“In my own and in the name of educators of 9th graders at “Hugim” Municipal School I wish to thank you for the active session you provided us at the Cinematheque. As a target population for the special art of the cinema, we were exposed to basic the concepts of the cinematic language and their contribution to understanding it. The activity was conducted in an interesting, flowing and professional manner, engaging students in practical experience and through their reactions to the segments screened. You managed to stimulate our curiosity about the magic of the cinema on the one hand and caused satisfaction from the experience in which students took part in casting decisions on the other hand. Your pleasant personality and your ability to involve the young public created a good, qualitative atmosphere among all of us.” (Batya Hayim, 9th graders coordinator at “Hugim” school).

“The Magic of the Cinema” is the way you advertise your meeting. It was fascinating, and you know why? Because you were interesting and most of all, surprising. We see many films on television and in the movies but this is different. This time, through you we were able to get acquainted with the cinematic language its creators. You talked to us on eye level, without wasting words. To illustrate your intentions, you showed us films you made. Planning the meeting and controlling every stage made it rhythmical and surprising. The standard of your films is very high. Through them we were able to get to know about details like filming techniques, means, camera and editing tricks. Since there is a Theatre, Music and Plastic Arts Department in our school, our expectations were high, we wanted the best. We chose you and we profited. We thank you for that”. (Asher Berkov, Director, Afula School for Arts and Sciences, Ornit Kalimi, Students’ Council Chair, Itzik Hadar, Social Coordinator)

“The lecture was conducted with much contact with the audience, involving them in the topic. Introducing samples and jokes from the audience added interest. It’s an interesting, fascinating lecture (Moti Bar David, Coordinator, “Eyal” tribe, Lod).

“…Amir Har-Gil visited our base and presented us with a wonderful night about “cinema”. He gave us brief explanations about his short films, about starting to direct films. Made us privy to behind the scenes secrets… Fascinating , flowing with good humor, taste and joy. For over two hours we were riveted to his lively stories, which in itself is no small matter. Amir turned out to be a charming man with much to contribute to soldiers and others. He adjusts to his audience and captivates everyone with the grace of his words, the drama of his stories. A real treasure! (Sigal, non-commissioned education officer, YBA 509)

“…the young cinema meeting guided by Amir Har-Gil for 100 technician apprentices was most enjoyable; the apprentices cooperated and reacted to the films shown, echoes were very positive. Recommended!” (Air Force Pilot School, 21 Dept. of Education)

“Amir Har-Gil held a cinema meeting for maintenance department apprentices. Amir came to us for the third time and as usual, reactions to the meeting were wonderful. The evening is relevant, the films are good and Amir’s guidance is both serious and enjoyable.” (Second Lieutenant Einat Vishinsky, Education Office, Air Force).

“I wish to thank you for your interesting lecture accompanied by short films chosen with taste and reflecting a wide variety of styles. I feel obliged to mention the positive reactions I received after the lecture.” (Yossi B., Cultural Coordinator, Kibbutz Hatzerim)

“Compared to other cinema days, this cinema day was excellent and fascinating. The rhythm of the lecture was very good, the film segments screened were most relevant. In short, a great cinema day and a great discussion leader.” (Liora Rodan, Education Project Manager, Tel Aviv Cinematheque)

“…I have to note that everyone enjoyed the evening, despite the colorful audience composed of a variety of ages from 8th to 12th grade students and children from different populations and backgrounds, from entirely secular children to religious ones. This is the most important achievement. The reactions I received were all enthusiastic… The children were most interested and had a lot of questions. Highly recommended.” (Eilat, Oded Group, Lev Hasharon)

“Amir Har-Gil presented various suitable scenes for adolescents, like: the adolescent diary and the film in which twelve-year-old children keep holding on, all this with the students’ active participation. Amir stopped the screening whenever the protagonist encountered a certain problem and asked the students to turn the hall into a kind of law court of attorneys and prosecutors. They expressed their views about the dilemma presented. Subsequently the students turned into a jury and each pointed out the possibility they chose. The possibility that received most votes was considered the optimal one. At the end of the debate, the students went on watching the film that presented the protagonists’ choice and of course the price of that choice. The students were enabled to exercise various situations. Through the protagonists they learned about gains versus losses. Filming from various angles enabled them to identify with the character; furthermore, films are a kind of preparation for life and coping with similar future situations. The students were fascinated and very enthusiastic. They wanted to know about the protagonists and their choices…” (Semadar Noy and Yifat Gilboa).

“Thank you for the film sessions about “Adolescents’ conflicts” you held at our school. The dilemmas presented to the students were fascinating, thought provoking and suited their age. The way you managed the meeting, first telling the story then screening the film up to the dilemma, subsequently holding a discussion after which you screened the cinematic solution was appropriate and interesting. Many students turned to me asking to see the films…” (Shoham Smith)