Israeli film stars hit New York for 23rd Israel Film Festival

The 23rd Israel Film Festival opened last week in New York City, bringing the best of the Israeli Film Industry to the big Apple.

"Lost Islands," directed by Reshef Levy, which opened the festival, celebrated its premiere at the opening night Gala on Wednesday.

"Lost Islands," one of Israel's biggest Box Office successes in 2008, tells the autobiographical tale of Levy's family during the 1980s.

At the Gala, longtime actor and filmmaker Danny DeVito was presented with a Lifetime Visionary Award by his friend and collaborator Michael Douglas, who voiced elation at being able to address the festival, which was dedicated to Israel's 60th Anniversary.

Twenty-five Israeli films will be screened in New York over the course of the two-week festival, including filmmaker Avi Nesher's "Secrets", and Amos Kollek's "Restless", giving the people of New York plenty of opportunities to see the best the Israeli film industry has to offer.