A Cinematic Journey: Eran Riklis Retrospective at SERET UK 2026

We are thrilled to welcome acclaimed Israeli director Eran Riklis to SERET 2026 for a special retrospective celebrating his extraordinary body of work.

A Career Defined by Humanity

As one of Israel’s most internationally recognized filmmakers, Riklis has built a career spanning over three decades, with his films gracing screens and earning accolades at major festivals worldwide. Renowned for his deeply humanistic approach, Riklis consistently explores life within politically complex environments, masterfully focusing on intimate, personal narratives that transcend borders, cultures, and identities.

"Riklis possesses a unique ability to tell nuanced, deeply human stories with warmth and subtle humor, even against the backdrop of profound conflict."

Featured Highlights: From 'Reading Lolita' to the Classics

At the heart of this retrospective is his latest feature, Reading Lolita in Tehran (2024). It is a powerful, stirring story of an Iranian professor who secretly gathers her students to read banned Western literature—creating a daring space of freedom and resistance in an otherwise restrictive society.

Alongside this latest masterpiece, we invite you to revisit three of his standout earlier films:

 Cup Final (1991): A poignant reflection on the human connections formed amidst the chaos of conflict.

 The Syrian Bride (2004): A rich, emotive portrait of family and division.

 Lemon Tree (2

008): A subtle yet razor-sharp look at the complexities of life in the region.

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These films remain as resonant today as when they were first released. They showcase Riklis’s rare gift for finding the heartbeat of a story, blending grit with grace and heartbreak with humor.

We are honored to host Eran Riklis in person throughout the festival. This is a rare opportunity for our audiences to engage directly with a visionary filmmaker whose work continues to echo far beyond our region, speaking to the universal human experience.