Three new Israeli films will be screened at the 17th Odessa Film Festival

<span><span><span><span><span><span>The 17th Odessa International Film Festival has announced its "Focus on Israel" program. It features three new feature films by Israeli directors. </span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>This was announced by the Odessa International Film Festival. </span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>The selection features films about family, love, the search for mutual understanding, and human relationships that are tested by time and circumstances.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>"Bella," 2025, Israel, Belgium, dir. Zohar Shahar, Jamal Khalili. In the film </span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>, Yaki unexpectedly learns that the only inheritance he has received is a priceless pigeon. Together with his childhood friend and their wives, he sets off for Jerusalem to attend a pigeon beauty contest. On their journey through Israel and Palestine, they encounter checkpoints, a ruined wedding, a stolen car, and a reconciliation ceremony. This heartwarming comedy was co-created by Israeli and Palestinian directors.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>"Mama," 2025, Israel, Poland, Italy, dir. Or Sinai. </span></span></span></span></span></span> For<span><span><span><span><span><span>fifteen years, Mila worked far from her family, sacrificing her own life for the sake of her future husband and daughter. Returning from the affluent world of her employers to her native Polish village, she realizes that during her years of absence, her loved ones have learned to live without her. This is a story about the price of self-sacrifice, lost time, and the difficult attempts to become part of her own family again.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>"My One and Only," 2025, Israel, dir. David Tauber. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>A few weeks after the birth of her first child, a woman approaches a rabbi’s wife with a strange confession: she is convinced that her husband has been replaced. Despite his familiar appearance and voice, she no longer recognizes the man she once loved. This ensemble drama with elements of mystery explores the nature of love, changes in relationships, and the fear of losing the person closest to you.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

Earlier, the 17th Odessa International Film Festival presented its“Gala Premieres” program. It brought together films that explore, in various ways, historical memory, the experience of war, the power of human relationships, and the desire to shape the future.

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