Dana Blankstein Cohen
Dana Blankstein Cohen is an Israeli film director, producer and executive, currently serving as the CEO and executive director of the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School 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.
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 Berlinale.Career
Blankstein Cohen has held key positions in film and television productions, focusing on industry endeavors, creative development, and film education.Israeli Academy of Film and Television
Before joining the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, Blankstein Cohen was the CEO of The Israel Film and Television Academy and founding director of the film and television department at the Kfar Saba municipality.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.
During her tenure, Blankstein Cohen has expanded the school's international presence through the continued development of the : She oversaw the ten-year celebrations of the , 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, developed at the Lab, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.
Series Lab: Blankstein Cohen launched an advanced , 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 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 Abu Dhabi Film Commission. As part of the Abraham Accords, the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, along with the , 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 in central Jerusalem. The new facility, 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 which is a student-run venture.