Filmmaking in the Triangle Region

Driven by the proposition that the arts in general, and film in particular, are a powerful tool for exposing the public to pressing challenges confronting Israeli society, and mobilizing them to seek solutions, the NFCT initiates and runs mentorship and development labs, geared towards empowering and nurturing filmmakers from diverse backgrounds around Israel and assisting them in creating excellent films that have the potential to inspire social change and to educate. Based on our extensive experience, and in light of a substantially smaller number of active Arab-Palestinian filmmakers within the Israeli film industry, the NFCT established a new program in 2022, which aims to nurture and empower filmmakers from the Arab society in Israel. The program started as a result of the NFCT's support of the RA (Look! In Arabic) – Alternative Cinematic Gaze Filmmakers' Forum in Taibeh, artistically directed by actor and filmmaker Jalal Masarwa and produced by producer and filmmaker Rosalyn Agbaria. The two have been a real driving force, promoting their collaboration with the NFCT and encouraging young Arab-Palestinian filmmakers to pursue their film projects and raise funds from local film funds and other organiztions. The program now includes two parallel tracks: * The RA Forum activities - a vibrant filmmakers' forum that meets regularly, shoots films together and works on film projects as a group, assisting Arab filmmakers, who are not Forum members as well; * An annual call for applications for a development and production lab for short narrative films. Each year, we select 6 filmmakers, who receive guidance and mentorship with their film scripts (in group and one-on-one sessions). At the end of the development process, 1-3 filmmakers receive a full production grant and continued guidance and artistic support until they complete their films. To date, 8 filmmakers have received funding for their short films. Through this program we aim to identify new talents and give voice to Arab-Palestinian filmmakers and allow them to reach large audiences; promote the creation of Arabic-speaking films; bring Arab filmmakers from across the country closer to the center of the industry; promote collaborations between Arab and Jewish filmmakers; expose to the general public to issues relating to the Arab society in Israel, from their authentic points of view; increase tolerance, eradicate racism and support powerful films, which will be seen by many. The program is made possible with the support of Yad Hanadiv, Mifal Hapayis, The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the Albi Film and Television Fund.