The 42nd Jerusalem Film Festival commenced on July 17, 2025, at the Sultan’s Pool amphitheater, featuring the Norwegian drama "Sentimental Value" directed by Joachim Trier. The opening ceremony honored Israeli actress Gal Gadot and American producer Lawrence Bender for their significant contributions to international cinema.
Gadot received two awards: one from the Jerusalem Film Festival for her impact on global cinema and another from Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, recognizing her support for Israel. She expressed her pride in her heritage and her desire to contribute to Israeli cinema, stating, "I can't wait to make an Israeli film — send me scripts!"
Bender, known for his collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino, was also honored. He discussed his upcoming project, "Red Alert," a five-part Israeli drama inspired by the October 7 Hamas attacks, aiming to depict the experiences of ordinary people during the crisis.
Festival director Roni Mahadev-Levin emphasized the importance of the event amid ongoing conflicts, stating, "We believe in the power of cinema — to offer moments of hope, comfort, and inspiration." The festival runs until July 26, showcasing over 200 films from 50 countries, including award-winning titles from Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and Sundance, underscoring its role as a platform for global cinematic dialogue.