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We are in the midst of change. We all feel it: in the Baltic countries and in the Middle East, social constructs are shifting under our very feet – the “Arab Spring”, Erdoğan's rule, the ripples still spreading from Yugoslavia's wars, and more.

 

The tension between tradition and modernity, the old and the new, conservatism and freedom, places women on the front lines of these in-depth changes; sometimes through no choice of their own, and sometimes because this struggle can pave their  only path to a better life.

 

The countries chosen for this event have a rich cinematic tradition, developed mostly by men. We are happy to expose these female voices, ever-growing in volume - the women filmmakers who bring us stories about the changes in their countries, with all the challenges and opportunities these changes carry with them. 

 

We, here in Jerusalem, are also familiar with life in a complex, heterogeneous society made up of various national and religious groups, in a dynamic time of change, and so we feel that the Jerusalem Women's Film Festival may afford the best stage for these moving, exciting premieres – look at them, and you’ll see us.