# Etgar Keret

> Israeli writer and screenwriter

**Wikidata**: [Q378882](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q378882)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etgar_Keret)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/etgar-keret

## Summary

Etgar Keret is an Israeli writer and screenwriter born on August 20, 1967, known for his short stories, screenplays, and literary works that have established him as one of Israel's most prominent contemporary authors. He has published numerous collections of short fiction, written for film and television, and received international recognition including the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres honor from France and the Sapir Prize for Literature. Keret serves as a professor at Tel Aviv University and has been affiliated with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.

## Biography

- **Born**: August 20, 1967
- **Nationality**: Israeli (citizenship: Israel; also holds Polish citizenship)
- **Education**: Tel Aviv University; additional educational affiliations include other Israeli institutions
- **Known for**: Contemporary Israeli literature, short story collections, screenwriting, and literary innovation
- **Employer(s)**: Tel Aviv University; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
- **Field(s)**: Literature, creative writing, screenwriting, poetry, playwriting, film direction, acting

## Contributions

Etgar Keret began his writing career in 1992 and has since become one of Israel's most internationally recognized authors. His contributions span multiple creative domains:

**Literary Works:**
- Published multiple collections of short stories in Hebrew
- His works have been translated into numerous languages
- Notable works include story collections that have become staples of contemporary Israeli literature

**Screenwriting and Film:**
- Written screenplays for Israeli films and television productions
- Worked as a film director on artistic projects
- Contributed to Israeli cinema through original storylines and scripts

**Academic and Institutional:**
- Professor at Tel Aviv University
- Affiliated with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
- Participant in the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa (Iowa City, Iowa, United States)
- Active in the Israeli literary and cultural community since 1992

**Awards and Recognition:**
- Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (French Order of Arts and Letters)
- Sapir Prize for Literature (Israeli Hebrew-language literary prize, established 2000)
- Additional awards including Q6909280, Q16131230, and Q2584364

## FAQs

**What type of writer is Etgar Keret?**
Etgar Keret is primarily known as a writer of short fiction and a screenwriter. He is considered one of Israel's most important contemporary authors, with his works spanning multiple literary genres including short stories, poetry, and plays.

**Where has Etgar Keret worked academically?**
Keret has held academic positions at Tel Aviv University and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. He has also participated in the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa in the United States.

**What awards has Etgar Keret received?**
Among his most notable honors are the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from France and the Sapir Prize for Literature, one of Israel's most prestigious literary awards. He has received additional recognition through various other literary prizes.

**What is Etgar Keret's nationality?**
Etgar Keret holds Israeli citizenship. He was born in Israel in 1967 and is also a citizen of Poland, reflecting his heritage.

**When did Etgar Keret begin his career?**
Keret began his writing career in 1992 and has been actively producing literary and screenwriting work since that time, building a reputation over more than three decades.

## Why They Matter

Etgar Keret occupies a significant position in contemporary Israeli literature and culture. His distinctive voice, characterized by surrealism, dark humor, and keen observations of Israeli society, has influenced a generation of writers both in Israel and internationally. Through his short stories, he has redefined the boundaries of Hebrew literature, making it accessible to international audiences through widespread translation.

His work in screenwriting has contributed to the development of Israeli cinema, bringing literary sensibilities to film and television. As a professor at Tel Aviv University, he has shaped emerging writers and contributed to literary education in Israel. His international residencies, including at the University of Iowa's International Writing Program, have helped bridge Israeli literature with the global literary community.

The recognition he has received from French cultural institutions (Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres) and Israeli literary prizes (Sapir Prize) underscores his dual importance to both international cultural circles and his native country's literary establishment. His works continue to be studied in universities and discussed in literary circles worldwide, cementing his status as a key figure in modern Hebrew literature.

## Notable For

- One of Israel's most internationally recognized contemporary authors
- Recipient of the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (France)
- Winner of the Sapir Prize for Literature (Israel)
- Professor at Tel Aviv University
- Participant in the International Writing Program at University of Iowa
- Career spanning since 1992 with consistent literary output
- Works translated into multiple languages worldwide
- Multi-disciplinary creative work spanning literature, screenwriting, poetry, and playwriting

## Body

### Early Life and Background

Etgar Keret was born on August 20, 1967, in Israel. His Jewish heritage includes Polish ancestry, which is reflected in his dual citizenship with Poland. This cultural background has influenced his literary work, which often explores themes of identity, displacement, and the complexities of modern Israeli society.

### Literary Career

Keret began his professional writing career in 1992, quickly establishing himself as a distinctive voice in Israeli literature. His short story collections have become foundational texts in contemporary Hebrew literature, known for their brevity, surreal elements, and sharp social commentary. His writing style combines elements of magical realism with stark, often humorous depictions of everyday life in Israel.

The international reception of his works has been significant, with translations making his stories accessible to readers worldwide. This international reach has contributed to the global understanding of Israeli literature and culture.

### Screenwriting and Film Work

Beyond his literary achievements, Keret has made substantial contributions to Israeli film and television. As a screenwriter, he has developed original content for Israeli productions, bringing his distinctive narrative voice to visual media. His work in film direction has further expanded his creative influence in the Israeli cultural landscape.

### Academic Roles

Keret's affiliation with Tel Aviv University represents his commitment to literary education and mentorship. Through his academic position, he has influenced emerging writers and contributed to the development of contemporary Hebrew literature as a field of study. His association with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev further demonstrates his engagement with Israeli higher education.

### International Engagement

His participation in the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa exemplifies his involvement in the global literary community. This residency program, based in Iowa City, Iowa, United States, has provided opportunities for international writers to engage with American literary circles, and Keret's participation has helped connect Israeli literature with broader international audiences.

### Awards and Recognition

The Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, awarded by the French government, recognizes his contribution to arts and literature at an international level. The Sapir Prize for Literature, one of Israel's most prestigious literary awards, acknowledges his significant contributions to Hebrew-language literature. These honors reflect both his domestic importance and international standing.

### Cultural Impact

Keret's influence extends beyond his specific works to shape the broader landscape of Israeli creative writing. His approach to short fiction has influenced how contemporary Israeli stories are told, blending personal narratives with broader social commentary. Through his multi-disciplinary work spanning literature, screenwriting, poetry, and academia, he has become a central figure in contemporary Israeli cultural life.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](https://jewishculture.illinois.edu/etgar-keret-shira-geffen)
4. datos.bne.es
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. MusicBrainz
9. IMDb
10. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
11. filmportal.de
12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
13. Munzinger Personen
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. CONOR.SI
16. Autoritats UB
17. Israeli Music Collection
18. LibraryThing
19. Media Arts Database
20. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
21. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/etgar-keret-107a4TAN1O/appearances)
22. [Source](https://www.filmfestival.nl/persoon/etgar-keret)