Find Your Way Into Israeli Cinema - In English

A practical film program for English-speaking creators in Israel who want to make films, build a portfolio, and connect with the local industry - without waiting until their Hebrew is perfect.

I Want to Join the Open Day!

Next Open Day on Zoom: July 6, 20:30
The best way to understand if Ha’Aruga is right for you is to join the Open Day.

Maybe you didn’t move to Israel to put your creative life on hold.

You may have studied film, theatre, writing, acting, photography or another creative field before.

But in Israel, it can feel harder.

The language is different. The industry feels closed. And even when you have something to say, it’s not always clear where to begin.

Ha’Aruga was created for English-speaking creators who want a serious, practical way to start making films here - and stop putting their creative life on hold.

What We Offer

A way into the Israeli film world

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Ha’Aruga gives English-speaking creators a practical way to understand, enter and connect with the Israeli film scene - through hands-on work, active industry teachers, and a small creative group.

A practical portfolio, not just theory

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You won’t only study film - you’ll make it: Through writing, shooting, directing, editing and collaborating, you’ll complete two short films and develop one screenplay. real creative work you can show, share and build on.

Find the People You’ll Create With

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Film is built through people.
At Ha’Aruga, you work in a small group, support each other’s productions, and build creative relationships that can continue long after the program ends.

Film Studies That Fit Real Life

The program is intensive, but built for adults with real lives. Classes take place twice a week, Sundays and Wednesdays, from 9:00 to 15:00, in Tel Aviv, in English. The next cohort begins in 2026.

A Small Group, Because Film Needs Attention

Ha’Aruga is intentionally small.

You won’t disappear in a large classroom. You’ll be seen, guided and supported by your teachers and by the people creating alongside you.

In a small cohort, classmates can become collaborators - the people who read your drafts, help on set, and understand what you’re trying to make.

Learn From People Who Make Films for a Living

Our teachers are working filmmakers, editors, cinematographers and screenwriters - people who know the creative process, the set, and the industry from the inside.

Daniella Nowitz

Two-time Emmy winner and the first woman to win Israel’s Ophir Award for cinematography.

Benjamin Freidenberg

Director and screenwriter whose films have screened at MoMA and Locarno Film Festival.

Nohar Avigail Haseen

Ophir Award-winning editor, known for her work across television, documentary and fiction.

Zvi Landsman

Cinematographer and filmmaker whose work has screened at major international festivals including Berlin and Tribeca.

Student Work That Travels Beyond the Classroom

Ha’Aruga student films have screened at festivals in Israel and internationally, including Haifa International Film Festival, TLV FEST, Warsaw Film Festival and more.

We’re proud of these achievements - but the real point is simpler:

Students don’t only study film here.
They make films.