Editor

21st ISRAEL FILM FESTIVAL Presents its top honors The Panavision Audience Choice Award to Daniel Syrkin’s OUT OF SIGHT

The final night of the 21st Israel Film Festival just concluded in NY (from February 23rd – March 9). To top off the celebrated two week event, Israel Film Festival Founder/Executive Director Meir Fenigstein presented Daniel Syrkin’s OUT OF SIGHT the festivals top prize the Panavision Audience Choice Award. The award is valued at $60,000 and consists of a Panavision 35mm Camera Package to be used for the filmmakers next film shot in Israel.

The Israel Film Festival presented more than 40 new feature films, provocative documentaries, ground-breaking TV dramas, and innovative student films celebrating Israeli life and culture. The Israel Film Festival presented over 31 U.S. Premieres and attracted more than 34,000 people (NY&LA) celebrating Israeli films.

“We are very proud to present the Panavision Audience Choice Award to Daniel Syrkin’s outstanding film Out Of Sight. With this prize we hope to provide the opportunity to support future productions of high quality Isreali films and filmmakers.” says Meir Fenigstein (Israel Film Festival Founder/Executive Director)

Other Audience Choice Award winners include:

Audience Choice Award for Best TV Drama:

NOW OR NEVER directed by Eitan Londner



Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary:

39 POUNDS OF LOVE directed by Dani Menkin



Audience Choice Award for Best Student Short Film:

DARK NIGHT directed by Leonid Prudozsky (Tel Aviv Univerity)



The Israel Film Festival began its celebration of Israeli films by presenting its 2006 IFF Visionary Award to acclaimed film and theatre producer Mr. David Brown, and presented its prestigious Cinematic Achievement Award to Haim Bouzaglo for his outstanding creative accomplishments and for bringing international recognition to Israeli films and filmmakers. Along with awarding its very deserving recipients, this year the Israel Film Festival introduced its Jewish Identity Through Israeli Film series. This well-received series featured compelling dramas and documentaries, from television and the cinema, which address faith, religion, social conflict, history and current events.