The vibrant city of Accra recently hosted the Israel Film Festival, an exciting event that brought together cinema enthusiasts, students, diplomats, and filmmakers to celebrate Israeli storytelling and foster cross-cultural exchange.
Organized by the Embassy of Israel in Ghana, the festival aimed to promote dialogue and collaboration between Ghana and Israel through the medium of film.
The event showcased a curated selection of contemporary Israeli films alongside short films created by talented film students from UniMAC – IFT. This creative blend provided a unique platform for collaborative storytelling and cultural fusion, highlighting the artistic voices of both nations.
Screenings were held at Silverbird Cinemas, attracting diverse audiences who engaged deeply with a variety of stories from drama and documentary to comedy and social commentary.
Featured films included God’s Neighbor, Walk on Water, Noodle, Then She Arrived, and The Wedding Plan. “This festival aims to revive the rich tradition of cultural exchange by showcasing Israeli culture, social diversity, and everyday life to the Ghanaian people,” said Mrs. Nitza Gilad, Cultural Attaché at the Israeli Embassy. “It’s more than just cinema it’s about building bridges between Israel and Ghana through culture and creativity.”
Each film presented explored universal themes such as resilience, identity, innovation, and family, resonating deeply with Ghanaian audiences. Post-screening, discussions sessions provided a platform for open dialogue between filmmakers, cultural experts, and the public.
Ghanaian film student Ama Owusu described the festival as “eye-opening,” adding, “I was inspired by how Israeli filmmakers tell complex stories in such a human and honest way. It’s something I want to incorporate into my own work.”
Matthew Narh Tettey, a writer, shared his emotional response to the film *The Wedding Plan*: “I was filled with emotion and shock while watching the movie because we all must believe. I just need to have faith—just like the storyteller.”
The event also served as a platform for diplomatic and cultural collaboration, reinforcing the growing relationship between Israel and Ghana. Guests included representatives from the diplomatic corps, local filmmakers, educators, and members of the creative industry.
Now in its fifth year, the Israel Film Festival in Accra continues to grow in impact and attendance. Organizers hope to expand the festival in the coming years, including more films, hands-on workshops, and opportunities for Ghanaian creatives to collaborate internationally.
“Film serves as a mirror of society,” remarked a Ghanaian filmmaker in attendance. “When we share our stories, we begin to understand one another in new and powerful ways.”
“In a world often divided by politics and conflict, the arts have the power to build bridges, foster empathy, and highlight our shared humanity,” concluded Mrs. Gilad. “The films reflect today’s Israel: vibrant, opinionated, and innovative.”
The festival concluded on a high note, celebrating cultural unity with music, food, and an open invitation to continue the dialogue beyond the screen.
Source: www.KumasiMail.Com/Hoenyefia Noah Nash
