We will get a taste of Tel Aviv's much discussed LGBT cultural scene with three short films by some leading independent LGBT filmmakers. Together with the films, two of Tel Aviv's leading LGBT activists, Anat Nir and Shai Doitsh, will discuss  the goals and achievements of the LGBT community, the growth of gay tourism to the city, and the controversies surrounding the charges of "pinkwashing."

Anat Nir is an activist and LGBT social and arts promoter. Shai Doitsh is the chair of The Aguda, Israel's oldest LGBT organization, and a leading advocate for gay tourism. Both Anat and Shai are leaders of Tel Aviv Gay Vibe. (More on Anat and Shai at right.)

Films:
"Gender and Peace" by Yasmine Novak
"Srak" by Michal Vinik
"Deep Red" by Edi Tapero (Event image is from this film)
 
Presented by A Wider Bridge. Cosponsored by Nehirim, Keshet and the Israel Center of the Jewish Community Federation.
 
Films:
Gender and Peace by Yasmine Novak
Deep Red by Edi Tapero
Srak by Michal Vinik
 
Anat Nir has been a social entrepreneur and publicist in Israel's LGBT community for the past 13 years.
Anat initiated the “Lethal Lesbians” film festival; "SHE.J.," a festival promoting women DJs and music producers; and “Sound Sister,” a women’s rock concert. She has been the producer of the Pride Parade in Tel Aviv for the past four years and is Director of the Lesbian Segment in Tel Aviv Gay Vibe, a tourism campaign sponsored by the Tel Aviv Municipality and the Ministry of Tourism. Her firm Over the Rainbow runs the advertising campaign for the Clalit LGBT medical center in Israel.
 
Shai Doitsh is the Chairperson of The Agudah: Israel's National LGBT Task Force, and has served on its Board since 2001.
Shai has led Tel Aviv Gay Vibe since 2005. In addition to this position, Mr. Doitsh works as e-commerce manager in a tourism company and publishes a gay lifestyle magazine in Tel Aviv. Shai is openly gay and married his partner last year in a Reform Jewish wedding ceremony in Tel Aviv.