Esther Krauze
President of the CSUQ
One of the great treasures of the Montreal Israeli Film Festival, organized by the Communauté sépharade unifiée du Québec, is its ability, year after year, to evolve with the times while remaining true to its essence: celebrating the creativity, diversity, and vitality of Israeli cinema.
This 20th edition, which will be held from November 5th to 19th, 2025, is a particularly significant one. After two years marked by so many hardships, we are fortunate to witness the return home of our Israeli brothers and sisters. However, our thoughts and prayers remain with those still held in Gaza, and with the families who await, with hope and sorrow, the return of each deceased to Israel.
In this emotionally charged context, the FCIM takes on a particularly special resonance. More than ever, it is important to encourage and support Israeli culture, a culture that continues to create, express itself, and inspire reflection, even in the midst of adversity.
This year, we are pleased to offer audiences a hybrid format. The FCIM will be accessible online, while rediscovering the warmth of the big screen with three in-person screenings. A wonderful way to reconnect with the conviviality and collective sharing that only a movie theater can provide.
I would like to commend the remarkable work of the FCIM co-chairs, Chantal and Gérard Buzaglo, as well as that of the entire selection committee team and the CSUQ professionals, who have once again created a program of high quality and profound sensitivity.
For more than seven decades, Israeli cinema has continued to evolve, boldly exploring the major themes that permeate society: challenges of identity, memory, the quest for peace, love, and resilience. Free and multifaceted, it continues to carry Israel’s voice loudly on the international stage.
I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the 2025 FCIM jury, once again chaired by Mr. Didier Farra, for its essential contribution in highlighting these works and their creators.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our main sponsor, the Sharon Azrieli Foundation for the Arts, as well as to all our sponsors and partners, whose loyal and generous support makes this wonderful journey possible, year after year.
Thanks to them, the Montreal Israeli Film Festival continues to grow and confirms its place among the city’s must-see cultural events, while also extending its reach far beyond, throughout Quebec.
I wish you all an excellent festival, and may it be a source of emotion, inspiration, and hope for everyone.
Esther Krauze
Eliaz Luf
Consul General of Israel in Montreal
As I begin my first year as Consul General in Montreal, I feel truly privileged to join this remarkable community and to experience my very first Israeli Film Festival with you. There is something special about gathering to watch films that reflect the heart and soul of Israel. These films make us laugh, think, and sometimes even cry together.
What makes this festival unforgettable is not just the films themselves. It is the passion and hard work of everyone behind the scenes. To all the organizers, volunteers, supporters, and film lovers: thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm. You help create a space where stories can be shared and where cultures connect in meaningful ways.
Israeli filmmaker Ronit Elkabetz is often credited with the saying, “Cinema is not only about telling stories, it’s about sharing a heartbeat.” I can already feel that sense of energy and openness here in Montreal. I look forward to many evenings of discovery, inspiration, and friendship together through the power of film.
Eliaz Luf
Chantal and Gérard Buzaglo
Co-Chairs of the Festival
Since the tragic events of October 7, 2023, the year 2025 remains a challenging time for the State of Israel and for the Jewish people in the diaspora.
Last year, we concluded the Festival with the hope of finally seeing the hostages freed. This year, on the eve of Simchat Torah, our prayers have been answered: the miracle has come true.
It is therefore with a heart both comforted and filled with hope that we present to you the 20th edition of the Montreal Israeli Film Festival, organized by the Communauté sépharade unifiée du Québec, from November 5 to 19, 2025.
Over these two weeks, audiences will discover fifteen films, presented both in theatres and online, and pay tribute to the talent, creativity, and diversity of Israeli cinema artists
Among the films featured:
- The Ring, opening film starring Joy Rieger, multiple nominee for the Ophir Award for Best Actress;
- Closing film Bliss, winner of both the Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the Paris Israeli Film Festival;
- Come Closer, recipient of multiple Ophir Awards — Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Editing — and Israel’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars;
- Pink Lady, for which Nir Bergman received the Best Director Award at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival;
- And Cabaret Total, carried by Roy Asaf, remarkable both as director and lead actor.
Also on the program:
- Three powerful documentaries about October 7, including A Letter to David, which tells the story of David Cunio, a Hamas hostage released on October 14, 2025. His heartbreaking story, told by his twin brother, has been praised at festivals around the world.
- A highlight of the Festival will be the screening of the documentary The Shoshani Riddle, directed by Michael Grynszpan and devoted to the mysterious figure of Monsieur Shoshani. Now a true cult film in Israel, it will be followed by an exclusive Q&A session with the director.
Our heartfelt thanks to Benjamin Bitton, Director of the CSUQ, and Sabine Malka, Director of Cultural Activities, for their unwavering support.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to Élie Castiel, Director of Programming, as well as the selection committee members — Georgette Bensimon, Martine Bellaiche, Claire Kramer, Dorith Mizrahi, Rita Sabbah, Beverly Shaffer, and Joelle Weizman — for their exemplary work and passionate commitment.
Our thanks also go to Didier Farré, President of the Jury, and to Éric Hoziel, Lorne Price, Éric Scott, and Beverly Shaffer, Members of the 2025 Jury, for their dedication and diligence in selecting this year’s Lys d’Or winners.
We warmly thank Wei Song, whose graphic creativity and kindness contribute to the promotion of the Festival.
Finally, we extend our warmest thanks to all our sponsors, whose loyal and unwavering support allows the Montreal Israeli Film Festival to continue shining year after year and to showcase the vitality and depth of Israeli cinema.
Chantal and Gérard Buzaglo