The Haifa International Film Festival (est. 1983), held every year during the Sukkot holiday, is Israel's first, largest and most important film festival. Israeli and foreign critics consistently laud the Festival for an exciting, nuanced lineup of films selected among the best recent work done globally. The event is also known for adherence to the values of cultural and religious pluralism and harmony that characterize daily life among Haifa's citizenry. In 2006, the Festival was awarded the Roberto Rossellini Prize in recognition of its "artistic quality and spirit of freedom and coexistence."  

Annually, the Haifa International Film Festival attracts 70,000 paying members of the public, at least 65% from outside Haifa and the north; 250-300 movie industry representatives; and dozens of Israeli and foreign print and broadcast journalists.    All told, 200,000 celebrants converge on the city's beautiful hotel and theater district atop Mount Carmel for indoor screenings and for such outdoor events open to the public as musical performances, cinema by moonlight, and a street fair.

The 23rd HAIFA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is slated for September 27 – October 4, 2007.  During these 8 days, 170 films will enjoy their Israeli debut via 250 screenings in 7 cinemas. Filmmakers will vie for recognition in one national and two international contests. Special events will include the TV Europa Workshop & Conference for the pitching, development and co-production of TV films and dramas; master classes taught by and for actors and directors; and Palestinian Film Day, during which Palestinian filmmakers will screen their work and participate with their Jewish-Israeli counterparts in dialogue, panel discussions and symposia.

Donor funding and/or corporate sponsorship sought for 2007