For two weeks each summer, the city of Jerusalem takes a break of its complex daily reality to be transported into the magic of cinema during the Jerusalem International Film Festival.

The Jerusalem Cinematheque, the heart and soul of the ten-day festival, is situated on the slopes of a valley beneath the Old City walls, within earshot of the muezzin, the Muslim call to prayer, church bells and the intonations of Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall. This unique fusion of sounds and images is reflected in the eclectic selection of films screened during the festival and in the diversity of guests it attracts.

This year the festival organizers invited Peruvian director Francisco Lombardi to present his film, “Mariposa Negra”, at the 24th edition of the event, to take place from July 5 to 14.

For the duration of the festival, Jerusalem is transformed into an island of cultural discourse as visitors from all over the world celebrate the best of international film. In addition to screening over two hundred films in five central venues around the city, the festival also hosts live musical events, dance performances, discussions, workshops, al fresco receptions and gala dinners.