Opening Night 21st Israeli Film Festival February 23, 2006 Director’s Guild of America Theatre Written and Photographed by Wendy R. Williams
	David Brown

The 21st Israeli Film Festival opened with a lovely party featuring delectable Israeli hors d'oeuvres and honoring legendary producer David Brown and the directors and actors of this year’s feature films. Brown attended with his wife, Helen Gurley Brown, the Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan’s International Editions. Also in attendance was another sexual trailblazer, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, and also the Israeli Ambassador, Arye Mekel.

Michelle Moretta of Springer Associates and Dr. Ruth Westheimer

During the opening night ceremonies, Dr. Richard Brown from NYU (the professor of the popular course Movies 101) presented David Brown, with the 2006 IFF Visionary Award and Israeli Filmmaker Haim Bouzaglo with the IFF’s Cinematic Achievement Award. Also honored in his remarks was Meir Fenigstein, founder & director of The Israel Film Festival.

Here is a quote about the honorees from the Festival’s press release:

”David Brown has been associated with some of the most memorable films of recent times including The Sting, Jaws, The Verdict, Driving Miss Daisy, The Player, A Few Good Men and Chocolat. He has produced such Broadway plays as Tru, A Few Good Men and Sweet Smell of Success. His awards include four Best Picture nominations by the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Academy’s prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Award with producing partner Richard D. Zanuck.

Director Haim Bouzaglo and friend

This year’s (Cinematic Achievement Award) honoree, Haim Bouzaglo has two films featured in the 21st IFF – Janem, Janem and Distortion. Bouzaglo is a Screenwriter, Director and Producer. Born in Jerusalem in 1952, he studied literature and theatre at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His multiple award-winning films include Scar, Times For Cherries, The Summer Of Avia and Fictitious Marriage. Among his television work, he served as writer and director for the acclaimed series’ “Criminal Reports,” “Shalvah” and “Zinzana.””

Helen Gurley Brown, David Brown and Meir Fenigstein

The opening night movie was the US Premiere of Out of Sight. The Festival itself runs from February 23rd – March 9, 2006 at the at Clearview’s 62nd & Broadway Cinema and will feature over forty feature films plus documentaries and short films. See http://www.israelfilmfestival.com for schedule. General Admission: $10.00; Festival Pass: $40.00 (Good for 5 Films. Must be exchanged at Box Office 30 minutes prior to screening); Seniors, Students & Children: $7.00 (62 and older, under 11); Weekday Matinees: $7.00 (shows before 6:00pm); Gala And Centerpiece Tickets: $125.00 Must be purchased in advance. Call: 1.877.966.5566. For Advance Tickets, Info or Group Sales Call: 1-866-977-7389. Advance Tickets Also Available At Theater Box Office Starting February 16. For Further Info Call 1.877.966.5566. For Tickets online go to www.israelfilmfestival.com.