Savi Gabizon's Nina'sTragedies will open the 20th annualIsrael Film Festival, the largest showcase of Israeli films in the US that runsin Los Angeles from Apr 29-May 13 and this year focuses on coming-of-agestories and the decay of the kibbutz system.

All in all 37 Israelinarrative features, documentaries and shorts will screen at the event, whichalso features tributes to producer Gale Anne Hurd and directors Norman Jewisonand Arthur Hiller. A full slate of titles will be announced shortly.

The event, which isscheduled to travel on to New York, Chicago and Miami, will also feature a newspotlight section highlighting current and classic pictures from such directorsas Gabizon, Shemi Zarhin, Dror Shaul, Isaac Zepel Yeshurun and Eitan Green.

Organisers have alsoarranged a tribute screening of Avanti Popolo to commemorate the late film-maker Rafi Bukaee.

Nina's Tragedies won 11 Israeli Film Academy prizes including bestpicture, best actress and best director and played at this year's Sundance FilmFestival in the World Cinema section.

The picture centres on aboy's sexual obsession with his aunt and is due to be distributed in the USthrough Wellspring Media.

Gale Anne Hurd, whosecredits include Hulk, Aliens andthe upcoming The Punisher, andJewison, director of such acclaimed pictures as The Thomas Crown Affair and Moonstruck, will both receive the 2004 IFF Visionary Award.

Hiller, whose careerhighlights include Love Story andThe Hospital, will collect the2004 IFF Humanitarian Award.

Yair Landau, vice chairmanof Sony Pictures Entertainment, will serve as the chairman of the 20thAnniversary of the Israel Film Festival.