Richmond film festival doubles down on Israeli films after it was boycotted last year

The Richmond Film Festival, now in its 15th year, is significantly increasing its programming of Israeli films despite renewed boycott efforts from anti-Israel activists. Founder Heather Waters stated that the festival "probably are programming about triple the amount this year" due to a rise in submissions from Israel. The event, running for six days from Tuesday, will screen over 180 premieres, including documentaries like “UNraveling UNRWA” and “TORN: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on NYC Streets,” alongside various Israeli narrative films. While also featuring Palestinian and joint Israeli-Palestinian submissions, Waters noted, "I’m on high alert" regarding ongoing attempts to pressure venue sponsors. The festival will also present a "legacy award" to Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and premiere a documentary about his life.