The Jerusalem International Film Lab was launched in December 2011 by The Sam
Spiegel Film & Television School, Jerusalem to foster the development and production
of full-length feature films by some of the world’s most promising talents. The Jerusalem International Film Lab became the third Film Lab of its kind
in the world, along with the Sundance Institute (USA) and the Torino Film Lab (Italy). Each year, the Jerusalem International Film Lab brings to Jerusalem 12 talented young director-writers who are at the advanced stages of writing their first or second full length feature film. All participants do their writing over a seven-month period, and are invited for two periods of writing and discussion in Jerusalem under the mentorship of three of the world’s top script editors, in addition to online internet contact throughout the entire period of rewriting. The Lab also works to promote the production feasibility of the projects. Six projects of the Lab’s first edition (2011-12) were already shot in Uruguay, Germany, Israel, Ivory Coast and USA. Internationally, the Film Lab reaches out to leading institutes and figures in film education and industry to refer suitable candidates. Simultaneously, the Lab’s scouts identify promising candidates from all around the world who meet the qualifications for acceptance. All candidates have directed at least two short films or a feature that has inspired international attention. The Israeli selection is open to all Israeli film schools’ alumni. The highly competitive selection process for the Lab participants has resulted in its two editions world-class projects with unique and provocative content. All possess that special urgency of films that MUST BE MADE, covering a range of social and political topics and or autobiographical in poignant, character-driven plots. Finalized scripts are presented before the Jerusalem Lab’s panel of international jury members, within the framework of the Jerusalem Film Festival, at the beginning of July, in an annual prestigious pitching event.
