CoPro Israel puts industry events and documentaries at the forefront of the market

Israel’s premier documentary market, CoPro, has unveiled its flagship slate ahead of next month’s event.

Taking place from June 3 to 6 in a hybrid in-person/online format, CoPro Israel will welcome more than 80 representatives from broadcast networks, production companies and sales agents to Tel Aviv for a variety of industry events.

Components of this include Rough-Cut, which will exclusively screen six documentaries in post-production to a hand-picked group of decision-makers and programmers, Pitch Forum, which will showcase ten outstanding projects, and The Impact Lab, which will connect filmmakers with the third sector. , the private sector and policy makers and honor one project with a grant.

Student Film Labs – Fiction and Documentary will present 16 student projects and include a pitching forum to showcase young talent, while the Screening Room catalog will present 6 newly completed films premiering at the 2024 Docaviv International Documentary Film Festival. This year’s selection includes ‘Sapir’ from director Liran Atzmor and producer Orly Topel, which will have its world premiere at Sheffield DocFest next month.

Although most of the 2024 edition will take place online due to the ongoing war, 10 projects will be presented at the forum on June 3.

“In light of these dark and difficult times and the uncertainty of the days ahead, we at CoPro are determined to continue to promote and support Israel’s independent documentary filmmakers and use films as a tool to build a bridge and dialogue to create with audiences around the world. ” says Pnina Halfon Lang, Executive Director of CoPro.

Check out some highlights from the slate below

“Half past six”
Director: Alon Daniel
Produced for KAN11

Daniel uses a combination of animations and personal testimonies to trace how the October 7 Hamas attacks were carried out at eight different locations along the border, highlighting the impact of the atrocities and the resilience of survivors.

“Gorji: an Iranian legend”
Director: Tomer Heymann
Produced for yesDocu

Heymann (“Mr Gaga”) follows the story of the three children of Israeli film director George Ovadiah as they discover his remarkable career as a Jewish filmmaker in Iran before the Islamic Revolution, some thirty years after his death, and his impact on Iranian culture.

“Nougat”
Directors: Benji and Jono Bergmann
Co-produced by Danna Stern for yesDocu

A documentary about Israeli indie pop sensation Noga Erez as she prepares to launch her third album amid personal and geopolitical challenges.

“Awakening: The Struggle for Israel’s Democracy”
Director: Noam Pinchas

Pinchas began his documentary about the national political unrest in Israel – which then took on new meaning after the October 7 war.

“The Woman in White”
Director: Emmanuelle Mayer
Produced by Emmanuelle Mayer and Noam Pinchas for Kan

An investigation into the mysterious Tamar Golan, a self-styled diplomat who entertained world leaders in her Paris salon and changed the face of the Middle East.

‘You can see the same stars as I do’
Director: Eliav Lilti
Produced by Stav Morag Meron

A documentary about the Jewish-Hungarian illustrator Felix Kassovitz, who in 1944 sent his son a postcard with a child looking up at the night sky from one of the brutal labor camps in Ukraine. Kassovitz’s son Peter and grandchild Mathieu participate in the documentary.

“Kfar Aza – 95% heaven”
Director: Karin Kainer
Produced by Ananey Studio for KAN

A documentary about Ori Epstein, the leader of kibbutz Kfar Aza in the aftermath of October 7, where Epstein saw half his family slaughtered by Palestinian terrorists. Amidst all expectations, he sets out to rebuild his house, heritage and kibbutz.

“Calendars of Love”
Director: Ayelet Heller
Produced by Hilla Medalia for yesDocu

A documentary about an older lesbian couple struggling with dementia.

“Gaza syndrome”
Directors: Hila Izhaki and Duby Kroitoru
Produced by Yoav Leshem and Duby Kroitoru for KAN

A three-part docuseries examining the relationship between Israel and Gaza, including the events of October 7.

“Outsider”
Director: Yair Qedar
Produced by Yair Qedar for Kan, ORF, RBB & ARTE

An exploration of Sigmund Freud, including invisible personal archives, new research and animation.

“Necropolis”
Director: Keren Alexander
Produced by Kobi Mizrahi for KAN

A documentary about life and death in Jerusalem as the filmmakers follow the excavation of the city’s largest Jewish ceremony as it expands underground.