Can you imagine what would be revealed on your computer screen if you asked it to merge between London, the capital of Western culture, and Oran, an Algerian port town on the Mediterranean coast? The technology to create such a merger exists but would it be possible to combine such intellectual and cultural wealth into a single entity?

Two fascinating personalities developed in each of these places, Rabbi Lord Professor Jonathan Henry Sacks (1948-2020) chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, and Rabbi Judah Leon Ashkenazi ( 'Manitou' ) (1922-1996) the creative and daring educator. Both of these great men helped path the way for a new, innovative Jewish dialogue, they deviated from the mainstream Israeli rabbinical discourse and translated the Jewish values into a universal message.

The festival is a fusion of worlds. Its creators, sons of families who came to Israel from France and Britain, met in Jerusalem, and the idea was formed in its streets.

Over the past number of years, we have witnessed the birth of a lively, but still under-developed, cinematographic scene that has begun to explore man's existential questions in his search for the sublime.

Artists from many different parts of society are working in this area. They are looking for a place to explore and develop their ideas. The 'Ratzo' Film Festival is a cross cultural meeting place offering a space for these artists to bring their ideas and be part of creating a constructive conversation bridging the gap between the artists and cultivating the foundation for cross cultural co-existence.