Israel on screen

The tax incentives that have helped boost the Irish film industry (and are now in jeopardy) are regarded with some envy by Israeli…

The tax incentives that have helped boost the Irish film industry (and are now in jeopardy) are regarded with some envy by Israeli film-makers. But, despite low budgets and the difficulties of breaking into the international festival circuit, film-makers in Israel are tenacious and prolific, conscious, like so many artists in Israel, of an imperative to tackle their country's religious, political and social dilemmas. From Friday, the Irish Film Centre is presenting Israeli Film Week, screening milestones in the 50-year history of Israeli cinema, as well as significant recent work such as Asher Tlalim's documentary, Don't Touch My Holocaust (1994). This complex work blends filmed theatre, testimony and memory, and employs surreal effects in an attempt to examine the legacy of the Holocaust. Don't expect the feel-good resolution of recent mainstream Holocaust films, including this week's Oscar-nominated La Vita e Bella.

Further information from the IFC: 01-679 3477.