Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of Jerusalem’s creative culture, in Canada. Join us at TJFF and witness the stories that continue to shape the world.
For over 60 years, the Jerusalem Foundation of Canada (JFC) has been a proud supporter of creative culture in Jerusalem, standing as the largest supporter after the municipality itself. Among the many cultural institutions it has nurtured is the Sam Spiegel Film & Television School, founded in 1989 as a joint venture between the Ministry of Education & Culture and the JFC. This year, at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival (TJFF), two extraordinary Jerusalemite filmmakers of different generations will take the spotlight, thanks to the JFC’s ongoing support.
Renen Schorr: visionary founder of the Sam Spiegel Film School (virtual cinema: June 10-12)
One of the featured creators is the late Renen Schorr Heller, the visionary founder and longtime director of the Sam Spiegel Film School. His impactful work, Wake Up, Grandson, is part of the TJFF’s “virtual cinema.” This film explores a deeply personal and ideological rift through a 25-year exchange of letters between Renen and his devout grandfather, Rabbi Avraham Heller, a hero of the 1948 Battle of Safed. As Renen pursues his passion for filmmaking, his grandfather urges him to abandon the arts and carry forward the family’s rabbinical tradition. This poignant exploration of generational conflict will be accessible online, allowing audiences to experience it at their convenience. For more information and tickets, visit the film on the TJFF website.
Photo of Ronen Schorr in 2019 at TJFF:
Acclaimed Jerusalemite director Dani Rosenberg at TJFF (June 12 and June 14)
In addition to celebrating the legacy of Renen Schorr Heller, the JFC is proudly sponsoring the appearance of acclaimed Jerusalemite director Dani Rosenberg at TJFF. Rosenberg, known for his powerful storytelling, will present Of Dogs and Men, an Official Selection of the 2024 Venice Film Festival. This film, set in the aftermath of the October 7th attack, follows Dar, a teenager returning to her Kibbutz in search of her lost dog. Audiences can attend the screening on June 12, followed by a Q&A session with Rosenberg himself. Secure your tickets here.
Rosenberg will also join a distinguished panel on June 14 to discuss the impact of the October 7th events and the ongoing war on Israeli storytelling in cinema. The panel will feature other renowned filmmakers, including Danae Elon and Yotam Shazar, with Professor Ron Levi of the Munk School moderating. This free event promises to offer valuable insights into the role of film in capturing complex realities. Reserve your spot here.