Screening and discussion |

Outdoor Screening – Seating will be available on the grass as well as in chairs. Warm clothing is recommended.

Admission is free; prior registration is required>

Directors: Tony Copti and Yaniv Berman

Israel, 2025 | 86 minutes | Hebrew and Arabic | Hebrew subtitles

Michel George El-Raheb owns a small book shop and café in the city of Jaffa called Yafa Cafe. Facing mounting challenges in running the shop, he calls upon his nephew, film producer Tony Copti, to partner with him. While looking to buy books for the shop, Tony ends up on an eye-opening journey that forces him and his uncle to become book smugglers. The process brings him to question where Jaffa’s books have disappeared to after the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation, known to Palestinians as the Nakba. “The Smugglers” is an absurd reflection of Israel’s ongoing oppression of Arabic language and Palestinian culture.

The film participated in the Documentary filmmakers’ incubator at the Van Leer Institute.

Following the screening there will be a discussion with the participation of:

Tony Copti and Yaniv Berman, the film’s creators

Moderator: Neta Talmud, Van Leer Jerusalem Institute

If you require accessible entry or a parking permit, please contact us in advance at vanleer@vanleer.org.il.