PROGRAM BOOK THE UNORTHODOX OPENING NIGHT PAGE 4 PICTURE OF HIS LIFE PAGE 8 THOSE WHO REMAINED PAGE 15 THE SPY BEHIND WELCOME HOME PLATE PAGE 18 Welcome to the 2020 Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film THE PASSENGERS Festival. This year’s program offers a diverse selection of films PAGE 21 that engage with current discussions that are important to our NIGHT OF SHORT FILMS common humanity. Speakers and organizations will bring these PAGE 23 topics off the screen, showing their relevancy and connection to LOVE IN SUSPENDERS The Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film home. We look forward to another year of building community PAGE 31 Festival presents a diverse, inspiring lineup and increasing understanding. AULCIE of award-winning films, and engaging, PAGE 33 educational programming that connects to We are grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, the Jewish and Israeli stories. Our 2020 film partners, and attendees with and for whom this festival is LEONA lineup explores the importance of striving PAGE 35 created. This community that gathers together every winter for connection and understanding. We make FAMILY IN TRANSITION progress, we create community, we become sustains the Festival year after year. We look forward to seeing PAGE 40 better, together. you around the city at the movies! WORKING WOMAN PAGE 46 Please read on to learn about the Festival and all of the fantastic events and opportunities to come. Enjoy the 2020 Mayerson JCC THE MAMBONIKS PAGE 49 Jewish & Israeli Film Festival! WITNESS THEATER PAGE 52 Frances Kahan Stacey Schimberg Marc Fisher FIDDLER: A MIRACLE Cultural Arts Manager Committee Chair Mayerson JCC CEO OF MIRACLES CLOSING NIGHT PAGE 55 PARKING & VENUE For questions or information, INFORMATION please email [email protected] PAGE 60 or call 513.722.7258. MEET THE COMMITTEE PAGE 62 These films are not rated and are SPONSORS recommended for mature audiences. PAGE 64 Times listed include length of films only.
OPENING NIGHT FILM EXTRAS DIRECTOR’S NOTE humor, and a whole lot of rage. The film raises questions about the real core of the This film takes place in the Jerusalem of political game, about religious coercion the 80s. In those days, orthodox Sephardic and about the DNA of Sephardic Jews and Jews (immigrants from Arab countries) their inability to truly assimilate into Israeli tried unsuccessfully to assimilate into a “Western” society without losing. society of Ashkenazi Jews (immigrants from Russia and Europe) and institutions ELIRAN MALKA in their hold. They were always considered Director second-rate, even when they were A graduate from Ma’ale the majority. It wasn’t even outright School in Jerusalem in discrimination – just the basic assumption. 2010, his thesis film 71 This film is a street movie; like its heroes, Square Meters was screened it’s dynamic and practically hyperactive, at numerous festivals and won awards with a voice-over supplying us with a and honorable mentions. In 2011, Malka bridge into a world we can no longer received a development grant from the see: a crowded, warm, Sephardic world, Jerusalem Film Fund for the TV drama without the suit-wearing type characters series “The Shababniks,” of which he is the you are used to seeing running in creator. The series was produced by Dori elections. Media Darset for HOT TV, and aired to great acclaim in 2017. The Unorthodox is Yaakov’s operation is characteristic of his first feature film. the people he presented: informal, with THE UNORTHODOX love for their fellow man, a great sense of THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 • 7:30PM • MAYERSON JCC
2018 • Comic Drama • 92 minutes • Hebrew • Eliran Malka
SYNOPSIS OPENING NIGHT includes one
Yakov Cohen has no political experience, complimentary drink per person MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 no money, and no connections. But when and enjoyment of a reception. THANK YOU his daughter is expelled from school SPECIAL FEATURE to the because of her ethnic origin, he decides to Experience what it’s like to vote in Israel fight back. Yakov bands together with two and engage in discussion with Amnon generous supporters friends to run in the city elections, starting Maggid, Community Shaliach (Emissary) of the 2020 Mayerson JCC the first ethnic political group in Jerusalem, from Israel at the Jewish Sfarad’s Guards. These political rookies Federation of Cincinnati, Jewish & Israeli Film Festival improvise along the way, capturing voters’ and Jackie Congedo, hearts and forever changing the face of Director, & Justin for bringing award-winning Israel. This exhilarating, moving, laugh-out- Kirschner, Associate loud film based on a real story highlights Director of JCRC. stories of Jewish life to Cincinnati. the power one person can yield to create real social change.
In partnership with the We Need to Talk series, presented by Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and its Jewish Community Relations Council. MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON
4 5 AMNON MAGGID the Jewish community and Israel, fights Speaker antisemitism, and promotes social justice. She has over a decade of strategic Amnon Maggid has been in communications, public relations, current the field of education for affairs, and award-winning journalism more than 20 years, focusing experience. on promoting Jewish culture and heritage in Israel. Maggid completed his Master’s JUSTIN KIRSCHNER in Jewish Education at The Schechter Speaker Institute in Jerusalem. He arrived in Justin Kirschner is the August 2018 for a three-year stay in Associate Director of Cincinnati. He is serving as an official the Jewish Community representative of Israel, strengthening Relations Council of LIFELONG connections between Cincinnati and Israel Cincinnati. He’s a community connector FRIENDSHIPS through education and advocacy, working who has a passion for using reflective with Jewish and non-Jewish community, conversation, civic engagement, and THAT THRIVE civic organizations, schools, universities, partnerships to co-create just and
and religious institutions. His position vibrant communities. Justin has been Campers form lifelong friendships, supporting is funded by the Jewish Federation of and cheering each other on as they try new involved with various social justice, youth Cincinnati. activities and gain independence. mentoring and leadership development JACKIE CONGEDO endeavors, facilitating cross-cultural Speaker exchanges and teaching experiential SAVE THE DATE! REGISTRATION NOW OPEN education. He is a double graduate of Jackie Congedo is the 100th Year Alumni Reunion Weekend FOR SUMMER 2020 Ohio University with a B.A. in Political Director of the Jewish August 14 - 16, 2020 Visit camplivingston.com Science, Minors in Business and Global Register at camplivingston.com/alumnireunion Community Relations for more information Leadership and a Master’s in Public and Council, which builds bridges Nonprofit Administration. between the Jewish and non-Jewish communities, advocates on behalf of JCRC Jewish Community
Relations Council MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020
In our 80 year history, we have been on the front lines, building relationships to safeguard Jewish Cincinnati and pursue a more just community for all people. In the midst of an alarming rise in antisemitism, JCRC is meeting new challenges with new strategies and the same steadfast commitment to this work. PROUDLY SPONSORS THE LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED jewishcincinnati.org/jcrc MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
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6 7 with sharks, orcas and eventually polar bears, but mostly by his will to expose his most private and inner feelings to the camera and let us and the world see his vulnerabilities and pain. We believe that at the end of the day, like Leonard Cohen said: “There is a crack in everything, but that’s how the light gets in.” Amos’s photography has won Nikon, Communication Arts, and BBC Wildlife DANI MENKIN Photographer of theYear awards. Writer/Director DIRECTORS’ NOTE Dani Menkin is a two-time Following our award-winning film Dolphin Israeli Academy Award- Boy, we have reunited to create another winning filmmaker for 39 special film that explores the powerful Pounds of Love and Is That relationship between man and nature, You?. 39 Pounds of Love has father and son, violence and peace. Picture been sold to HBO and was PICTURE OF HIS LIFE of His Life was more than 10 years in the shortlisted for the Oscars. Menkin’s award- making. We were determined to bring this winning film Dolphin Boy (co-directed by TUESDAY, JAN. 28 • 7:30PM • KENWOOD THEATRE special story to life, in the most honest Yonatan Nir) was sold to over 20 countries way possible. We were inspired not just by around the globe and was bought by 2019 • Documentary • 71 minutes • English, Hebrew, Inuit opening night Amos’s ability to push the envelope and Disney for an adaptation. Dani Menkin is israelifilm competition a speaker and film juror at international Dani Menkin, Yonatan Nir, Exec. Producer Nancy Spielberg 2019 docaviv film festival break the boundaries, to swim side-by-side
SYNOPSIS a changing climate, he contemplates the World-renowned wildlife photographer series of unspoken events that drove him Amos Nachoum has developed a unique here, to the end of the world. Shomrei Olam is the only Jewish organization approach that puts him face-to-face SPECIAL FEATURE in the Cincinnati region dedicated to with his subjects. Fascinated by the most Short film screening of Layam by Assaf
fearsome creatures on Earth, he is about Machnes. Discussion led by Dan Marsh, protecting the environment MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 to face his ultimate challenge: to swim, Director of Education at Cincinnati Zoo & unprotected, with a polar bear. As Amos Botanical Garden. dives into a world being rapidly erased by Greening our temples and synagogues Greening our children’s education In partnership with Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Greening our homes FILM EXTRAS AMOS NACHOUM Le Figaro, Terra Sauvage, Airone, Mondo Amos Nachoum’s Somerso, Der Spiegel, Unterwasser, photos and essays and many more. His work has also been have appeared included in several books, including The in hundreds of Living Ocean, The World of Nature, and publications around Oceans. He has appeared on National the globe, including Geographic Explorer, Today, and Good
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON National Geographic, Time, Life, The Morning America and has been featured New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, in People, Esquire, and Money magazines. shomrei-olam.org 8 9 festivals around the world, as well as a filmmaking, working on film professor at universities in the U.S. her brother Steven’s early films as cast and crew. YONATAN NIR She attended Arizona Writer/Director State University and UCLA Yonatan Nir’s multiple and, after moving to award-winning New York in 1978, studied film at Sarah documentaries have been Lawrence College and the New School. broadcast and screened in An accomplished businesswoman and over 40 countries worldwide. Dolphin Boy philanthropist, she has turned her energy (2011) premiered at Hot Docs, and remake and talents to producing documentary MAZEL TOV TO rights were acquired by Disney. My Hero and feature films. One of her priorities is Brother (2016) is the winner of the Entre to help preserve stories and make them 2 marches at the Cannes Film Festival, into educational tools for the benefit of THE JCC AND THE winner of the DocEdge IFF, winner of younger generations. the 2 main awards at the Santa Barbara Ms. Spielberg served as consultant on the International Film Festival, and many Oscar-winning documentary, Chernobyl more. His other films include Cutting the FILM FESTIVAL Heart, and is executive producer of Pain and The Essential Link - The Story of Elusive Justice: The Search for Nazi War Wilfrid Israel. Criminals, which aired nationally on NANCY SPIELBERG COMMITTEE FOR PBS. She produced Above and Beyond, Executive Producer winner of the audience award at more Nancy Spielberg grew up immersed in than 20 film festivals. Spielberg is the ANOTHER GREAT
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executive producer of Sophie Sartain’s Dan received a Bachelor documentary, Mimi and Dona, which was of Arts in Biology from the broadcast nationally on PBS in 2015. She is University of Louisville and executive producer of Who Will Write Our a Master’s in Education in History, which tells the story of the secret Curriculum and Instruction buried archive of the Warsaw Ghetto, from the University of and of On the Map (2016), a documentary Cincinnati. He began as a Trainer and by filmmaker Dani Menkin, which has Naturalist with the Zoo’s bird show and screened all over the world and received worked his way up through the department. multiple festival awards. Dan currently serves as the Director of Education and Volunteer Services at the DAN MARSH Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Speaker
SHORT FILM: LAYAM 2018 ∙ Short Drama ∙ 17 minutes ∙ Hebrew ∙ Assaf Machnes
SYNOPSIS DIRECTOR’S NOTE Shai used to be a tough commander and in Hebrew means “to ( לים ,LAYAM (La-Yam Kedem used to be his tormented rookie. the sea.” That’s what the film is about – a Things change. little piece of painful history drifted to
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12 event with us! 13 the sea, an unpleasant river spilled into a ASSAF MACHNES rather stormy sea. Director In Israel, where military service is Assaf Machnes is a writer- compulsory for all, there’s life during director based in Tel Aviv. the army and life outside the army. Each He graduated from the Met reality has completely different rules and Film School (London), specializing in sets of values. However, in such a tiny cinematography. Assaf’s graduation short country like Israel, these realities meet film was selected for more than 150 film quite often, creating encounters full of festivals, won 7 awards, and was broadcast drama. Therefore, “What goes around, on ARTE, Mediaset Italy and more. In late comes around” stories are very common in 2014, Machnes received a development Israeli society. grant from the Israeli Film Fund for the writing of his debut feature, along with a My favorite element in storytelling is the special grant from the Polish Film Institute. absurd humor derived from disturbing pain that cannot be fully digested. I try to Machnes was chosen to participate in the implement this tone in almost every story 2015 Berlinale Talent Campus and the I tell. At the end of the day, I want the 2016 Locarno Filmmakers Academy. Seven audience to decide whether this piece of Minutes premiered at the 2017 Berlinale humiliating history is over or not, and what and Machnes is now developing several THOSE WHO REMAINED each character can do about it. projects both for the small and big screens, including a new web series for YNET and a THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 • 7:30PM • ESQUIRE THEATRE
TV drama for HOT Israel. official entry 2019 ∙ Drama ∙ 83 minutes ∙ Hungarian ∙ Barnabás Tóth Hungary - Best International Feature 2020 academy awards SYNOPSIS in the midst of conflict, loss, and trauma Aldo lives a solitary life as a doctor in reveals the healing process of Holocaust Budapest; Klara lives reluctantly with her survivors through the eyes of a young girl great-aunt, holding on to hope that her in post-World War II Hungary.
father and mother will return. The two SPECIAL FEATURE MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 meet and soon find something in each Discussion led by Jodi Elowitz, Director of other that has long been absent in their Education & Engagement at Nancy & David lives. This lyrical story of the power of love Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center.
In partnership with Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center.
FILM EXTRAS We thank Mayerson JCC The film is based on the novel by Zsuzsa F. few have shown us the fate of those who for its ongoing Várkonyi, published in 2004. remained with us, those who came back. DIRECTOR’S NOTE BARNABÁS TÓTH For me, this film is, first of all, a hymn, an Writer/Director work and support in the ode to a man who is totally wrecked but Born in 1977 in Strasbourg, pulls himself together for one last time to Barnabás Tóth studied at the cincinnati Community! save another half-destroyed soul. We’ve
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON Film and Television Academy seen so many films about what happened of Budapest. He wrote and directed 14 before and during the Holocaust, but so 15 two feature films, Camembert Rose is in artistic representation (Rózsaszín sajt) in 2009 and Those Who of the Holocaust in the Remained (Akik maradtak) in 2019. His visual arts with an emphasis recent short film Chuchotage (Susotázs) on work done in the from 2018 was selected to the shortlist camps and ghettos. Jodi by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts provided content for a and Sciences for the 2019 Academy large archival project and contributed Awards. It won 23 awards at 62 different articles about Holocaust representation film festivals. His short film My Guide in film for the Center for Holocaust and (Újratervezés) from 2013 has been Genocide Studies at the University of viewed over 1.8 million times on Vimeo, Minnesota. Prior to that, Jodi was the making it one of the most successful Executive Director for the Tennessee short films ever made in Hungary. As Holocaust Commission and the a director, he directed episodes of Director of Holocaust Education for the “Született lúzer” for HBO in 2007, “Csalfa Jewish Community Relations Council Karma” for Life Network in 2011, and “A of Minnesota and the Dakotas. Jodi mi kis falunk” for RTL Klub in 2018. received her Bachelor of Arts degree and her Master of Liberal Studies degree JODI ELOWITZ at the University of Minnesota. Jodi Speaker serves as the Director of Education and Jodi has a wide range of experience in the Engagement at The Nancy & David Wolf field of Holocaust studies; her expertise Holocaust & Humanity Center.
MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 THEIR HISTORY “An OUR STORY Inspiration” — Cleveland Plain Dealer
museum open daily, 10am - 5pm holocaustandhumanity.org MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON
16 17 Proud Sponsors of the Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival
THE SPY BEHIND HOME PLATE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 • 7:30PM • MAYERSON HALL IN THE SKIRBALL MUSEUM ON THE HISTORIC CAMPUS OF HEBREW UNION COLLEGE-JEWISH INSTITUTE OF RELIGION Archie Rand: Sixty Paintings from the Bible Opens Tuesday, February 18, 5:30PM at the Skirball Museum 2019 ∙ Documentary ∙ 101 minutes ∙ English ∙ Aviva Kempner Upcoming HUC-JIR Events SYNOPSIS from the worlds of history, sports, and Wednesday, “Bound and Unbound: In Search of the Jewish Poem” spy craft reveal the unlikely story of this Brilliant scholar-athlete Moe Berg was January 15 with Dr. Norman Finkelstein, 7PM at the Klau Library a Princeton and Columbia Law School incredible Major League Baseball player-
graduate fluent in a half-dozen languages, turned-spy. Sunday, The Chazzan’s Tale: Cantorial Concert, 4-5:30PM MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 and a beloved player and coach for five March 1 in the Scheuer Chapel SPECIAL FEATURE MLB teams during baseball’s Golden Age. Check out a selection of art and artifacts Tuesday, Curator’s Lecture: Archie Rand’s Sixty Paintings Upon the acceleration of WWII, Berg from the Skirball Museum’s collection March 10 from the Bible, 7PM at the Skirball Museum began spying overseas. Rare historical related to Moe Berg’s life and times. footage and revealing interviews drawn Thursday, Tsevat Memorial Lecture, 12:15PM in Mayerson Hall March 12 Honoring our late Professor Matitiahu Tsevat In partnership with Hebrew Union College-Jewish Thursday, Lunch and Learn: Archie Rand’s Sixty Paintings Institute of Religion Skirball Museum. April 2 from the Bible, noon at the Skirball Museum Sunday, Spring Student Concert, Dapper, Flapper, and FILM EXTRAS April 26 Tapper, 4-5:30PM in the Scheuer Chapel Monday, Collecting Stamps from Israel with Dr. David Alden, home’s staircase. Businessman William DIRECTOR’S NOTE May 4 7-8:30PM at the Klau Library Levine asked me after seeing The Life and Life-size wall hangings of my three favorite Times of Hank Greenberg: “Do you want to Jewish baseball players—Sandy Koufax make a film on an unusual major league Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion pitching to Hank Greenberg and Moe Berg
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON baseball player?” I jumped at his generous as catcher—adorn the curved wall of my 3101 Clifton Avenue | RSVP: [email protected], 513- 487-3098 offer to support a Berg biopic. The Spy 18 19 Behind Home Plate fits perfectly into my The child of U.S. Army officer Harold goal to make historical documentaries Kempner and Polish Holocaust survivor about less-well-known Jewish heroes and Helen Ciesla, Kempner was born in post- my career focus on exploring courageous World War II Berlin, Germany. Her family tales about those who fought the Nazis. history inspired her to make films about less-known Jewish heroes: television AVIVA KEMPNER pioneer Gertrude Berg, Hall of Fame Director/Producer/Writer baseball superstar Hank Greenberg, Aviva Kempner’s mission is to philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, and make films that investigate the Jewish resistance to the Nazis. Her non-stereotypical images films have received top honors from The of Jews in history and celebrate the National Society of Film Critics, the New untold stories of Jewish heroes. Based York Film Critics Circle, the Broadcast Film in Washington, D.C., Kempner is a Critics Association, and CINE Golden Eagle director, writer, and producer whose and Peabody Awards. resume includes critically acclaimed and Kempner is a member of the Academy award-winning documentaries, including of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She Rosenwald, Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg, and writes film criticism and feature articles for Peabody winner The Life and Times of Hank numerous publications. Greenberg. She also produced another THE PASSENGERS WWII documentary, Partisans of Vilna. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 • 7:30PM • MARIEMONT THEATRE
2019 ∙ Documentary ∙ 70 minutes ∙ English, Hebrew, Amharic ∙ Ryan S. Porush
SYNOPSIS Telling the story of more than 9,000 Jews surviving within a temporary and harsh reality in Ethiopia, Demoz and Gezi take a fateful trip to America as spokesmen in
a grassroots advocacy campaign for their MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 abandoned community to immigrate to Israel. The campaign soon finds itself at the center of a deteriorating political Proudly Supports the relationship. As forces in Israel mobilize on their behalf, Demoz and Gezi must 2020 JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival reconcile unexpectedly diverging paths. SPECIAL FEATURE Discussion led by Megan Iverson, Program Director at RefugeeConnect. Congratulations on another great year of FILM EXTRAS innovative and entertaining cinema! RYAN S. PORUSH He has produced, filmed, and edited Director documentaries and short films around katzteller.com | 513.721.4532 the world, with an emphasis on telling Ryan S. Porush is a dynamic, character-driven stories. He is MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON documentary filmmaker an alumnus of UC Santa Barbara and New THIS IS A N A DV ERT ISEMENT based in Los Angeles. 20 21 York University. Ryan’s award-winning families find a home in the Cincinnati area. first short film, Two Hundred Percent, Having previously worked in a highly about one young man’s journey to Israel diverse Cincinnati Public Schools to reunite with his forgotten father 15 elementary school created a lasting years after a tragic accident, screened at impression that schools are the hub of film festivals in 2016. His next film, titled the American cultural experience for new A School Grows in Watts, tells the story of families in the U.S. She works with school a unique, overachieving school, and those staff, partners, and volunteer mentors to using education to improve the vibrant, create welcoming environments across often distraught communities of South the city. Los Angeles. The Passengers is his feature directorial debut. Iverson is the Program Director at RefugeeConnect. RefugeeConnect helps MEGAN IVERSON refugees and asylees navigate often Speaker unfamiliar systems, new cultural norms, Megan Iverson studied and language barriers. RefugeeConnect abroad in Ghana while promotes coordinated services so that studying History at Xavier this specific population of new Americans, University and learned first- who may be unaware of the patchwork of hand that being new in a crucial resources already in place, reach country can be an isolating their full potential as individuals, families, NIGHT OF SHORT FILMS and civic and community leaders. experience. She brings this THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 • 7:30PM • ESQUIRE THEATRE to her work in helping newly resettled ORDER OF FILMS JewishJewish BooBookk I HAVE A MESSAGE MY PLAYGROUND
FOR YOU MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 GEFILTE SeriesSeries HOW TO SWIM BENEATH THE INK Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing Up Bernstein Jamie Bernstein April 1, 2020 • 7pm An evening of short films, both SPECIAL FEATURE documentary and narrative, that will make Panel discussion featuring community Perfect Flavors: Creative Easy-to-Prepare you think, laugh, and possibly even shed a member, filmmaker, and Jerusalem Film Recipes Inspired by My Family and Travels tear. From moving stories of relationships Workshop participant Seth Friedman, Naomi Nachman past and present, to personal growth and May 14, 2020 • 6pm and Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film changes of heart, to the absurdities of life, Festival committee members. these films showcase the best of short- The Altruists form storytelling. Andrew Ridker May 27, 2020 • 7pm
learn more & register This event is in Jewish Book partnership with: MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON MAYERSONJCC.ORG Council In partnership with Cincinnati Hillel. 22 23 FILM EXTRAS SHORT FILM: I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU 2017 ∙ Documentary Short ∙ 13 minutes nominee Outstanding New Approaches: French ∙ Matan Rochlitz Current News SAVE emmy awards 2018 SYNOPSIS course, also one of the defining chapters CINCINNATI HILLEL PRESENTS On April 4, 1943, a young woman finds of humanity’s recent history. The mind herself on a train. A decision she makes still struggles to make sense of What that day saves her life, but leaves her with Happened. But one commandment, one a huge burden on her conscience. Twenty kernel of a logical response, seems to be years later she meets a stranger with a expressed by all who have lived through THE message for her. the horror: Never forget. THE 5TH ANNUAL CAMPUS SUPERSTAR DIRECTOR’S NOTE We are the last generation who will be able to meet Holocaust survivors in My grandmother once told me a story person, and I consider this a tremendous about the woman who lived next door responsibility. to her in Tel Aviv. It was a tale of love, loss, guilt and redemption, with a truly MATAN ROCHLITZ extraordinary epilogue. I never forgot it. Director DATE The Holocaust looms impossibly large Matan is an Emmy- SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2020 in my family’s shared narrative. It is, of nominated documentary
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24 25 filmmaker and musician born and raised about insomnia, Roman cuisine, and the in Rome, Italy. Matan cut his teeth as a end of capitalism. His most recent film, SHORT FILM: MY PLAYGROUND journalist, but transitioned to short-form I Have a Message for You, premiered on 2019 ∙ Documentary Short ∙ 7 minutes ∙ Hebrew documentaries. He has made films on The New York Times Op-Docs. He is also a topics such as mozzarella, running, and the musician, currently focusing on old-time SYNOPSIS SETH FRIEDMAN Shoah, and is currently working on films banjo music and Italian folk songs. Dr. Saar Hashavaya is the head of the Editor pediatric emergency room at Hadassah Seth Friedman is an award-winning Hospital in Ein Kerem, Israel. During his student filmmaker from Cincinnati. His regular routines, his inner child interacts work includes Red Ink (an original feature with his patients. film about a screenwriter trying to get his SHORT FILM: HOW TO SWIM Created during the 2019 Jerusalem Film name off of the Hollywood blacklist), All 2018 ∙ Narrative Short ∙ 15 minutes ∙ Hebrew ∙ Noa Gusakov Workshop, a six-week summer program That You Love Will Be Carried Away (a short in Israel designed for talented young film based on the short story by Stephen premiere at the 2018 Palm SYNOPSIS filmmakers from around the world. King, for which he was a featured speaker Springs ShortFest and In the last few days of her pregnancy, at the Rochester Halloween Film Festival went on to be selected at Director: Obett Motaung (South Africa) a terrified mother-to-be kidnaps a at the George Eastman Museum). Seth other festivals, including Editor: Seth Friedman (USA) comforting partner-in-crime for one was one of 24 filmmakers selected from Encounters, Hamptons, and Cinematographer: Mica Bernhard (USA) afternoon. How else is a person supposed around the world to participate in the Aspen. It was awarded Best Narrative Producer: Amanda Halfen (Brazil) to get some honest advice? Jerusalem Film Workshop. Short in Annapolis, ahead of its online NOA GUSAKOV premiere as a Vimeo Staff Pick. Noa Writer/Director works as a screenwriter and editor for TV How To Swim had its international productions in Israel. SHORT FILM: GEFILTE 2018 ∙ Documentary Short ∙ 11 minutes ∙ English ∙ Rachel Fleit
SYNOPSIS childhood, joy and family all wrapped Each year, the Hermelin family of Detroit up in the smell of fish.” As we made the comes together to celebrate the Passover film, the gefilte fish, of course, became JEWISH a lightning rod, into which we project holiday—honoring the liberation of the
Jews from slavery in ancient Egypt—by all of our feelings about family, identity, MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 eating Gefilte fish. traditions, struggle, joy, loss, and as COMMUNITY always, love. Gefilte. It’s not DIRECTOR’S NOTE about the fish. When I learned about the Hermelin NIGHT family’s remarkable gefilte fish tradition, I RACHEL FLEIT immediately knew there was a film there. Director Sloane Klevin, my editor and trusted Rachel Fleit is a writer at the Reds game creative collaborator agreed, so I flew & director who lives in to Detroit, fancy lenses in tow, and we Brooklyn, NY. Her short documentary set out to make a beautiful film about films, Barbara & Stanley: A Modern MAY 26, 6:40PM the single most unattractive fish ball. My Romance and Gefilte, can be seen on favorite thing to do as a filmmaker is to NOWNESS. Gefilte is currently slated REDS VS. PIRATES find the beauty in what most find to be to play at almost every single Jewish ugly. I love a good metaphor and I am Film Festival in the US and UK. Fleit is a fascinated by the phenomenon of sense 2019 grant recipient from the New York Made possible by support from Jimmy & Lauren Miller memory – as Julie Hermelin describes Foundation for the Arts, Women’s Fund perfectly in the film, “that’s innocence, MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON for Film, TV, & Theatre for her upcoming
26 27 short documentary, Ava & Bianca, about the unique relationship between two female cinematographers who happen to be transgender. Fleit is on the director’s roster at Good Story Films. She has developed and directed branded content for UBS Bank, Cadillac, Veuve Clicquot, Peanut, BRIDES, Physique 57, Bumble, Ohlin/D, Paskho, Eileen Fisher, Ad Council & #SheCanStem. Frances Hermelin’s Gefilte Fish Recipe can be found here: www.thegefiltefilm.com
nominee SHORT FILM: BENEATH THE INK Outstanding Short Documentary 2018 ∙ Documentary Short ∙ 13 minutes ∙ English ∙ Cy Dodson emmy awards 2019
As society’s belief systems are seemingly Beneath the Ink was shot in Dodson’s changing, or even reverting in time, one hometown of Zanesville, Ohio. Although Ohio artist is challenging his community he was raised by loving and non-racist by saying, “bring me your mistakes.” parents, it wasn’t uncommon to hear Inspired by recent events, Billy Joe White various racial slurs in his community. At and his Red Rose Tattoo Studio are a young age, Dodson knew the adults promoting one simple concept: Erase that he did, or did not, want to become. the hate. Beneath the Ink is a timely Beneath The Ink is now an Emmy-
look at hate and racism in the western nominated and Academy-qualified MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 foothills of this Appalachian region that film. Dodson sends special thanks to reveals heartfelt stories of change and everyone at Red Rose Tattoo, especially redemption. Billy White, who made this film possible. Dodson currently resides in Minnesota, CY DODSON where he is the owner/operator of Director/Cinematographer/ production company Triumph Pictures, Editor LLC, specializing in documentary-style Cy Dodson has been in the marketing and branding content. storytelling business for over two decades. Beneath the Ink is his third film in five years, and the one which he considers his most compelling and inspiring film to date. Dodson’s past two films, My Last Breath and The Ragman - A Hobo’s Story Untold garnered a total of Seven Film Festival Awards and a Midwest Regional Emmy for MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON Best Documentary. 28 29 LOVE IN SUSPENDERS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 • 3PM • KENWOOD THEATRE
2019 ∙ Romantic Comedy ∙ 102 minutes ∙ Hebrew ∙ Jorge Weller
SYNOPSIS a tough front, but suffers internally AgeWell Cincinnati is a central solution that links Tami and Beno, both widowed, confront from the loss of his wife. An encounter
their losses in very different ways. between two people with such different older adults, their family members, friends, MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 and caregivers to community resources for Optimistic Tami still talks to her husband, lifestyles and personalities has to result in years after his death; Beno puts up a nightmare...but love has its own rules. aging well in Jewish Cincinnati. Contact us: FILM EXTRAS 513-766-3333 | agewellcincy.org JORGE WELLER series, feature films, documentaries and Director instruction films, some going on to win international awards. Our providers Jorge (Johanan) Weller holds academic degrees from both He made his first film in Super 8 at the the National Film Institute in age of 13 years old, and his passion for Buenos Aires, Argentina (1978) and Tel filmmaking has only grown with every Aviv University’s School of Film & Television passing year. He believes as Charlie Chaplin (1982). Over his career he has created, once said, that the secret of success, in directed, and produced dozens of TV both movies and life, is enthusiasm. Our funders In partnership with Cedar Village Care & Community MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON and AgeWell Cincinnati. 30 31 Seniorthat never Living goes out of style.
AULCIE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 • 7:30PM • MARIEMONT THEATRE
2019 ∙ Documentary ∙ 120 minutes ∙ English, Hebrew ∙ Dani Menkin A True Sense of Community SYNOPSIS remarkable athlete captured the spirit of a Cedar Village provides an inspirational lifestyle designed Content Warning: Drug references nation, became victorious against all odds, and put Israel on the map. to cater to the specialized needs and wants of our residents. The highly anticipated follow-up to On the Throughout our campus, you’ll find a difference in philosophy Map, this inspiring film tells the story of Attendees will have the opportunity to
that embraces the balance between home and care — Aulcie Perry, the last to be cut from the win Club Level tickets to the University MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 we know family comes first and we live by that. Touching NY Knicks in 1976 who soon found himself of Cincinnati Men’s Basketball game on every aspect of life at our community, we work together with playing for Israel. He became a basketball February 19, courtesy of Jewish Cemeteries loved ones to create a plan for enriching each day legend, playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv. This of Greater Cincinnati. and maximizing independence as much as possible. Simply put, life is better at Cedar Village. FILM EXTRAS
DANI MENKIN shortlisted for the Oscars. Menkin’s award- Writer/Director/Producer winning film Dolphin Boy (co-directed by Yonatan Nir) was sold to over 20 countries Dani Menkin is a two-time around the globe and was bought by Israeli Academy Award- Disney for an adaptation. Dani Menkin is winning filmmaker for 39 a speaker and film juror at international www.CedarVillage.org Pounds of Love and Is That You?. 39 Pounds festivals around the world, as well as a of Love has been sold to HBO and was 5467 Cedar Village Dr Mason, OH 45040 513-754-3100 film professor at universities in the U.S.
FAMILY-FIRST SENIOR LIVING FROM CARDON In partnership with Jewish Cemeteries of Greater
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING Cincinnati – Guardians and Friends. REHABILITATION • LONG TERM CARE • MEMORY SUPPORT 32 33 LEONA THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 • 7:30PM CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM, FATH AUDITORIUM
2018 ∙ Drama ∙ 95 minutes ∙ Spanish ∙ Isaac Cherem
SYNOPSIS and struggles to find the right path on Content Warning: Nudity and sexual content this journey of self-discovery and female empowerment. A young woman from Mexico City finds herself torn between her Syrian-Jewish SPECIAL FEATURE family and forbidden love in this intimate Short film screening of The Outer Circle drama. She is forced to negotiate the by Adam Baroukh. Discussion led by
labyrinth of familial pressure, religious Valerie Weinstein, Associate Professor of MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 precedent, and her own burgeoning Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at sentiment as she discovers the world the University of Cincinnati. outside the bubble of her community
In partnership with Cincinnati Art Museum. FILM EXTRAS
EMILY BAUMAN assisted in research and implementation Introduction for CAM’s 30 Americans and Ragnar Kjartansson: The Visitors and Scenes from Emily Bauman is Curatorial Assistant Western Culture. In her role as Moving for Photography and Film Programmer Images film programmer, she collaborates for Moving Images at the Cincinnati with CAM curators as well as film-centered Art Museum (CAM). She has curated organizations across Cincinnati to create photography special features including points of connection to artworks on view The Poetry of Place: William Clift, Linda in the museum through the democratic MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON Connor, and Michael Kenna and Personas: medium of film. Color Portraits, 1979–1985, and she 34 35 DIRECTOR’S NOTE VALERIE WEINSTEIN Through a portrait of the Jewish Discussion Facilitator community in Mexico City, I try to Valerie Weinstein is Associate Professor establish a bridge of communication in the Department of Women’s, Gender, between generations that have different and Sexuality Studies and affiliate faculty points of view with respect to the same in German Studies, Judaic Studies, and subject. The story of Leona is a personal Film and Media Studies at the University reflection on my process of self- of Cincinnati. She is the author of knowledge and maturity. Antisemitism in Film Comedy in Nazi ISAAC CHEREM Germany (Indiana University Press, 2019), Director co-editor, with Barbara Hales and Mihaela Isaac Cherem graduated from Petrescu, of Continuity and Crisis in German Los Angeles Film School in Cinema 1928-1936 (Camden House, 2016) 2011. In 2015, he founded and co-editor, with Barbara Hales, of Fosforescente, a production company forthcoming volume Rethinking Jewishness focused solely on Mexican cinema. In in Weimar Cinema (Berghahn Books, 2016, he produced Two Times You. In 2018, 2020). Weinstein has authored articles and he shot his directorial debut, Leona, and book chapters on topics including gender, he is currently working on the production sexuality, and Jewishness in German film of the film King of the Party, directed by between the two world wars. Salomon Askenazi.
In Loving Memory MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 of Lucille “Twink” Carothers (1924 - 2018) …a longtime supporter of the JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON
36 37 SHORT FILM: THE OUTER CIRCLE 2017 ∙ Short Drama ∙ 13 minutes ∙ Arabic, English ∙ Adam Baroukh Midway through a gruelling Orthodox and direct his own work. Through conversion, Daniel and his fiancée Superplex he has directed hundreds of Katherine are eager to gain the blessing commercial films for some of the world’s of his intimidatingly large and loud Iraqi biggest brands and a number of award- Jewish family. At their annual Rosh winning short dramas. Hashanah feast, Katherine’s natural Adam works both in visual art and elegance and ‘English English’ heritage cinematic traditions. In 2015, he was immediately endears her to them, but it funded by the British Arts Council to soon becomes apparent that beneath the create the performance film The Silent warm and welcoming atmosphere, some Wild at the Bronte Parsonage, and The are not ready as others to accept her. Brush and The Sword - an audio-visual ADAM BAROUKH installation for the Shangri-La at the Shard. Director The same year, he produced his first written film Just Desserts, which played Adam Baroukh spent his at numerous BAFTA- and Oscar-qualifying formative years working as festivals internationally, was featured at a photographer and self- the 2015 BFI London Film Festival, and shooting short documentaries. In 2011, won the Discovery Award at London Adam co-founded Superplex Pictures as Comedy Festival and Best Comedy at Isle a platform from which to write, produce of Man Film Festival. The New: 1203 Sycamore The Original: 4381 Reading
The Delicious: Wispy Thin Pancakes Thank you to the Mayerson MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 JCC and the Film Festival Committee for another Serving Cincinnati since 1941! We are excited to great film festival! bring Sugar n’ Spice Diner to OTR/Pendleton in the Spring of 2020. Law Office of Follow @eatsugarnspice Paul H. Spitz LLC #snsducks #snsdiner “We help you start and run your business” MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON
38 39 FAMILY IN TRANSITION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 • 7:30PM • ESQUIRE THEATRE
2018 ∙ Documentary ∙ 70 minutes ∙ Hebrew ∙ Ofir Trainin winner best israeli film docaviv film SYNOPSIS most of all, it is a story festival 2018 The lives of a family in small-town Israel about a family that redefines the limits of change completely after their father recognition, acceptance, and love of those
announces that he’s transitioning to closest to us. become a woman. But one journey of SPECIAL FEATURE identity leads to another. This family Discussion led by Jessica Cicchinelli, story changes what we thought we knew Founder of Living With Change. about gender, parity, and parenthood. But A MAYERSON JCC FUNDRAISER
In partnership with Over-the-Rhine International Film THURSDAY, JUNE 11 Festival, organized by LADD, Inc. LOSANTIVILLE COUNTRY CLUB
FILM EXTRAS ADAMS GOLF TOURNAMENT | TENNIS | RAFFLE ABOUT THE FILM PARTICIPANTS my masculinity through my son and my femininity through my wife Gili, living in a AMIT TZUK, 44 YEAR-OLD WOMAN, CANASTA | MAHJONG | COURSE OF CATERERS masquerade ball, trying to be as masculine TRANSSEXUAL as possible, hiding, never being exposed. At the age of 42, I fulfilled my dream, REGISTER & PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS: The film Family in Transition is a delicate got out of my costume and became a
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON human document, a documentation of MAYERSONJCC.ORG/JCLASSIC full-time wife and mother. As long as I the most difficult process a person can 40 can remember, I lived in disguise, living experience, being reborn in the middle of A life of equality. I began to act on the for the most sensitive documentary, and transition that she gradually began to life into a brave family that overcomes any national and local level, giving lectures that you have allowed us to be swept into question who she really wanted to be. challenge and difficulty. throughout the country and turning your world and you equally swept into our During filming it became apparent that, thousands of people into colorful despite a wave of mainstream attention I managed to get through this process world. ambassadors of the community in the into the acceptance of the transgender thanks to my family – my flock, who DIRECTOR’S NOTE world. community, many traditional, more stood by me all the way, helping me over The main goal of Family In Transition is to conservative towns, like the one where and over again, giving me the strength GALIT TZUK, 43 YEARS OLD, MOTHER TO expose a unique family that can teach us the Tsuk family lives, are still less tolerant. to continue, to be born again, stronger, YUVAL, YARDAN, AGAM, AND PELEG all how to accept the differences in one By embracing the different, I hope we happier, fulfilled. My family who allowed I chose to be filmed in the documentary another. The Tsuk family breaks social can work towards creating a world where me to become better for me, for them. Family in Transition to promote awareness, conventions and helps change what we transgender people can live a normal life During the process I realized that I inclusion, and acceptance of members of thought we knew about gender, parity, and be accepted by their communities. must give my amazing community the the gay community in society. parenthood, and transgender issues. Most opportunity to live a better life in Israel. of all, this close-knit family re-expands the OFIR TRAININ From this I chose to publish the Director/Producer autobiographical travel diaries, Love in limits of recognition, acceptance, and the Ofir Trainin is an award- Trance and Now is My Turn, that I wrote love of those closest to us. While making winning director and following my husband, Amit’s decision the documentary, I was most surprised by scriptwriter. His films to become a transsexual woman. For the the story arc and transformation of Galit, include My Shabbat (2015) children of the transgender community in the wife and matriarch of the family. Galit produced by Prometheus and supported Israel, I published the book I Only Want to and Amit were married at a very young by Yes Docu, Appolonia (2015) produced Be Me. age, and she was immediately drawn into becoming a wife, mother and caregiver. by Micha Shagrir and supported by I would like to thank the director of the She seemingly lost much of herself in Channel 1 which premiered at the Haifa film Family in Transition, Ophir Trainin, the process. It was only following Amit's International Film Festival, Wandering Eyes
MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020
Schimberg Financial Group is proud to be a supporter of the Mayerson JCC and Jewish and Israeli Film Festival! MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON
42 43 (2010) supported by Keshet TV-Channel and acceptance through collaborative 2 and The New Israeli Foundation for relationships, LGBTQ+ specific trainings, Cinema & Television which won Best Film and intersectional educational/ Award at Docaviv Festival 2010 and was programmatic initiatives that center nominated for the Israeli Academy Awards around the holistic wellness of our 2010. community. JESSICA CICCHINELLI Founders Chris and Jessica Cicchinelli Speaker realized how necessary it was to start Living With Change after experiencing Living With Change (LWC) first-hand the uncertainty and adversity supports a commitment many parents of transgender children to fostering collaborative face. While seeking care and treatment for relationships on a local, oldest daughter LC, the couple recognized national, and global scale with particular many families didn’t have that same respect to sexual/romantic/emotional luxury—going without puberty-delaying attraction, and gender identities. LWC treatments and even being placed on is an inclusive non-profit that provides waitlists hundreds of patients long. Chris education, support, resources, and and Jessica hope the foundation will act advocacy for the LGBQ+ and Transgender as a stop gap for families with transgender community in the Greater Cincinnati area children in need of relevant medical care, and beyond. LWC facilitates LGBQ+ and Transgender visibility by promoting and transgender programs, and more. enhancing awareness, understanding, Performance without the drama!
When you or someone you know has a real estate need please call me.
You can count on my knowledge and MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 experience to get results without the Thank you to the JCC dramatics or suspense. Jewish & Israeli Film Festival Committee and the JCC Staff Mark Mayer 513.702.8219 for all you do producing this [email protected] wonderful Film Festival!
– Suzette & Michael Fisher I am proud to support the JCC’s Jewish & Israeli Film Festival. Mazel Tov! MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON
44 45 EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE!
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thrives, despite the challenges facing her Discussion led by Ronna Greff Schneider, 8485 Ridge Road MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 at home. As she proves her worth and her who is a Professor of Law at the University Cincinnati, OH 45236 professional fortunes rise, so do unwanted of Cincinnati College of Law and President 513.766.3398 advances from her older, high-powered of the Jewish Community Relations Council. Blue Ash Groesbeck FILM EXTRAS 9419 Kenwood Road 2475 W Galbraith Road Cincinnati, OH 45242 Cincinnati, OH 45239 DIRECTOR’S NOTE My first fiction film, Invisible (2011), is 513.792.0777 513.729.1798 directly about the trauma of rape. But in I started working on Working Woman in Working Woman, I wanted to make a film 2012. Like other women around me, I on the more grey areas of seuxal abuse. I heard stories of sexual harassment on a Call us today and we’ll get you started right away! collected stories from my life, my friends, daily basis, especially in the workplace. the internet and court cases. While each I was fascinated by the change I was incident differs in its details, they all see witnessing from the generation before usage of authority and power to coerce me in which society was blind to the Mazel Tov to the Film Festival women into sexual relations. phenomena, to my generation and the Committee on a great year! younger generations who seek a deep Working Woman is about the ways
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON change in the ways women and men in which the powerful at work can
46 relate sexually to each other. exploit and abuse their subordinates 47 and endanger their livelihood. More often than not, it is the woman who pays the economic, reputational, social, psychological and familial price. I tried in the film to understand the harsh consequences of sexual harassment on the victim and her entire context: her relationships with her husband and her children, and her ability to find work, set against the blindness of the abuser RONNA GREFF and the social environment. In the SCHNEIDER middle of shooting the film, the #MeToo Speaker movement came into being. I knew then Professor Schneider is an that the film will continue to serve as a expert in constitutional law, reminder that sexual harassment at work with a focus on the First is not unique to famous people. Amendment and education law. She is a frequent speaker and commentator MICHAL AVIAD on issues involving constitutional law, Co-Writer/Director education law, and educational policy An acclaimed and award- and is the author of the two-volume legal THE MAMBONIKS treatise, Education Law: First Amendment, winning documentary and SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 • 3PM • MAYERSON JCC narrative filmmaker, Michal Due Process and Discrimination Litigation Aviad was born in Jerusalem, Israel. She (Thomson Reuters), and its annual studied literature and philosophy at supplements (available in print and online 2019 ∙ Documentary ∙ 90 minutes ∙ English, Spanish ∙ Lex Gillespie Tel Aviv University, and began making in Westlaw). Professor Schneider is also SYNOPSIS SPECIAL FEATURE films in San Francisco in the 1980s. the co-editor of Education Law Stories In the 1950s, a group of free-spirited, Community introductory mambo class Since returning to Israel in 1991, she has (Foundation Press). She has published mostly Jewish dancers from New York led by Salsannati. continued to write, direct and produce law review articles and a book chapter on City fell in love with a sultry dance from
topics that include sexual harassment, Pre-event reception and tickets available films. Aviad is a senior faculty member MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 Cuba called the mambo, earning them at Tel Aviv University’s Tisch School of hate speech, and religion and schools. for Create Your Jewish Legacy and Jewish a nickname: the mamboniks. Set in New Cinema. Her critically acclaimed films Federation Silver Circle donors. Please Professor Schneider received her BA York, Miami Beach, the Catskills and include Acting Our Age (1987), Jenny and contact Reagan Kuhn, 513.985.1526, for from the University of Michigan and Havana, this little-known story reveals Jenny (1997), Invisible (2011), and Dimona information and to RSVP. her JD from Boston College. She is the power of music and dance to bring Twist (2016). an elected member of the American people together, bridging cultures and After many award-winning documentary Law Institute. She is also an affiliated communities. films, Michal Aviad’s first fiction Invisible faculty member of the University of won the Ecumenical Prize at the 2011 Cincinnati’s Department of Women’s, In partnership with Jewish Federation of Cincinnati – Silver Circle Gender and Sexuality Studies. Professor Berlin International Film Festival, Best Society and Create Your Jewish Legacy. Israeli Film and Best Actress at the 2011 Schneider has been actively involved Haifa Film Festival and the Grand Prize at in the Association of American Law the 2012 Creteil Women Film Festival in Schools Section on Law and Education, FILM EXTRAS Frances. Invisible was released theatrically having served as its Chairperson and as a in Israel and France, and was the MOMA member of its Executive Committee. DIRECTOR’S NOTE had been an aspiring mambo dancer: “I simply thought there was a story there: choice for a limited release in NYC. In an interview with the Edlavitch DCJCC, why did a nice Jewish grandmother from Working Woman is her second fiction film. director Lex Gillespie noted that he was New Haven, Connecticut want to learn the
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON inspired to make the film after his Jewish cha-cha-cha?” The challenge of the film wife mentioned that her grandmother 48 49 was found in trying to knit together the For the past 25 years, he’s produced different storylines and characters into a documentaries on music, history, culture, seamless whole, but the sheer joy captured and the arts. His credits include Let the in the film made it a pleasure to spend time Good Times Roll, a 26-hour history of JEWISH on. On the surface, the film is about the African-American music from the blues mambo, the dance craze that came from to Motown; Songs in the Wind, the story Cuba in the 1950s. It also sheds light on the of the indigenous music of the Andes COMMUNITY political relationship between the U.S. and Mountains; and Seoul House, about a hip- Cuba at that time. But at its heart it’s about hop opera set in a Korean mom-and-pop celebrating cultural diversity and building corner store in Washington, DC. NIGHT bridges between different cultures. at the Cincinnati Ballet LEX GILLESPIE Director Lex Gillespie is a three-time APR. 23, 7:30PM | BOLD MOVES Peabody Award winner and the shared AT THE ARONOFF CENTER FOR winner of a silver baton from the duPont- Columbia Journalism Awards at New THE PERFORMING ARTS York’s Columbia School of Journalism.
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APR CINCINNATI CELEBRATES 29
YOM 5PM HAATZMAUT MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY THANK YOU FREE with RSVP – RSVP required Silver Circle members and Create Your Jewish Legacy donors. Kids’ Festival: 5 - 7pm We invite you to be our guest at Tween Bedouin Tent Bash: 5:30 - 6:30pm The Mamboniks Courtyard Concert: 7pm
Sunday, February 23 | 3:00 p.m. | Mayerson JCC APR CINCINNATI REMEMBERS APR CINCINNATI HONORS Special reception preceding the film at 2:15 p.m. 19 YOM 27 YOM
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MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON 2 5 + S Questions? Call Reagan Kuhn, 513-985-1526 YE A R 50 51 WITNESS THEATER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 • 7:30PM UNION TERMINAL, REAKIRT AUDITORIUM
2018 ∙ Documentary ∙ 74 minutes ∙ English ∙ Oren Rudavsky
SYNOPSIS SPECIAL FEATURE MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 More than 70 years ago, Aron, Eazek, The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & and Claudine lost their entire families Humanity Center, in partnership with during the Holocaust before coming to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, have the U.S. and settling in New York City. been working with young people to help Now they are sharing their stories with them develop skills including creativity, high school students in a program led by critical thinking, problem solving, a drama therapist. The result is a story communication and collaboration. that imparts insights into the effect Readings from this collaboration will be of the past on multiple generations of performed after the screening. Jews, while also illustrating the power of transmitting experience from one generation to the next.
In partnership with Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON
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FILM EXTRAS CLOSING NIGHT DIRECTOR’S NOTE Humanities and National Endowment for the Arts grants. Rudavsky produced I was drawn into the orbit of Witness the NEH-funded American Masters Theater quite accidentally in 2015, when documentary Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the my wife heard that their friend Celia Ores People, broadcast in April 2019. The film was participating in a unique workshop was chosen to premiere at the Mill Valley of Holocaust survivors and high school Film Festival and at the Hot Springs students at the Heschel School in Documentary Festival. His films Colliding Manhattan, called Witness Theater. We Dreams, co-directed with Joseph Dorman, spoke to Celia about the experience and and The Ruins of Lifta, co-directed then, coincidentally, an acquaintance with Menachem Daum, were released told Rudavsky that she was a supporter theatrically in 2016. Colliding Dreams was of Witness Theater and would be excited broadcast on PBS in May 2018. to try to make a film about the workshop experience along with the Selfhelp community. What makes Witness Theater unique is both the close relationships that formed between the survivors and the students (many of which continue to this day), and the detailed, unique stories the survivors FIDDLER: A MIRACLE OF MIRACLES told. Witness Theater sheds light on the THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 • 7:30PM • 20TH CENTURY THEATER absolutely essential way that storytelling and listening keep history alive, and teach kids to be witnesses and storytellers 2019 ∙ Documentary ∙ 92 minutes ∙ English ∙ Max Lewkowicz themselves. This process is essential to all of us at a time when the last generation SYNOPSIS audiences worldwide see themselves in
is passing on. The film also speaks to the The origin story behind one of the residents of Anatevka. MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 connection between Holocaust survivors Broadway’s most beloved musicals, SPECIAL FEATURE and all communities and individuals who Fiddler on the Roof, has its creative Selfhelp Community Services is a Introduction about Fiddler on the Roof have experienced trauma. I hope that roots in early 1960s New York, when nonprofit organization in New York City led by Rabbi Kenneth Kanter, historian we can honor the experiences of people “tradition” was on the wane as gender that serves Holocaust survivors as they in the field of the Jewish contribution to whose lives are very different than our roles, sexuality, race relations and religion age in their homes and communities, American popular culture. Community own, so that their stories are not lost. were evolving. The tremendous success with independence and dignity. Selfhelp sing with music featured in Fiddler led by and worldwide impact of Fiddler and its OREN RUDAVSKY operates the oldest and largest program Rabbi Kanter, Cantor Alane Katzew, and subsequent film adaptation is revealed Director/Producer serving Holocaust survivors in North Matthew Umphreys, piano. in interviews with industry stars and America, caring for over 4,500 individuals. Oren Rudavsky is international productions, detailing how Valet parking available. the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, and several National Endowment for the MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON
54 55 FILM EXTRAS
DIRECTOR’S NOTE MAX LEWKOWICZ Fiddler is the first in-depth documentary Writer/Producer/Director film that chronicles the life and themes Max Lewkowicz, founder of this iconic offering of American and owner of Dog culture. The goal of our documentary is Green Productions, has to understand why the story of Tevye written, directed, and is reborn again and again as beloved produced hundreds of productions for entertainment and a cultural touchstone network and public television, museums, the world over. and multinational organizations in a Opening in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof career that has spanned over 25 years. held the record for the longest-running Lewkowicz’s documentary works include musical for almost 10 years, won nine award-winning films about the mercury Tony Awards, and spawned five Broadway pollution afflicting Native American tribes revivals. The show is still performed in Northern Canada, the Dance Theater more than any other show, from middle of Harlem, the generational cycles of Visionary schools in inner cities to high schools in poverty in America’s inner cities, Nelson rural America, around the world from Mandela’s struggle against Apartheid in grand state theaters in Japan and Vienna South Africa, as well as Across the Bridge, You can help build a bright, beautiful to Johannesburg and Mexico City. And a documentary about the American future for the land & people of Israel. yet, Fiddler on The Roof seems an unlikely Military Doctrine in Germany during the work to have captured the imagination Cold War and Ours to Fight For, which tells Get involved. of so many people. It was the first major the stories of American GIs in World War II. musical on the American stage to feature In addition, Lewkowicz has written, not one American character, and it tells of produced and directed museum Join Us. the trials and tribulations of a venerated exhibition films and interactive Eric Goldstein, Executive Director, Ohio Valley, Jewish milkman named Tevye, trying to presentations domestically and [email protected], 513.794.1300
eke out a living in a small Jewish shtetl in internationally. His works include the MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 the Pale of Settlement in Czarist Russia. media for the core exhibits of Normandy The show appeared on the cultural American Cemetery Visitor Center and Save the Date landscape at a time when America the Pointe du Hoc Visitor Center, The was still mourning for JFK, when the Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Vietnam War was beginning to haunt Memorial to the Holocaust in New York, the American psyche, and America and The South Africa Heritage Museum in the rest of the world were on the verge Cape Town, and the Montreal Memorial of a massive counter-cultural revolution. Holocaust Center. Lewkowicz’s writing May 5, 2020 ∙ 7:30 – 9:00 am Amidst all of this change, a new type of and directorial expertise has won critical The Mayerson JCC music – rock and roll – was gathering acclaim and numerous awards, including FEATURING: Matti Friedman, Author and Journalist steam. And yet Fiddler on the Roof the Silver Screen Award at the U.S. opened to massive audiences, with tickets International Film and Video Festival, the as hard to obtain as Hamilton tickets are grand prize of The Chicago International today. And it has remained beloved and Film Festival, and the 2003 Award of relevant to this day. Excellence from the National Association of Museum Exhibitions. His film
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON Morgenthau, shown on public television, won an Emmy in 2015. Lewkowicz’s 56 57 latest film, Underfire: The Untold Story of CANTOR Judaism, community service, and social ensemble All of the Above in December PFC. Tony Vaccaro premiered on HBO in ALANE KATZEW justice. 2017, and the ensemble is releasing their November 2016. Lewkowicz is a graduate first album later this year through Ablaze Musical Lead MATTHEW UMPHREYS of McGill University and has a Master’s Records. Cantor Alane S. Katzew is Pianist Degree in Communications from New the Director of Pastoral Matthew graduated from the University York University. Cincinnati-based at Cedar Village Care and Community, of Cincinnati College-Conservatory collaborative pianist and RABBI KENNETH where she serves as the spiritual leader of Music with his Master’s degree in vocal coach Matthew KANTER of the Abrahamson-Goldman Temple, as Collaborative Piano in 2014. He joined Umphreys specializes in opera, chamber Speaker well as a Board Certified Chaplain to all the music faculty at Xavier University in music, and musical theater. Matthew residents of Cedar Village. Cantor Katzew 2016 and currently serves as Director of Kenneth A. Kanter is works as a coach, pianist, and music is a mentor to Hebrew Union College Music at Columbia Baptist and Linwood Rabbinic Director of director with organizations such as Rabbinic students who serve Cedar Baptist Churches in Cincinnati. Matthew Roots of Reform Judaism, Cincinnati Opera, concert:nova, RokCincy, Village through its Jewish Foundation is a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa and formerly called the Society The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, and Fellowship program. Cantor Katzew also received his undergraduate degree for Classical Reform the Schmidt Vocal Institute. He also is the serves as liaison for Cedar Village to the in Piano Performance and Business Judaism, an organization encouraging co-artistic director of Queen City Cabaret, Jewish Home for the Aged (formerly Management in 2011 from Luther the historical, liturgical and social justice a new jazz and theatrical cabaret concert known as Cedar Village), linking the two College in Decorah, Iowa. heritage of Reform Judaism. For the series celebrating the rich past, present, organizations in the present day. past 15 years, he served as a faculty and future of the Cincinnati music scene. member, Associate Dean, and Director Introduced in 2015, the Music and Matthew made his Carnegie Hall debut of the Rabbinical School at the Cincinnati Memory program at Cedar Village serves with the contemporary music chamber campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish as a nexus of music and elder care for Institute of Religion. Cantor Katzew. Born in Chicago, Rabbi Kanter received In addition to her professional his B.A. degree in Jewish and American contributions at Cedar Village, Cantor History from Harvard University; his Katzew volunteers on the organizing M.A.H.L. degree from Hebrew Union committee for the Mayerson JCC Jewish College; was ordained in 1980, and was & Israeli Film Festival, and with the awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity American Jewish Committee, Simon
from HUC-JIR in May 2005. In June 2005, Lazarus Awards program. Cinema + Candy + Community = MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 Rabbi Kanter concluded 13 years as Cantor Katzew moved to Cincinnati in One Sweet Film Festival! Founding Rabbi of Congregation Micah 2012 with her husband after working a of Nashville, Tennessee. decade at the Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Kanter served for 10 years as Rabbi as its Director of Music Programming. A huge thank you to the Film of Chattanooga’s Mizpah Congregation. Ordained at the Hebrew Union College, Previously, he served as Assistant Jewish Institute for Religion, New York Festival Committee, sponsors, Rabbi at Congregation Ohabai Sholom in 1981, she has been a pioneer among in Nashville, and as Jewish Chaplain women Cantors. The first female to and the J staff. Well done all - and Adjunct Professor at Vanderbilt serve as cantor in the State of Israel and University. Kanter is an internationally on the faculty at the Jerusalem campus Congratulations known lecturer and author of books, of HUC, she has witnessed first-hand journals, and articles focusing on the the historic transformation of modern Jewish contribution to American popular Judaism during her nearly four decades music from the 1840s to the 1940s. as a Cantor. During her career, she has – Marty & Sally Hiudt Kanter is married to Dr. Toni Schklar proudly introduced seniors, adults, and Kanter, PhD. They have three children young people to Jewish sacred music MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON and two grandchildren. as part of her lifelong commitment to 58 59 PARKING AND VENUE INFORMATION MAYERSON JCC MARIEMONT THEATRE 8485 Ridge Road 6906 Wooster Pike Cincinnati, Ohio 45236 Cincinnati, Ohio 45227 Parking is available in front of the facility. There is a small lot in front of the building. Accessible parking is indicated in the front Additional parking is located behind the and side of the building. theatre. Parking is available across the street in the Comey & Shepherd Realtors lot Cohen Recycling is KENWOOD THEATRE after 5pm, courtesy of Comey & Shepherd 7815 Kenwood Road Realtors. proud to support Cincinnati, Ohio 45236 CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM, There is a parking lot in front of the theater. Additional parking is located FATH AUDITORIUM the Mayerson JCC beneath the building in the structure 953 Eden Park Drive which is accessible through the entrance Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Jewish & Israeli on the side of the building. More parking is Complimentary parking is available in the available across the street in the Kenwood Museum lots. Please use the east parking Towne Center lot. lot, just around the building from the main Film Festival. visitor parking lot and entrance, and enter ESQUIRE THEATRE through the DeWitt Entrance for closest 320 Ludlow Avenue access to the Fath Auditorium. Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 On-street parking is available on or near UNION TERMINAL, Ludlow Avenue. The Esquire validates REAKIRT AUDITORIUM tickets for moviegoers for two hours of 1301 Western Avenue parking in the “Merchant Lot” on Howell, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203 located one block from Ludlow Avenue (side street off Clifton Avenue -- behind Parking at Union Terminal is $4 (per Mazel Tov to the Clifton Market). Howell Avenue is parallel vehicle) after 4:30pm and free for Museum to Ludlow Avenue. Members. The JCC will be running a shuttle
bus between the parking lots and front JCC Jewish & Israeli Film FESTIVAL FILM JEWISH & ISRAELI 2019 SKIRBALL MUSEUM, MAYERSON entrance of Union Terminal before and after the event. Festival committee on a HALL - HUC-JIR CAMPUS 3101 Clifton Avenue 20TH CENTURY THEATER job well done! Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 3021 Madison Road On-campus parking available across from Cincinnati, Ohio 45209 and behind Mayerson Hall; in the circle and There is nearby street parking. lot in front of Herman Learning; and behind – Marc & Evelyn Fisher Valet parking will be available. Sisterhood Building and Klau Library.
For more information, please email
60 [email protected] or call 513.722.7258. 61
screening movies for the Festival is both PAUL SPITZ an honor and a pleasure. The honor is MEET THE COMMITTEE I enjoy serving on the Film Festival serving as a volunteer member on the committee because I love movies and committee; the pleasure is experiencing going to the movies. The committee and history of the Jewish people, and am the broad variety of films, refreshing my STACEY SCHIMBERG – CHAIR gives me a chance to see movies before extremely grateful for this opportunity Hebrew language skills, contributing to I have loved being a part of the the general community, and to have a say and experience. our Jewish community, and engaging in which ones are included in the festival. committee for the past six seasons with the many terrific people I have met because I enjoy gathering community ALISON CALLER while volunteering. TERRY STRANSKY members together to experience With a background in social work amazing aspects of Jewish and Israeli AMY KLEIN This is my second year on the Film and writing, I find being on the Film culture and history. My favorite Festival committee. I joined after having committee to be incredibly interesting I am an OT at Cincinnati Children’s Festival memory is when we gathered been to several previous Festivals, and educational. As supporters of the Hospital and am passionate about for Opening Night several years ago and really enjoying the movies. As JCC and many other Jewish agencies, helping kids (and their families) with and showed Remember, the gripping a completely areligious Jew, I was our family is happy to do our part in eating challenges. In addition to watching Holocaust-related drama starring fascinated by the unusual, sometimes sponsoring this successful Film Festival. films, I enjoy spending my free time Christopher Plummer. You could cut the off-beat, ways in which films portrayed My favorite film in the 2020 Festival is hanging out with my dad, Jerry, and dog, suspense in the room with a knife and it Jewish culture, religion, politics Witness Theater, because the relationship Rover. was an all-around great night! and Israel. Although a geologist by between the Holocaust survivors and the SARAH KLEYMEYER profession, I minored in political science students is so touching and genuine. MARCIE BACHRACH in college, with a special interest in the This Film Festival season, I am most Middle East and Russia, so the films we My most memorable Film Festival SYDNEY FINE looking forward to the night of short experience is about to happen! I am very review are right up my alley. I enjoy being on the Film Festival films. While feature-length films can excited about our night of short films. This Committee because I believe that film take you on a winding journey, shorts DAVID WISH is the first time that we are offering five has the power to educate, entertain, and by nature “pack a punch” and get you to short films in one evening. Please join me In the 2020 Festival, I love the film The bring people together. As a committee the end of that journey faster. Bringing for an evening of shorts on February 6! Passengers because it explores an issue I member, I hope to ensure that there is a night of short films to our festival is had no idea existed and is very relevant diversity across the films so that there is new and exciting. I hope all our Film LAUREN MCGILL in today’s environment. I joined the something that everyone can relate to, Festival supporters come to support
My favorite film playing this Festival is committee because I have always loved but also something that can widen or this unique evening, featuring a panel MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 The Mamboniks. As a lover of dancing watching films and discussing content. shift perspectives. of our committee members who will Being a member of the committee gives and music, this documentary hits all the be discussing favorites and why they me exposure to many films I would right notes between historical narrative, ANDREW D. HELDMAN advocated for short films. epic characters, and some older gents never have considered previously. My I’m a life-long film buff who loves and gals with some smooth moves! If you LIAT MAGGID ALON favorite memory is Opening Night last critiquing films and the committee want to see a movie that will make you year. Seeing so many people show up discussions. I’m especially interested in I particularly liked two movies this want to get up and dance, this is for you! for and enjoy an event we spent so films that enlighten and educate, and year: The Unorthodox is an Israeli movie much time planning felt like a great films that you just won’t see other places. depicting the rise of Shas, the Mizrahi LAUREN BOWEN accomplishment. Israeli films have really come a long way ultraorthodox party, to political power. I I feel very privileged and blessed to be in a very short period of time, and it’s loved the way the movie was filmed, the a part of the Mayerson JCC Jewish & been great being a part of the committee costumes and setting. It is an extremely Israeli Film Festival Committee because and considering some really wonderful Israeli movie that explains an important of the wonderful people I have gotten filmmaking. moment in Israeli political history. Those to know. As a member of the Cincinnati Who Remained is a unique Holocaust chapter of Christians United for Israel, I CANTOR ALANE KATZEW movie, providing a perspective we have cherish opportunities to celebrate Israel Blockbuster movies are fine, but I prefer not often been offered – that of those as well as Jewish culture. I am passionate the artsy and thought-provoking style who remained alive and behind the Iron MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON about causes that honor the heritage of film. Spending my leisure time pre- Curtain. 62 63 THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS! As of January 1, 2020. For most recent listing of sponsors, please visit MayersonJCC.org
PRESENTING SPONSOR FRIENDS
Anonymous Lois & Jeffrey Gushin Debbie Friedman & Joe Segal Karen & Fred Abel David C. Harris Spitz Law Firm Amy Schur & Steve Albert Andrew D. & Donna Heldman Dan Kanter & Mary Suton Dabby Blatt Rabbi Shena & Brian Jaffee Tara & Ross Vigran Marci & Gary Blachman Mark & Marcy Kanter Julie Glazer Weisser Darryl Dick – Medicare Marvin & Gerry Kraus Debbie & Dick Westheimer Health Insurance DIRECTORS Rini & Ernesto Levy Jay Moskovitz & Jeanne Claire & Alan Eichner Lisa & Jonathan Mezibov Weiland In Memory of Diana & Henry Fenichel Ronna & Jim Willis Michael & Suzette Fisher Sonia Milrod Lucille K. Carothers Shelly Gerson Diane Oestreicher Ken Heldman & Felicia Zakem Proudly Supports the Miriam & Wilbur Cohen Marty & Sally Hiudt Karen & Richard Goodman Martha & Lee Schimberg
Evelyn & Marc Fisher Dan & Jayna Schimberg 2019 JCC
Stacey &Film David Festival Schimberg We are excited to celebrate the 30th year of the Jewish & Israeli Film Festival! CONSIDER SPONSORING SCREENWRITERS E N E R G Y PA S S I O N C R E A T IVI T Y www.katzteller.com Jon & Gina Blatt Idit & Jon Isaacsohn Terri & Walter513.721.4532 Solomon THE MAYERSON JCC JEWISH
Baird - Yasgur, Adams & Sams Scott & Patricia Joseph THIS IS A NJoEllen A DV ERT ISEMEN T & Morton Spitz Group Mandell-Brown Jen & John Stein & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL! Bret & Alison Caller Plastic Surgery Center Sherri & Adam Symson Your sponsorship ensures that high-quality filmed Comey & Shepherd Realtors Edward & Nina Paul Buzz & Lois Widlansky Jean E. Feinberg Nancy & John Silverman stories, reflecting the diversity and vitality of Jewish life, Beth & Louis Guttman Abby & David Schwartz will continue to be produced, screened and enjoyed for generations to come. Your brand will be aligned with a strong festival featuring sold-out films across the city. The ACTORS Mayerson JCC is a 501(c)3 organization and contributions Marcie & Nathan Bachrach Oscar & Cindy Jarnicki Craig & Anna Sarembock are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Andrew & Linda Berger Arlene & Bill Katz Kate & Stuart Solomon Jennifer & Eric Dauer Amy Klein Rachel & Steven Schild Contact us at [email protected] or Roanete Naamani & Edward Rick Michelman & Sarah Weiss & Todd Schild 513.761.7500 x1293 to learn more about Goldman Karen Meyer Waldman & Co CPAs
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON sponsorship opportunities! Lara & Ronnen Isakov Cynthia & Bob Rosen 64
PARTNERS TICKET PRICES Adat: The Young Professional Jerusalem Film Workshop NextGen@Wise Temple Community of Adath Israel Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Over-the-Rhine International AgeWell Cincinnati Cincinnati – Guardians and Film Festival, organized by LADD, Camp Livingston Friends Inc Festival Pass Purchase tickets early! Tickets tend to Cedar Village Care & Community Jewish Community Relations RUACH: Rockdale’s Young Limited passes available! sell out. Council Professional Community Admission to all screenings, including Cincinnati Art Museum Check-in at the registration table for Pre- Jewish Federation of Cincinnati – Shomrei Olam: Jewish opening and closing events. Cincinnati Hillel Sale Tickets will begin 20 minutes before Silver Circle Society and Environmental Advocates of Non-Transferable Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Create Your Jewish Legacy Cincinnati event. A queue for Tickets at the Door Garden J Member: $140 | Public: $170 The JTeam Topicz will begin 20 minutes before event. Hebrew Union College-Jewish JVS Career Services Young Adult Division – Institute of Religion Individual Tickets We strive to host inclusive, accessible Mayerson JCC’s 20s & 30s Jewish Federation of Cincinnati Skirball Museum PRE-SALE: events that enable all individuals, Moishe House Cincinnati J Member: $10 | Public: $12 Israel Center – including individuals with disabilities, Jewish Federation of Cincinnati The Nancy & David Wolf Tickets at the Door: $16 to engage fully. To request an Holocaust & Humanity Center Opening Event Tickets accommodation or for inquiries FILM FESTIVAL COMMITTEE PRE-SALE: about accessibility, please contact J Member: $32 | Public: $34 [email protected]. Stacey Schimberg – Chair Sydney Fine Liat Maggid Alon Tickets at the Door: $38 The Mayerson JCC offers need-based Marcie Bachrach Andrew D. Heldman Roanete Naamani Closing Event Tickets financial assistance in an effort to make Lauren McGill Cantor Alane Katzew Paul Spitz PRE-SALE: JCC programming accessible. Contact Lauren Bowen Amy Klein Terry Stransky J Member: $18 | Public: $20 [email protected] to Alison Caller Sarah Kleymeyer David Wish Tickets at the Door: $24 apply.
This year’s Film Festival speakers are supported by: Roslyn W. and Jule Gildenblatt Memorial Endowment “as a living legacy to their commitment to
the Jewish community and to the heritage of pluralistic Jewish study.” THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL MAYERSON FESTIVAL FILM JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI 2020 ARTS & IDEAS SPONSORS Strengthening Jewish Cincinnati As of January 1, 2020 The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. - U.S.Bank Foundation JCC STAFF CREDITS: Susan S. Friedlander FRANCES KAHAN LIZ ANDERSON Film Festival Director Graphic Design & Art Direction The Rockwern Charitable Foundation RICK LEFTON KATIE MAURER Director of Development Content Specialist (Social Media & PR) Jen & John Stein ILANA NADEL KARLI WOOD Contact us at [email protected] or 513.761.7500 Operations Associate Project Manager x1293 to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020 2020 JEWISH & ISRAELI JCC FILM FESTIVAL MAYERSON ASHLEY STOKAR Director of Marketing 66 67 2020 FILM FESTIVAL CALENDAR SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
JAN JAN JAN 23 24 25 OPENING NIGHT The Unorthodox 7:30pm Mayerson JCC
JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB 26 27 28 29 30 31 1
Picture of Those Who His Life Remained 7:30pm 7:30pm Kenwood Theatre Esquire Theatre
FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
The Spy The Behind Passengers Night of Home Plate 7:30pm Short Films 7:30pm Mariemont 7:30pm HUC-JIR Theatre Esquire Theatre
FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Love in Suspenders Aulcie Leona 3pm 7:30pm 7:30pm Kenwood Mariemont Cincinnati Theatre Theatre Art Museum
FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Working Family in Woman Transition 7:30pm 7:30pm Mariemont Esquire Theatre Theatre
FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB CLOSING 23 24 25 26 27 NIGHT Fiddler: The Witness A Miracle Mamboniks Theater of Miracles 3pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 20th Century Mayerson JCC Union Terminal Reakirt Auditorium Theater BUY TICKETS & WATCH TRAILERS MAYERSONJCC.ORG