Cinematheque Sderot returns to activity after a year of war: “Dozens of our viewers were murdered”

Sderot Cinematheque, the only cinema in the city, returns to operations almost a year after the start of the war, on September 2. “On October 7, dozens of our subscribers were murdered. People who loved cinema and we know them well,” CEO of Cinematek Sderot Bnei Cohen tells ‘Davar’.

Cohen, a resident of Sderot who was born in the city, has in recent years transformed the modest building into a fruitful cultural hall, which puts the city’s residents at the center of the action and also creates connections with the neighboring kibbutzim. “Right now we are making a series about Hapoel Sderot, a soccer team that operated here in the city in the 60s and 70s, and at its peak played in the First League. Along with the residents of the city, many kibbutzim from the surrounding area also played in the team. It was a wonderful time.”

Cohen leads a team of 13 employees, who, despite the war and the fact that the Cinematheque was closed, held activities among the evacuated families. “We had 150 hotels where the residents were. We went through all the places. We brought various lectures and activities, but in the end, what swept the people the most were the movies. Sitting in the dark in front of the big screen, laughing or crying in front of a movie, this is the best and healthy escape that people need in our reality”.

Although the war continues, Cohen decided to return and operate the Cinematheque. “People have fears and concerns, they want to go out and get some fresh air. They keep asking me when we’re going back to work, when we’re opening.”

Open despite the damage from the barrages

The vision of Cohen and the Cinematheque team is of a living and vibrant center that is closer to the population. “We are not on Olympus. Of course the cinema is in the center, but we are an art center and we bring many shows and exhibitions and children’s films, cinema alone is not enough. We want the community to come to lectures and festivals as well, but not only. Now we will also bring a show that tells about Baba Sally and it speaks volumes To our audience and to the general public interested in culture. It’s a mix that works, and the audience comes.”

Since the residents of Sderot returned to the city, about four months ago, the city has been hit by many rocket barrages, including those that hit the Cinematheque, which is currently undergoing renovation. Despite the vulnerability and damage caused to the place, Cohen insists on opening it because of its important role: “You can watch quality movies even when the walls are injured by missile shrapnel.”

But at the Sderot Cinematheque. “Cinema alone is not enough, we want the community to come to the lectures and festivals as well” (Photo: PR Cinematek Sderot)

At the festive opening, to which President Herzog was also invited, the film ‘Where will you go’ will be screened. The film is about two long-time friends from the broadcasters, Giselle Almakais (85) and Rina Akian (84), who were displaced from their homes following the events of October 7, and are trying to cope with the forced changes in their lives, including a move to Tel Aviv. The film describes their daily struggle to integrate into a new environment, different physically and culturally, while maintaining their strong spirit and their friendship.

“I know the two. I also meet them at the pensioners’ club where I volunteer and can say that the film is very faithful to the original,” says Cohen. “They will be at the opening event, as well as the director and many retirees from the city.”

The festive screening will take place on Monday, September 2, at 19:30 at the Sderot Cinematheque.