Ukrainian Director Sergei Loznitsa to Receive Honorary Award at the 2026 Jerusalem Film Festival
Sergei Loznitsa, one of today’s leading Ukrainian filmmakers, will be the guest of honor at the 43rd Jerusalem Film Festival (JFF). The event is scheduled to take place in the Israeli capital from July 9 to 19.
During the festival’s opening ceremony on July 9, the acclaimed director will be presented with a special honorary award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to world cinema. Additionally, Loznitsa is set to preside over the jury for the festival’s Israeli competition section.
This invitation carries particular significance given the director’s personal background and public stance. Loznitsa has longstanding ties to Israel and Jerusalem’s cultural scene; a few years ago, he resided in the city while developing a screenplay and has frequently expressed his deep appreciation for its unique atmosphere. His 2021 documentary “Babi Yar. Context”, which explores one of the darkest chapters of the Holocaust, was widely lauded during its screenings at the JFF and other Israeli venues.
In 2023, Loznitsa joined fellow European filmmakers in signing an open letter supporting the campaign to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The director has been a vocal opponent of cultural boycotts, consistently advocating for art to serve as a platform for dialogue and the preservation of historical memory, even amidst severe geopolitical conflicts.
With a robust portfolio of over 20 documentaries and several narrative features, Loznitsa is a frequent participant and award-winner at the Cannes Film Festival. His notable filmography includes “Maidan”, “State Funeral”, “Donbass”, “The Invasion”, and the critically acclaimed “Two Prosecutors” (2025). His body of work provides a profound exploration of totalitarianism, war, historical trauma, and the human condition.
Loznitsa’s involvement in this year’s Jerusalem Film Festival is poised to be one of the marquee cultural events of the summer, drawing significant attention from the international cinematic community.
