understands,” he said, “and that’s why we need to tell these stories.”
Festival director Roni Mahadev-Levin used the opening to address mounting outside pressure. “Maybe because of all this, more than ever this year, we’ve seen an unrelenting wave of attempts to cancel, silence, and boycott,” he said. According to him, politicians, organizations, and even a foreign embassy had demanded screenings be pulled. “We’re here because we believe in the power of cinema — to offer moments of hope, comfort, and inspiration.”
Hadassah leaders Dalia Itzik and Carol Ann Schwartz called Gadot “a trailblazing woman who serves as an ambassador of Israel and the Jewish people wherever she goes.”
The evening concluded with the premiere of Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes, marking a high-profile start to a festival determined to go forward despite adversity. Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too! Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion. Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
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