Movie theaters reopen for Passover vacation with Home Front Command approval and high-profile premieres

Israeli cinemas resume operations with Home Front Command approval, featuring Ryan Gosling in Project Hail Mary and Pixar’s latest, Hoppers.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 6:24 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Jerusalem Post

A Return to the Big Screen Under Security Protocols

Just in time for the concluding days of the Passover vacation, major cinema chains have reopened their doors to the public. While boutique chains like Hot Cinema and Movieland have been operating for several weeks, the return of industry giants Cinema City and Planet, alongside the Tel Aviv Cinematheque, marks a significant step toward domestic normalcy. However, the experience remains tethered to the current security situation; all theaters must operate with nearby "protection" or bomb shelters, as mandated by the Home Front Command. Some modern facilities advise patrons to remain in their seats during alerts, while older venues direct audiences to fortified garages.

Ryan Gosling Leads Sci-Fi Buddy Comedy 'Project Hail Mary'

The headline attraction for adult audiences is the highly anticipated Project Hail Mary. Starring Ryan Gosling—fresh off his celebrated performance in Barbie—the film follows a science teacher who wakes up as the sole human survivor on a critical space mission. Critics are drawing favorable comparisons to The Martian, noting that the film successfully balances high-stakes science fiction with a "buddy comedy" dynamic between Gosling and an alien companion. The film has dominated global box offices since its late March release and is expected to be a major draw for Israeli moviegoers this week.

Disney and Pixar Anchor the Family Schedule

Parents looking for vacation activities will find a robust selection of animated films. Pixar’s Hoppers is a standout, telling the story of a student who uses technology to inhabit the body of a robotic beaver to communicate with animals. The film features a creative pedigree from the Toy Story franchise, ensuring the high-quality graphics and storytelling synonymous with the studio. Additionally, Zootropolis 2 (formerly Zootopia 2) brings back the duo of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for a new snark-filled crime caper, which is also available for those preferring to stream at home via Disney+ or Apple TV+.