Israeli cinema offers rich narratives that explore themes of identity, cultural diversity, and everyday life against the backdrop of a region often in the global spotlight. From heartfelt dramas to nuanced social commentaries, these films can help foster classroom discussions on topics such as history, multiculturalism, religion, and the complexities of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. For libraries, curating Israeli films broadens the international perspectives available to patrons, supporting an understanding of global cultures and current events.
Lost Islands
Lost Islands is a coming-of-age dramedy set in the 1980s that follows the dysfunctional Levi family. When twin brothers vie for the affection of the same girl, their rivalry unearths old family secrets and tests their loyalty to one another. Beneath the film’s nostalgic humor lie deeper themes of familial duty and sacrifice, painting a warm yet realistic portrait of Israeli suburban life.
Why it’s great for classrooms and libraries: Lost Islands offers a break from heavier sociopolitical films while still conveying valuable lessons about relationships, generational gaps, and cultural nuances. It can resonate with high school students studying modern Israeli society, as it juxtaposes universal adolescent challenges against a distinct Israeli backdrop. In libraries, the film’s humorous tone and accessible storytelling make it an appealing choice for family-oriented programming or cultural film series.
Get your copy of Lost Islands on DVD.
The Other
The Other is a documentary project focusing on Israeli and Palestinian peace-builders, anti-occupation activists, and community leaders who have lived against a backdrop of conflict. Filmed over several years, including after October 7th and during the subsequent war, the documentary offers an intimate look at individuals transcending hatred and fear. Among those featured is Ahmed Helou, a Gazan ex-Hamas member turned peace activist who lost 60 family members in Gaza, as well as Maoz Inon, whose parents were murdered on October 7th. The film also spotlights movements such as Standing Together, a Jewish-Arab organization dedicated to promoting peace, equality, and social justice in Israel-Palestine.
Why it’s great for classrooms and libraries: The Other stands out for its timeliness and breadth, challenging viewers to witness an ecosystem of peace-builders who refuse to be defined by conflict. It underscores the complexities and trauma unfolding in the region, providing educators with a comprehensive resource for discussions on coexistence, reconciliation, and grassroots activism. It is also a great option for libraries looking to hold community screenings or panel discussions about October 7th.
Get your copy of The Other on DVD.
The Band’s Visit
The Band’s Visit follows an Egyptian police orchestra stranded in a small Israeli town due to a travel mix-up. The language barrier and cultural divide gradually give way to subtle bonds of friendship. Through gentle humor and empathetic moments, the film highlights the possibility of human connection across national and linguistic boundaries.
Why it’s great for classrooms and libraries: At its core, The Band’s Visit highlights the power of shared humanity to bridge differences. By spending just one night together, the visiting Egyptians and the Israeli locals discover universal themes of love, loneliness, and understanding. For classrooms, this film can serve as a conversation starter about cross-cultural communication, music as a unifying language, and the importance of empathy in overcoming prejudice. For libraries, it provides a lighthearted yet profound addition that appeals to a wide audience, while also illustrating a lesser-seen side of everyday life in the Middle East.
Stream The Band's Visit on Prime Video.
The Checkpoint Women
The Checkpoint Women documents a group of Israeli and Palestinian women reflecting on their life experiences at checkpoints across the West Bank. Through candid interviews and archival footage, the documentary brings to light the everyday realities of control, humiliation, and resilience that define life under occupation - particularly for women who must navigate these barriers for work, family visits, and basic autonomy.
Why it’s great for classrooms and libraries: For libraries, this film is a vital resource on gendered perspectives of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It can spark classroom conversations about civilian hardship, the psychological toll of surveillance, and the nuances of women’s voices in conflict zones. Encouraging empathy and critical thinking, The Checkpoint Women resonates as a powerful call for understanding the human consequences of political boundaries.
Read our full review of The Checkpoint Women here.
Get your copy of The Checkpoint Women on DVD.
The Kindergarten Teacher
In The Kindergarten Teacher, a dedicated educator discovers that a five-year-old student has an extraordinary gift for poetry. Believing that his talent must be nurtured at all costs, she becomes increasingly obsessed with ensuring his genius is recognized. This psychological drama raises questions about artistic integrity, childhood, and the role of educators in shaping young minds.
Why it’s great for classrooms and libraries: A fascinating film for discussions on education, creativity, and ethical boundaries, The Kindergarten Teacher is suitable for high school and college students. Libraries benefit from including this film as it challenges viewers to reflect on the meaning of mentorship, the pressures of artistic achievement, and the fine line between passion and obsession.
Get your copy of The Kindergarten Teacher on DVD.
Waltz with Bashir
Waltz with Bashir is a unique animated documentary that reconstructs the filmmaker’s suppressed memories of his time as an Israeli soldier during the 1982 Lebanon War. The film blends surreal imagery with real-life testimonies, gradually unraveling the psychological trauma of war and the horrors of the Sabra and Shatila massacre.
Why it’s great for classrooms and libraries: This film is essential for libraries and classrooms studying history, memory, and the impact of war on soldiers and civilians alike. Due to its mature themes and intense subject matter, Waltz with Bashir is recommended for high school seniors and college students. Educators can use it to discuss post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), media representations of conflict, and the role of animation in documentary storytelling.
Get your copy of Waltz with Bashir on DVD or stream on Prime Video.
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