By Maria Esteves - November 3, 2008

The 23rdIsrael Film Festival (IFF) celebrating Israel's 60th Anniversary presented by IsraFest Foundation is held at the Clearview Cinemas, New York, October 29 - November 13, 2008. The spectacular Opening Night Gala, Awards Ceremony, and U.S. premiere of LOST ISLANDS, directed by Reshef Levy commenced at 7:00 PM at the luxurious Ziegfeld Theatre on Wednesday, October 29, 7:00 PM. Directors, producers, musicians, actors, celebrities, dignitaries, industry professionals, and special guests attended the Opening Night Gala. IFF founder/executive director Meir Fenigstein graciously opened the 23rd Israel Film Festival in New York. The Opening Night reception held at the Flatotel Hotel immediately followed the Opening Night U.S. premiere of LOST ISLANDS.

This year's festival includes 18 premieres, 11 features, 14 documentaries, six shorts; filmmaker's panel discussion, special events, awards ceremonies, and gala receptions.

2008 IFF Opening Night Gala Awards ceremony in New York for outstanding film achievements emceed by legendary entertainer singer/actress Lainie Kazan were presented to the following recipients:

* Outstanding Achievement in Film Award, presented by actor/director/writer Liev Schreiber to producer/director/writer Edward Zwick (Glory, Blood Diamond).

* Lifetime Achievement Award presented by magazine editor/publisher Mort Zuckerman, New York Daily News, U.S. News & World Report, to Academy Award winning producer/director/writer Irwin Winkler (Rocky, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, The Right Stuff).

* Lifetime Visionary Award, actor/producer Michael Kirk Douglas, to actor/producer/director/writer Danny DeVito (Taxi, Get Shorty,
War of the Roses, Erin Brockovich).