The Israel Film Festival celebrates its 24th year as the largest showcase of Israeli cinema in the United States. Continuing through June 18, it features more than 30 films, documentaries and TV dramas, offering filmgoers the rare chance to see movies — in their U.S. and West Coast premieres — such as Lost Islands (June 13, 14, 17 and 18), Israel's highest-grossing and most honored film last year. The festival hosts an encore presentation of the Academy Award–nominated Waltz With Bashir (June 15), as well as Legend in the Dunes (June 16), in honor of the centennial celebrations of the founding of Tel Aviv. From filmmaker Yaakov Gross, Legend showcases the 40 dramatic years which have defined the once-small neighborhood that grew into one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. Also at Laemmle Fallbrook 7, 6731 Fallbrook Ave., West Hills. www.israelfilmfestival.com.

June 12-18, 2009

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