By Maria Esteves - November 18, 2008

The 23rd Israel Film Festival (IFF) in New York Closing Night Awards presented by Panavision and the IsraFest Foundation, acknowledging the best in filmmaking and emerging directors and producers of Israeli descent, was held at the Clearview Cinemas, Thursday, November 13, 7:30 PM. The awards were announced by founder/executive director Meir Fenigstein and Peter Brogna of PANAVISION.  2008 IFF Closing Night premiere sold out screening of THE SECRETS, directed by Avi Nesher immediately followed the award announcements.

Since 1982, IFF founded by Meir Fenigstein of the IsraFest Foundation, Inc., annually showcase the largest Israeli film festival by talented filmmakers in the United States. The festival is an opportunity to experience Israel through the world of cinema.  IFF members are founder/executive director Meir Fenigstein; 2008 Festival Co-chairs Arnon Milchan and  Amy Pascal; Honorary Co-chairs Peter Chernin, Michael Fuchs, Arthur Hiller, Yair Landau, Sherry Lansing, David Matalon,
Mike Medavoy, Ron Meyer, Sumner Redstone, Joe Roth, Terry Semel, Steven Spielberg, and Ted Turner.

2008 IFF presented by The IsraFest Foundation, Inc., proud sponsors are NUIMAGE, Millennium Films, The Family Foundation, Time Warner Cable, Clear Channel, 94.7 KTWV-FM The Wave, Israel Film Fund, Government of Israel, The Jewish Federation, Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles and New York, Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson, The Ant Farm, Israel Ministry of Tourism, EL AL Airlines, VARIETY, Strictly the Finest (Beverly Hills, Palm Beach), Israel Lottery Council, New York Post, Carmel Car & Limousine, The Hollywood Reporter, PANAVISION, Security Couriers, Inc, Modern Video Film, Regency, Maurice Marciano Family Foundation, Guess? Foundation, Mika Drimer, The Schechter Foundation, Caesarea Development Corp., TAL TK7, Aya Azrielant, AMERICA The Jewish Israeli Magazine, International Creative Management, Alcon Management, Bank Leumi USA, Drissi Advertising, Sparitual, Zohar Loshitzer, HBO, FIJI Water, The Collateral Lender, Inc., Beverly Hills Design & Life, Paramount Vantage, 1260/540 KGIL- AM News/Talk, The Jewish Journal, Laemmle Theatres, Bleiberg Entertainment, Israeli Global 1, Media Arsenal, Park Avenue Funding, Israeli Independence Day Festival, American Apparel, Residence Inn, AMS/PACIFIC Limousine & Transportation, Bnai Zion Foundation, AJC, Moshe & Laura Aflato Family Foundation, Budget, Skyview Wine & Spirits, Renaissance, Sam & Shanit Schwartz, Inbal Jerusalem Hotel, Blazer Medina Group, FORWARD Jewish News, Robert and Beverly Cohen Four Seasons Hotel, Long Island Jewish World, LA Weekly, Shavua Israeli Weekly Magazine, and Factor's Famous Deli.  

This year's festival celebrating Israel's 60th Anniversary was the most successful in the history of IFF in New York with more than 26 sold-out screenings. The festival included 16 premieres, 11 features, 14 documentaries, and 6 student shorts; filmmaker's panel discussion, special
events, awards ceremony, and the opening night gala honoring 2008 IFF winners producer/director/writer Edward Zwick, Outstanding Achievement in Film Award; director/producer/writer Irwin Winkler, IFF Lifetime Achievement Award; and actor/director/producer/writer Danny DeVito, Lifetime Visionary Award.

A combination of film software and camera packages were announced to the following winners:

* PANAVISION Audience Choice Award (Los Angeles and New York), presented by Peter Brogna of PANAVISION, to Avi Nesher for THE SECRETS

* Best Documentary Award Ran Tal for CHILDREN OF THE SUN

* Best Student Short Award Lior Geller for ROADS

2008 IFF Closing Night Panavision Awards:
founder/executive director Meir Fenigstein,
(right), with PANAVISION Audience Choice
Award presenter Peter Brogna.

2008 IFF Closing Night Panavision Awards:
founder/executive director Meir Fenigstein.

 

2008 IFF Closing Night Panavision Awards:
founder/executive director Meir Fenigstein,
(left), with PANAVISION Audience Choice
Award presenter Peter Brogna.