Month: February 2026

Eran Riklis, one of Israel’s most acclaimed filmmakers, visited Wesleyan Center for Jewish Studies. His visit included a film workshop delivered in Hebrew to advanced students and a film introduction followed by discussion with the audience after the screening of Reading Lolita in Tehran as part of the 19^th Annual Ring Family Wesleyan University Israeli Film Festival, 2026.

Riklis’ acclaimed films have played a major part in the Ring Family Wesleyan University Israeli Film Festivals throughout the years, including the “The Syrian Bride” (2006), “The Mission of the Human Resource Manager” (2012), “Zaytoun”(2014), and “Shelter”(2019). “Reading Lolita in Tehran.” which was a Connecticut Premiere at Wesleyan University, is based on the bestselling book by Azar Nafisi. The film saw great success around the world as well becoming one of the audience’s favorites in our film festival.

I am thrilled to present the Nineteenth Annual Ring Family Wesleyan University Israeli Film Festival, 2026. This year the festival will continue to offer the most innovative contemporary Israeli cinema and TV shows (Kugel), featuring three New England Premieres (Halisa, Nandauri, Kugel) and one Connecticut Premiere (Reading Lolita in Tehran). Two Israeli film directors (Sophie Artus, director of Halisa, and Eran Riklis, director of Reading Lolita in Theran) will present their films in person and conduct a Q/A session with the audience in addition to screening a taped interview with another film director (Eti Tsicko, director of Nandauri). The themes of the films are varied and include struggling with motherhood in a multiethnic neighborhood in Haifa, exploring the complicated Polish-Jewish relations, women’s struggle in Tehran and matchmaking and other intrigues within the orthodox community. All screenings are at the Goldsmith Family Cinema in the Jeanine Basinger Center for Film Studies at 301 Washington Terrace, Middletown, CT at 8:00 PM. Admission is free and all are welcome. There is free on-site parking. Video trailers and more information about the films and speakers can be found at the festival’s website.

I hope to greet you and your guests at the movies, Dalit Katz (festival curator).