The Jerusalem Film Festival is set to take place amidst growing international condemnation over Israel's actions in Gaza, where over 57,000 Palestinian people have died. The festival aims to promote freedom of artistic expression and open dialogue, with a focus on reconciliation and peace. This year's edition will screen around 80 features, including Israeli Competition titles such as Nandauri and The Sea, which tells the story of a Palestinian boy desperate to see the sea for the first time in his life. Festival organizers Mahadav-Levin and Sigoli have thanked international film professionals who support their efforts to use cinema as a bridge between communities.