Lia van Leer

Lia van Leer, born on August eighth, nineteen twenty-four, was a transformative figure in the realm of film in Israel. Her passion for cinema and dedication to the art of film programming led her to become a pioneer in film archiving, significantly shaping the cultural landscape of the country.

As the founder of several key institutions, including the Haifa Cinematheque and the Jerusalem Cinematheque, Lia played a crucial role in promoting film as an art form. Her vision extended to the establishment of the Israel Film Archive, which has preserved countless cinematic treasures for future generations.

In addition to her work with these institutions, Lia was instrumental in launching the Jerusalem Film Festival, an event that has become a cornerstone of the Israeli film scene. Through her efforts, she not only enriched the local film community but also fostered a greater appreciation for international cinema.