Read the statement by the festival directors:
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We are proud to present Docaviv Negev in Yeruham. We believe that this is just the first step in a long journey we have ahead.
The Docaviv Negev Festival was founded in response to the overwhelming success of Docaviv International Festival in Tel Aviv and Docaviv Galilee Festival in Maalot-Tarshiha.
Ever since its inception, documentary film has paid close attention to the people and places remote from the main centers. We are now doing everything we can to make sure that these films will not only document these parts of society but will be screened there as well. The three-day festival will include screenings of films from Israel and around the world, as well as meetings with filmmakers, screenings for school students, and special events. The common thread running through the program is the focus on identity in general, and Jewish Middle Eastern identity in particular.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Michael Biton, Head of the Yeruham Local Council, and all the members of the Local Council for engaging with us in a very productive dialogue, which led to the festival and its exciting program.
We would also like to thank the Ministry for the Development of the Negev and the Galilee for the confidence they have shown us in this partnership, which led to the creation of the Docaviv Negev Festival in Yeruham, to Bank HaPoalim, the Jewish National Fund, and the various film foundations that supported this venture. We hope that you enjoy the festival.
We look forward to seeing you in the theaters and screening halls and of course, in the years to come.
Sincerely
Galia Bador, Festival Director
Sinai Abt, Artistic Director
and the entire Docaviv staff