First Israeli Feature Film
The first Israeli feature film, "Oded the Wanderer," was released in 1933, marking the beginning of cinematic production in the region.
1933
1954
First Israeli Film Festival
The first Israeli Film Festival was held in 1954, providing a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work.
1964
First Israeli Film to be Nominated for an Academy Award
"Sallah Shabati," directed by Ephraim Kishon, became the first Israeli film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
1977
Establishment of the Israel Film Fund
The Israel Film Fund was established in 1977 to support the development and production of Israeli cinema.
1986
First Israeli Film to Win an Academy Award
"Beyond the Walls," directed by Uri Barbash, was nominated for an Academy Award, highlighting the international recognition of Israeli cinema.
1990
Inauguration of the Jerusalem Film Festival
The Jerusalem Film Festival was inaugurated in 1990, becoming a significant event for showcasing Israeli and international films.
2001
First Israeli Film to Win at Cannes
"Late Marriage," directed by Dover Kosashvili, won the Critics' Week Award at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a milestone for Israeli cinema.
2004
Israeli Cinema Law Enacted
The Israeli Cinema Law was enacted in 2004 to provide financial support and promote the development of the local film industry.
2007
First Israeli Film to Win Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes
"The Band's Visit," directed by Eran Kolirin, won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.
2009
First Israeli Film to Win at the Berlin Film Festival
"Ajami," directed by Scandar Copti and Yaron Shani, won the Camera d'Or Special Mention at the Berlin Film Festival.
2011
First Israeli Film to Win an Award at the Venice Film Festival
"Footnote," directed by Joseph Cedar, won the Best Screenplay award at the Venice Film Festival.
2012
First Israeli Film to Win an Award at the Toronto International Film Festival
"Fill the Void," directed by Rama Burshtein, won the Best Film award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
2013
First Israeli Film to be Nominated for an Independent Spirit Award
"Bethlehem," directed by Yuval Adler, was nominated for the Best International Film at the Independent Spirit Awards.
2016
"Sand Storm," directed by Elite Zexer, won the Ophir Award for Best Film, Israel's equivalent of the Academy Award.
2019
"The Kindergarten Teacher," directed by Nadav Lapid, won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
2021
First Israeli Film to Win the Audience Award at SXSW
"Here We Are," directed by Nir Bergman, won the Audience Award at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival.
