Samorzik ran the Jerusalem Film Festival for 10 editions, from 2014 to 2023.
Jerusalem Film Festival Artistic Director Elad Samorzik has announced his departure from the role later this year after overseeing 10th editions. He will be succeeded by Orr Sigoli, who will assume the position of the festival’s new Artistic Director.
The transition will see Sigoli and Samorzik collaborating on the 41st edition of the festival, scheduled to take place from July 18 to 28, 2024. During this period, Samorzik will continue to work as the Outgoing Artistic Director, ensuring a smooth transition.
Speaking about his tenure, Samorzik said: “After a decade at the festival, I have decided to leave my position and move on to new challenges. It was an incredible honour to serve as Artistic Director of the Jerusalem Film Festival for so many years and work with a team that became such a meaningful part of my life.”
Samorzik added: “I have known Orr Sigoli for many years; he is a true cinephile and I am certain that the festival will benefit greatly from his deep commitment to the art of film.”
Samorzik assumed the role of Artistic Director in late 2013, during a pivotal period for the Jerusalem Cinematheque and Film Festival. Throughout his tenure, which spanned from 2014 to 2023, he worked alongside Executive Director Noa Regev and later alongside Roni Mahadav-Levin, elevating the festival’s local and international standing.
Under Samorzik’s leadership, several new competitions were initiated, industry days were developed, international partnerships were expanded, and the number of films and screenings increased. Notably, the annual number of viewers grew to 70,000, and cash prizes reached 1m NIS ($227,000).
Orr Sigoli brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having graduated from the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School and previously worked as a movie channel programmer for yes-satellite-TV. He is also known for his work as a film critic for various print media outlets and as the co-founder of Srita.net, Israel’s major independent film site.
In addition to his role at the Jerusalem Film Festival, Sigoli has served as the Artistic Director of Holon Cinematheque since 2019 and is a published author, with his second novel set to be released in 2024. His appointment marks a new chapter for the Jerusalem Film Festival as it continues its mission to celebrate and promote the art of cinema.
Jerusalem Cinematheque Board Chairman, Daniel Mimran, and Jerusalem Cinematheque Executive Director and Jerusalem Film Festival Director, Roni Mahadav-Levin, stated: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Elad Samorzik for his artistic leadership over the past decade, a period during which he succeeded, alongside Noa Regev and a devoted staff, to bring the festival to the forefront of Israel’s cultural stage and grant it international standing.”
They added: “We wish incoming Artistic Director Orr Sigoli much success and believe he will continue steering Israel’s leading film festival to reflect the artistic and cultural character of Israeli and international cinema – a particularly difficult role during this time.”
Orr Sigoli commented: “Becoming the Artistic Director of the Jerusalem Film Festival is a dream come true. The festival and the city became a great love of mine during my time as a student in Jerusalem.
“I am a firm believer in the role of cinema in the cultural landscape and am therefore honoured and very much looking forward to being a part of this important and wonderful institution, showcasing the best of world cinema to tens of thousands of viewers every year, as well as the most noteworthy and interesting Israeli and international filmmakers. I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to the Jerusalem Cinematheque and its Board of Directors for its warm reception and trust.”
