Jordan the river of life (52 minutes) (Bronze Medal, New York Festival)

The best know river in the world, if only by name, theJordan, tumbles from its source below the snows of Mount Hermon to Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth’s surface. Along the way it passes through rocky gorges, a board shallow swamp and the Sea of Galilee. This documentary reveals the wildlife of the river, together with events in its recent history that have endangered its survival. From drainage for agriculture to a hydroelectric dam, the assault of humanity has threatened the river: but the wildlife has survived them all. Above them all the documentary celebrates the beauty and grandeur of the historic river and its place in the hearts and minds, not just of Israelis, but of the world.

Struggle for the night (52 minutes)

The golden spring mouse is a beautiful and endearing inhabitant of southern Israel. After thousands of years of living quietly in the desert it came under pressure from common spiny mouse. The rough, though invader came with the farmers: after ferocious battles it took over the night, forcing the peaceable local mouse to feed by day, facing danger from snakes and other predators. This documentary tells the story of this miniature conflict, making new discoveries on the way. It was news to scientists that the predation is not one-way: mice eat scorpions and young snakes. The intimidate life of these charming creatures makes a fascinating study of the complexity of natural history in the desert, on a scale usually overlooked.