On Screen at the Museum

The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem invites you to a series of engaging film evenings, featuring screenings of documentary films on a variety of topics, followed by a lecture, discussion, and conversation with the filmmakers.
Each evening will open with a special guided tour through the museum galleries, inspired by the film of the evening.
Program in Hebrew

“We Hereby Declare”
Screening and talk with director Shmuel Elmalich
Wednesday | April 29 | 19:00 | Included in museum admission
Josh, an American immigrant, takes his family camping on the eve of Israel’s Independence Day.
At 2:00 AM, a group of Israeli teenagers sets up nearby and begins a karaoke party.
Josh’s Zionist dream begins to unravel as he confronts the realities of life in Israel.
In a fascinating conversation, director Shmuel Elmalich will share insights into the creative process behind the film, as well as clips from the series “Kai Vanunu,” which follows a boundary-breaking young Jerusalemite convinced that the only way to bring his father home is to become a television star.
With the help of an unsuccessful agent, a former ultra-Orthodox friend, and a great deal of self-belief (perhaps too much), Kai embarks on a journey toward fame—balancing between humor and emotion.
18:00 – Guided tour: From the Tower of Babel to Jerusalem – from different languages to a shared identity
About the Director:
Shmuel Elmalich is a Jerusalem-based filmmaker, director, and creator. He immigrated to Israel from New York and grew up in Beit Shemesh.
At the age of 21, he served in a digital media unit as a military photographer and director.
He studied acting at the Aspaklaria Theater and completed four years at the Ma’ale School of Film.
Today, he runs a digital production company and works as a full-time director. He also plays the saxophone and is an avid fan of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

“Captive”
Screening and talk with creator Yiska Gur
Wednesday | June 24 | 19:00 | Included in museum admission
Yaakov Gur, the filmmaker’s father, was held captive in Egypt during the Yom Kippur War.
Today, he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of that experience.
The film offers a deeply personal perspective on his daily struggle with the lingering shadows of the past.