Dana Blankstein Cohen

Dana Blankstein Cohen (Hebrew: דנה בלנקשטין כהן; born 1981) is an Israeli film director, producer and executive, currently serving as the CEO and executive director of the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School[1] in Jerusalem since November 2019. Under her leadership, the school has expanded its international collaborations, launched new academic programs, and significantly enhanced its role in fostering diverse and inclusive filmmaking talent. She is a member of the European Film Academy.[2]

Early life and education

Blankstein Cohen was born in Switzerland to theater director Dedi Baron and Dr. Alexander Blankstein. She pursued studies in film and cinema in the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School. During her studies Blankstein Cohen directed two shorts, one of which, Camping, took part in the 2007[3] Berlinale.

Career

Blankstein Cohen has held key positions in film and television productions, focusing on industry endeavors, creative development, and film education.

The Israeli Academy of Film and TelevisionI

Before joining the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, Blankstein Cohen was the CEO of The Israel Film and Television Academy[4] (2016–2019) and founding director of the film and television department at the Kfar Saba municipality (2014–2016).

Executive director and CEO of Sam Spiegel Film & Television School

In 2019, Blankstein Cohen was appointed CEO and executive director of the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, Israel's leading film school. Under her leadership, the school has undertaken several groundbreaking initiatives:

Best global film school recognition: Under Blankstein Cohen’s leadership, the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School was recognized among the leading film schools in the world, on The Hollywood Reporter’s list for seven years in a row.[5]

During her tenure, Blankstein Cohen has expanded the school's international presence through the continued development of the International Labs: She oversaw the ten-year celebrations of the International Film Lab, which supports emerging filmmakers from around the world. Established in 2011, the Lab has gained international acclaim for developing debut feature films that premiere at leading film festivals, including Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, and Berlin International Film Festival. In 2015, the Hungarian film Son of Saul,[6] developed at the Lab, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.

Series Lab: Blankstein Cohen launched an advanced Series Lab., which supports emerging screenwriters in crafting high-quality television content. The program aimed at Israeli creatives, provides mentorship from leading industry figures and financial support for selected projects.

Study Program for Arabic-Speaking Students and shared-life values: Blankstein Cohen initiated the development of a preparatory program for Palestinian and Arabic-speaking students, aimed at providing professional training in film and television post-production and making film education accessible for underrepresented communities.

In 2020 Blankstein Cohen spearheaded the signing of an agreement with the[7] Abu Dhabi Film Commission.[8] As part of the Abraham Accords, the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, along with the Israel Film Fund, were signatories to an agreement fostering cooperation and dialogue.

School relocation - in 2022, Blankstein Cohen oversaw the move from the school’s historic Talpiot location to the Jerusalem Arts Campus in central Jerusalem. The new facility,[9] a joint initiative of the Jerusalem Municipality and the UJA Federation of New York City, is a seven-story state-of-the-art building featuring three cinemas that function as classrooms during the day and public venues in the evening, including Cinema by Sam Spiegel which is a student-run venture.

Community involvement

Blankstein Cohen is a founding board member of Big Sister, an umbrella organization for gender equality and solidarity in the Israeli film and television industry run by female film and television creatives.

Personal life

Blankstein Cohen is married to new media director Yoav Cohen. They reside in Tel Aviv with their two children.

Notes and references

  1. ^ Dana Blankstein Cohen in Sam Spiegel Film and Television School website
  2. ^ Europe's Largest Filmmaker Community - European Film Academy e.V
  3. ^ short movie, Camping, in the Berlinale
  4. ^ The Israeli Academy for Film and Television: About Us
  5. ^ By Patrick Brzeski, Alex Ritman, Scott Roxborough, Etan Vlessing (August 11, 2023). "The 15 Top Global Film Schools". The Hollywood Reporter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ [1] / Screendaily. Sam Spiegel International Film Lab makes waves/ [2]
  7. ^ deadline.com: Abu Dhabi & Israel Film Funds Sign Cooperation Agreement; Plan Regional Film Festival. September 21, 2020
  8. ^ screendaily.com: Israel, Abu Dhabi funds and Sam Spiegel film school sign cooperation agreement. By Melanie Goodfellow21 September 2020
  9. ^ timesofisrael.com :Film school’s second act gives starring role to new downtown Jerusalem arts campus

See also

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