Netanya’s new Dialogue cinema club opens with Whale Rider
Netanya's Russian-speaking Dialogue cinema club launches November 26 with Whale Rider, a welcome gathering and post-screening discussion.
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A new cinema club for Russian-speaking residents of Netanya, Dialogue, will hold its inaugural event on Thursday, November 26, 2026, at the Dortmund venue of the city’s cultural centre. The opening programme includes a screening of the New Zealand drama Whale Rider, directed by Niki Caro, followed by an audience discussion.
Organisers describe Dialogue as a monthly opportunity to watch thought-provoking films in an intimate setting, meet other film enthusiasts and exchange views on the stories and questions raised on screen.
Released in 2002, Whale Rider follows Pai, a 12-year-old Māori girl living in a coastal community in New Zealand. Under the community’s traditions, leadership passes to a male heir. Pai believes she can lead, but her grandfather Koro, who is devoted to preserving tradition, struggles to accept her ambition. The film explores family expectations, identity, generational tensions and the balance between cultural heritage and change.
Keisha Castle-Hughes plays Pai. The film won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival and received recognition at other international festivals.
Guests are invited to gather at 7:00 p.m. for conversation and light refreshments. The screening begins at 7:30 p.m. The film will be shown in English with Russian subtitles, and an open discussion will follow. Check the official ticketing page for current prices and availability.
Official event listing: Smarticket / היכל התרבות נתניה. About the film: New Zealand Film Commission.
Based on public city information. Check current opening hours and visiting conditions with the venue.
Smarticket / היכל התרבות נתניה · Read the original