BOSTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
31st ANNUAL FESTIVAL November 6-17, 2019 / bostonjfilm.org
OPENING NIGHT
SAFE SPACES WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 6 7:00 PM Josh (Justin Long, Dodgeball) has a lot going Coolidge Corner Theatre on. His job as an adjunct writing professor is being threatened after a student accused him of being inappropriate in class. His beloved Director Daniel Schechter grandmother (Lynn Cohen) is in the hospital, Narrative, 2019, USA, 93 min meaning his divorced parents (Fran Drescher, English The Nanny, and Richard Schiff, The West Wing) Boston Premiere and siblings (including Kate Berlant, Sorry to Bother You) need to all come together. This candid and often-humorous take on how we Join us for a Passholder Party deal with modern crises, both unexpected and at Osaka Restaurant following self-inflicted, is a testament to the importance the screening. of family—no matter how dysfunctional.
Followed by a conversation with Actor Justin Long and Director Daniel Schechter
1 MIDFEST
WEDNESDAY FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM NOVEMBER 13 7:00 PM The remarkable life of famous human Coolidge Corner Theatre rights activist, Natan Sharansky. In 1977, Sharansky was charged with spying Director Arkady Kogan for America, treason, and anti-Soviet Documentary, 2019, Israel agitation and was sentenced to 13 84 min, Russian with subtitles years of forced labor. No single person New England Premiere symbolizes the era more than he, a “Refusenik” who defied the entire Soviet system in his fight for freedom and national identification. After spending years in prison, he ultimately prevailed, paving the way for all of Soviet Jewry.
Followed by a conversation with writer Rachel Sharansky Danziger, Natan Sharansky’s daughter, and writer William Novak.
Sponsored by Alan Metzer
2 SPOTLIGHT SCREENING
PICTURE OF HIS LIFE SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16 7:30 PM To photograph some of the most fearsome creatures on Earth, Amos New England Aquarium Nachoum has gone face to face with anacondas, giant leopard seals, great Directors Dani Menkin white sharks, orcas, and crocodiles. But and Yonatan Nir at age 65, Nachoum, one of the greatest Documentary, 2019, underwater photographers of all time, Israel/Canada/USA, 71 min is about to face his ultimate challenge: English, Hebrew, and Inuktitut photographing a polar bear, up close, with subtitles without any protection. As he prepares Massachusetts Premiere for his biggest mission in the Canadian Arctic, Nachoum faces past traumas in an intimate story of dedication, sacrifice, and personal redemption.
Followed by a conversation with Director Dani Menkin.
Co-Presented with
3 CLOSING NIGHT
THE RABBI GOES WEST SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17 7:00 PM When Rabbi Chaim Bruk moved from Brooklyn Somerville Theatre to Bozeman, Montana, he left a large Chabad Hasidic community. In all of Montana there are just 2,000 Jewish families—and Rabbi Directors Amy Geller Chaim is determined to put a mezuzah on and Gerald Peary each of their doorposts. While Rabbi Chaim Documentary, 2019, builds his community, becoming beloved by USA, 78 min his congregants, some of the state’s Jews English believe his outreach activities pose a risk to their New England Premiere denominations of Judaism. At the same time, the threat of anti-Semitism, including possible attacks from neo-Nazis, looms.
Followed by a conversation with Protagonist Rabbi Chaim Bruk and Directors Amy Geller and Gerald Peary.
4 TLV TV BINGE EYE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
TV today rivals movies in both content and quality and Israeli In a world faced with a changing television is setting the standard climate, filmmakers are shining light across the world. Join us as we take on some of the issues most pressing two popular new Israeli TV shows to our planet. Join us for three films off the small screen and onto the that focus on our environment. big screen. Spend all afternoon binging or come for just one show. PICTURE OF HIS LIFE Amos Nachoum has photographed Shows Include: some of the most fearsome creatures on Earth. But he is about AUTONOMIES to face his ultimate challenge: Full Series photographing a polar bear, up From the creator of Shtisel, a close, in its’ endangered habitat. dystopian thriller set after a brutal civil war that left Israel divided with Saturday, November 16, 7:30 pm Tel Aviv as its secular capital and New England Aquarium Jerusalem as an Orthodox “Haredi Sunday, November 17, 11:30 am Autonomy.” Museum of Fine Arts (Alfond Auditorium) 11:30 am For more information, see page 19 For more information, see page 9 SUSTAINABLE NATION TLV TV: MUNA Three remarkable Israelis use Season 1, Ep 1-3 innovative solutions to do their This new show by actress/musician part in bringing clean water to an Mira Awad, follows Muna, an Israeli- increasingly thirsty planet. Arab photographer living in Tel Aviv. Sunday, November 10, 7 pm JCC Reimer-Goldstein Theater 4 pm For more information, see page 22 For more information, see page 17
Muna will be followed by a THERE ARE NO LIONS IN TEL AVIV The story of Rabbi Doolittle, and conversation with Producer how the Tel Aviv zoo he created Mira Awad. became something other than an EVENT TIME idealistic paradise over time. Sunday, November 17, 11:30 am Sunday, November 17, 12:30 pm Brattle Theatre West Newton Cinema For more information, see page 23
5 9TH ANNUAL FRESHFLIX OFFSPRING SHORT FILM COMPETITION Directors Dana Keidar-Levin and Shirly Sasson-Ezer Narrative, 2019, Israel, 19 min Join us for a celebration of new voices in Jewish film with a screening TRAVELOGUE TEL AVIV of eight short films from around the Director Samuel Patthey world, followed by a conversation with Narrative, 2017, Switzerland, 6 min filmmakers! For more information about the films, visit bostonjfilm.org. EVENT TIME Thursday, November 7, 7 pm THE BRIS OF MICHAEL The Center for Arts at the Armory, MOSHE SOLOMON Somerville Director Coral Amiga Narrative, 2019, UK, 11 min Join other young professionals for THE CHEESEBURGER more great films and special events: Director Hillary Nussbaum Narrative, 2018, USA, 5 min TLV TV Binge (page 5)
THE DAMNED (page 10) EDEK Director Malcolm Green FLAWLESS (page 11) Documentary, 2018, UK, 6 min LATTER DAY JEW (page 15) FIVE YEARS AFTER THE WAR Directors Samuel Albaric, Ulysse MS. STERN (page 17) Lefort, and Martin Wiklund MY POLISH HONEYMOON (page 18) Documentary, 2018, France, 17 min SAFE SPACES (page 20) I’M FROM THE JEWS Director Niv Hachlili STANDING UP, FALLING DOWN Narrative, 2017, Israel, 17 min (page 21)
THE MASTER OF YORK Director Kieron Quirke Narrative, 2018, UK, 15 min
6 SHORT FILM PROGRAM: LAST CLASS IN BAGHDAD BEYOND EXPECTATIONS Director David Langer Documentary, 2017, UK, 17 min
Join us for a series of international The last graduating class of the last short films about the surprises and Jewish school in Iraq come together triumphs that can happen at any point for a reunion, decades after fleeing in life’s journey. the country.
BUTTERFLIES SENSEI FRAN KICKS ASS Director Yona Rozenkier Director Simone Fary Narrative, 2019, Israel/France, 8 min Documentary, USA, 2019, 20 min
A son picks his father up from his Fran Vall travelled the world. Now an kibbutz and takes him on a ride octogenarian, she’s become a master through the countryside. teacher of Judo and Japanese sword fighting. GEFILTE Director Rachel Fleit THE STARFISH Documentary, 2018, USA, 11 min Director Tyler Gildin Documentary, USA, 2019, 40 min When the Hermelin family comes together for Passover, the main star When Herb Gildin’s wife and kids learn is the gefilte fish, prepared using the that he was sent to Sweden to escape family recipe. Nazi persecution, they arrange a reunion with the family who saved him I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU 60 years earlier. Director Matan Rochlitz Documentary, 2018, Israel/Italy/UK, SCREENING TIME: 14 min Sunday, November 10, 1 pm Bright Family Screening Room As a child Klara had to make the unfathomable decision to leave her father. Decades later, she receives a message from him. ALSO DON’T MISS... THE FIDDLE (page 23) Screening with Tevye’s Daughters
BEAR WITH ME (page 23) Screening with There Are No Lions in Tel Aviv
7 #FEMALE ADVOCATE PLEASURE
Director Barbara Miller Director Phillipe Bellaïche and Documentary, 2018, Germany/ Rachel Leah Jones Switzerland, 97 min Documentary, 2019, Canada/Israel/ English, French, German, and Switzerland, 108 min Japanese with subtitles Arabic, English, and Hebrew New England Premiere with subtitles Boston Premiere Five extraordinary women from vastly different cultures (an ex- An original, provocative film that Hasidic Jew from Brooklyn, a challenges audiences to consider Somali-British anti-FGM activist, a their own limits when thinking about Japanese manga artist, a German justice. For nearly 50 years, ex-nun, and an Indian sex educator Lea Tsemel, a human rights working to promote love marriages) defender, has represented political are all confronting the way culture prisoners—from non-violent and religion shape women’s demonstrators to armed militants. relationships to sex and pleasure. In the film, two of her cases are Through conversation, education, masterfully juxtaposed: one purely and art, these women aim to professional, the defense of a minor shift the power balance that has accused of attempted murder, and disenfranchised them and regain the other personal, the defense of control of their own bodies. her activist husband against an accusation of treason. Followed by a conversation. Followed by a conversation. SCREENING TIMES Sunday, November 10, 7 pm SCREENING TIME Bright Family Screening Room Monday, November 11, 7 pm Coolidge Corner Theatre Sunday, November 17, 2:30 pm
Museum of Fine Arts (Alfond Auditorium)
8 TLV TV: AUTONOMIES CAUSE OF DEATH
Director Yehonatan Indursky Director Ramy Katz and Ori Elon Documentary, 2018, Israel, 79 min Narrative, 2018, Israel, 209 min Hebrew and Arabic with subtitles Hebrew and Yiddish with subtitles New England Premiere Massachusetts Premiere On the night of March 5, 2002, From the creator of Shtisel Druze policeman Salim Barakat (BJFF2016), a dystopian thriller responded to a call about a shooter set after a brutal civil war that opening fire on civilians at a Tel Aviv left Israel divided with Tel Aviv as restaurant. He died that night, a its secular capital and Jerusalem hero murdered by a terrorist. Soon as an Orthodox “Haredi Autonomy.” after, Salim’s brother, Jamal, began When a custody battle breaks to hear accounts that conflicted with out around the granddaughter the official report. Cause of Death of The Rebbe of Kreinitz (Shuli follows Jamal’s investigative journey Rand, Ushpizin, BJFF2005), peace to uncover the facts surrounding between the two regions is put his brother’s death, an experience in jeopardy. For Broide, a wheeler- that exposes uncomfortable truths dealer in the Autonomy who about the position of the Druze smuggles contraband between minority in Israel. the two regions, a job kidnapping the little girl throws his own life Followed by a conversation with into disarray. Director Ramy Katz.
SCREENING TIME SCREENING TIME Sunday, November 17, 11:30 am Friday, November 8, 12 pm Brattle Theatre Coolidge Corner Theatre Saturday, November 9, 6:30 pm Brattle Theatre
9 DOLCE FINE THE DAMNED GIORNATA
Director Evgeny Ruman Director Jacek Borcuch Narrative, 2019, Israel, 81 min Narrative, 2019, Poland, 96 min Hebrew and Arabic with subtitles Italian, Polish, and French USA Premiere with subtitles Boston Premiere In the newest film by Evegny Ruman (The Man in the Wall, BJFF2015), Maria Linde, a Jewish-Polish Nobel three Israeli soldiers are sent on a Prize winner, lives a bohemian, mission to navigate a desert. The free-spirited life in her Tuscan villa. routine exercise takes place near an A loving mother and grandmother, evacuated Bedouin village, rumored she also fosters a secret flirtation to have been cursed. When with a much younger Egyptian unexplained events begin to take man. After a terrorist attack in place around them, the soldiers’ Rome, Maria refuses to share her journey becomes darker and neighbors’ hysterical fear and anti- more disturbing as the expansive immigrant sentiments. Instead, desert becomes increasingly she very publicly decries Europe’s claustrophobic. eroding democracy, but she is not prepared for the consequences of SCREENING TIME her attitude and comments. Thursday, November 14, 9 pm Coolidge Corner Theatre SCREENING TIME Thursday, November 7, 7:30 pm Museum of Fine Arts (Remis Auditorium)
Saturday, November 9, 9:15 pm Brattle Theatre
10 FIG TREE FLAWLESS
Director Aäläm-Wärque Davidian Directors Tal Granit and Sharon Narrative, 2018, Ethiopia/France/ Maymon Germany/Israel, 93 min Narrative, 2018, Israel, 97 min Amharic with subtitles Hebrew with subtitles Massachusetts Premiere Massachusetts Premiere
It’s 1989, and the Ethiopian Civil Eden, a trans high schooler, War has been taking place for all discovers that her two best—and of Mina’s 16 years. Her family plans only—friends are secretly planning to leave Addis Ababa for Israel, but to sell their kidneys to pay for Mina can’t fathom leaving behind cosmetic surgery and dresses for the person she loves most: Eli, her prom. Though dubious at first, Christian boyfriend, who lives in the Eden decides that joining them woods to evade being conscripted may be the answer to her prayers. to the army. Mina hatches a scheme But when their plans go awry, the to save him, but everyone and girls are confronted by their own everything seems set against her. prejudices and find themselves Based on the filmmaker’s memories on a journey of self-discovery that of growing up in war-torn Ethiopia, shapes the self-conscious high- Fig Tree is a focused view of the schoolers into adults. impact of civil war on the lives of ordinary people. SCREENING TIMES Saturday, November 9, 6:30 pm SCREENING TIME Bright Family Screening Room Sunday, November 10, 1 pm West Newton Cinema Saturday, November 16, 9 pm Brattle Theatre Wednesday, November 13, 7:30 pm Museum of Fine Arts (Alfond Auditorium)
11 9th ANNUAL FRESHFLIX FROM SLAVERY SHORT FILM COMPETITION TO FREEDOM
THE BRIS OF MICHAEL Director Arkady Kogan MOSHE SOLOMON Documentary, 2019, Israel, 84 min Director Coral Amiga Russian with subtitles Narrative, 2019, UK, 11 min New England Premiere
THE CHEESEBURGER The remarkable life of famous Director Hillary Nussbaum human rights activist, Natan Narrative, 2018, USA, 5 min Sharansky. In 1977, Sharansky was EDEK charged with spying for America, Director Malcolm Green treason, and anti-Soviet agitation Documentary, 2018, UK, 6 min and was sentenced to 13 years of forced labor. No single person FIVE YEARS AFTER THE WAR symbolizes the era more than Directors Samuel Albaric, Ulysse he, a “Refusenik” who defied the Lefort, and Martin Wiklund entire Soviet system in his fight for Documentary, 2018, France, 17 min freedom and national identification. I’M FROM THE JEWS After spending years in prison, he Director Niv Hachlili ultimately prevailed, paving the way Narrative, 2017, Israel, 17 min for all of Soviet Jewry.
THE MASTER OF YORK Followed by a conversation with Director Kieron Quirke writer Rachel Sharansky Danziger, Narrative, 2018, UK, 15 min Natan Sharansky’s daughter, and writer William Novak. (November 13) OFFSPRING Directors Dana Keidar-Levin and SCREENING TIMES Shirly Sasson-Ezer MIDFEST SCREENING: Narrative, 2019, Israel, 19 min Wednesday, November 13, 7 pm TRAVELOGUE TEL AVIV Coolidge Corner Theatre Director Samuel Patthey Thursday, November 14, 1 pm Narrative, 2017, Switzerland, 6 min Coolidge Corner Theatre
SCREENING TIME: Thursday, November 7, 7 pm Sponsored by Alan Metzer Somerville Armory
12 GOLDA’S BALCONY: GOOD THE FILM MORNING SON
Director Scott Schwartz Director Sharon Bar-Ziv Narrative, 2019, USA, 86 min Narrative, 2018, Israel, 81 min English Hebrew with subtitles Massachusetts Premiere New England Premiere
See Tovah Feldshuh’s stunning turn After being injured in a military in her award-winning performance operation, Omri, a young IDF soldier, as Golda Meir (and forty-five other is clinging to life. His family holds characters, including Ben-Gurion, vigil in his hospital room, speaking Kissinger, King Abdullah, and more) softly to him, praying, and watching in Golda’s Balcony. Feldshuh brings for any sign of improvement, and the play to life, dramatizing the his friends join to watch soccer, story of 100 years of Jewish history play music, and joke around. Within with heart, dazzle, and artistry. This moments of heartbreak, humor, remarkable one-woman play is now and hope, Omri’s family’s dynamic available to see on the big screen emerges. A beautifully rendered (and will likely disappear after 2020). story of resilience which illustrates the ordeal faced by military families Followed by a conversation in Israel and throughout the world. with Actress Tovah Feldshuh and Producer David Fishelson, SCREENING TIME moderated by Barbara Wallace Thursday, November 7, 7 pm Grossman. Coolidge Corner Theatre
Winner of the Audience Choice Thursday, November 14, 7 pm Award: 2019 Los Angeles, Arlington Capitol Theatre Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Honolulu, New Hampshire, Palm Beach, New Jersey, Winnipeg, and Dayton Jewish Film Festivals.
SCREENING TIME Sunday, November 10, 7 pm Coolidge Corner Theatre
13 GOOD THOUGHTS, GOOD WORDS, GOOD DEEDS: THE KOSHER BEACH CONDUCTOR ZUBIN MEHTA
Director Bettina Ehrhardt Director Karin Kainer Documentary, 2016, Germany, Documentary, 2019, Israel/USA, 89 min 62 min English, German, and Italian English, Hebrew, and Yiddish with subtitles with subtitles Massachusetts Premiere New England Premiere
Though conductor Zubin Mehta was It’s only a half-hour drive from born in India and has had a dazzling ultra-Orthodox Bnei Brak to Tel Aviv, international career, it is Israel with but for the women traveling to Tel which he is most identified. Since he Aviv’s “Kosher Beach,” it’s light-years first joined the Israel Philharmonic away. This gated and secluded strip Orchestra in 1969, he has developed has dedicated days for segregated strong ties with Israel, becoming swimming for women and men. For the face of its cultural excellence. the Orthodox women who frequent Produced on the eve of Mehta’s it, it’s a safe haven from social and 80th birthday, Good Thoughts, Good family problems—a place where Words, Good Deeds: The Conductor they can just be themselves. So Zubin Mehta is a timely celebration of when local rabbis try to shut down the legendary maestro’s life, work, and the beach, the women are forced efforts to bring the transformative to choose: give in to their religious power of music to the places and authority or fight for the space they communities that need it most. hold sacred.
Screening followed by a conversation Screening With: MRS. G with Director Bettina Ehrhardt, via Director Dalit Kimor Skype. (November 16) Documentary, 2019, Israel, 55 min
SCREENING TIMES SCREENING TIME Sunday, November 10, 1 pm Saturday, November 16, 6:30 pm NewBridge on the Charles Brattle Theatre
Saturday, November 16, 6:30 pm Museum of Fine Arts (Remis Auditorium)
14 LATTER DAY JEW THE LOST CROWN
Director Aliza Rosen Director Avi Dabach Documentary, 2019, Israel/USA, Documentary, 2019, Israel, 65 min 85 min English and Hebrew with subtitles English Massachusetts Premiere New England Premiere The Aleppo Codex, the oldest known How does a gay, former-Mormon, manuscript of the Bible, was the cancer-survivor who converted to crown of Syria’s Jewish community Judaism at the age of 31 prepare for seven centuries. But after riots for his bar mitzvah? Latter Day Jew set fire to the synagogue where follows Comedian H. Alan Scott, it lived, the city’s Jews decided to known for his appearances on Ellen smuggle the Codex to safety in and The Jimmy Kimmel Show, as Israel. En route, a third of the book’s he talks with friends and Jewish pages mysteriously disappeared. comedians (including Judy Gold), Were they simply lost in the fire takes a trip to Israel, and, finally, or is there a more sordid history? deals with the big questions: How Filmmaker Avi Dabach meets the did his cancer scare affect his path people obsessed with this affair— to Judaism and how will becoming from a best-selling author to an a Jew affect his relationship with his elderly Mossad agent, to find out Mormon family in Missouri? and uncover a web involving antique dealers, wealthy collectors, and Followed by a conversation with corrupt officials. Comedian/Protagonist H. Alan Scott and Producer Kelly Woyan. Followed by a conversation with (November 12) Producer Judith Manasson Ramon and Dr. Yael Berda. SCREENING TIME Tuesday, November 12, 7 pm SCREENING TIME Somerville Theatre Sunday, November 10, 4 pm West Newton Cinema Wednesday, November 13, 1 pm Coolidge Corner Theatre
15 THE MOVER MRS. G
Director Dāvis Sīmanis Director Dalit Kimor Narrative, 2018, Latvia/ Documentary, 2019, Israel, 55 min Luxembourg, 87 min English, Hebrew, and Hungarian German, Latvian, Russian, with subtitles and Yiddish with subtitles Massachusetts Premiere Massachusetts Premiere The incredible story of how one The true story of Žani Lipke, a woman created the world’s most Latvian blue-collar worker, and his famous swimsuit company. Mrs. Lea wife Johanna, who ran a covert Gottlieb, known as “Mrs. G,” started operation to save local Jews from Gottex in her tiny Tel Aviv apartment. Nazi persecution and certain death. A Holocaust survivor with endless At the risk of endangering their creativity, unbridled passion, and own family, the Lipkes transported a dominant personality, Mrs. G Jews from the Riga ghetto to an was able to climb to the pinnacle underground bunker hidden on their of the glamorous fashion world. property. This award-winning film But ultimately, this success meant shines a light on Lipke’s remarkable navigating complex relationships heroism and demonstrates the with her two daughters and making human capacity for bravery in the complicated personal decisions face of evil. while trying to keep her business afloat. Latvia’s entry for the 2019 Foreign Language Oscar. Followed by a conversation with fashion historian Keren Ben-Horin. Screening as part of the Cummings Social Justice Film Series. Screening With: KOSHER BEACH Director Karin Kainer SCREENING TIME Documentary, 2019, Israel/USA, Saturday, November 9, 9 pm 62 min JCC Reimer-Goldstein Theater SCREENING TIME Sunday, November 17, 3 pm Saturday, November 16, 6:30 pm West Newton Cinema Brattle Theatre
16 MS. STERN TLV TV: MUNA
Director Anatol Schuster Director Mira Awad Narrative, 2019, Germany, 79 min Narrative, 2019, Israel, 95 min English, German, and Hebrew with Hebrew and Arabic with subtitles subtitles New England Premiere Massachusetts Premiere SEASON 1 (EPISODES 1-3) Ms. Stern, a 90-year old Holocaust survivor, has a rich life in Berlin. She It’s summer 2014. Muna (Mouna spends time with her daughter. She Hawa, In Between, BJFF2017), an goes out with her granddaughter Israeli-Arab photographer living and her eclectic group of friends. in Tel Aviv, has just been chosen But rather than become a burden to represent Israel in a prestigious to those she loves, Ms. Stern wants international photography exhibition to end her own life—and she is in Paris. Her father and his determined to find a gun with which neighbors in their Arab village are to do it. But while Ms. Stern may be against Muna’s participation, as are done with life, life appears to feel the Jewish critics who don’t want otherwise, and Ms. Stern’s quest an Arab-Israeli representing them, for a weapon brings her surprising especially in wartime. Muna, caught encounters with strangers. between two worlds is determined to forge her own path, even if it SCREENING TIMES means upsetting her relationship Sunday, November 10, 3 pm with her Jewish boyfriend. Coolidge Corner Theatre Produced by musician Mira Awad (Arab Labor, BJFF2008) and Thursday, November 14, 7 pm inspired by her own story. Somerville Theatre Followed by a conversation with Producer Mira Awad.
SCREENING TIME Sunday, November 17, 4 pm Brattle Theatre
17 MY POLISH PARIS SONG HONEYMOON
Director Élise Otzenberger Director Jeff Vespa Narrative, 2019, France, 88 min Narrative, 2018, Kazakhstan/Latvia/ French with subtitles USA, 90 min Massachusetts Premiere English Massachusetts Premiere Anna and Adam, a young Jewish Parisian couple, decide to finally A surprising musician is take their honeymoon—in Poland, representing the Soviet Union where they’ll attend a ceremony in 1925’s Paris Expo: Amre for the Jews of the village where Kashaubayev, a traditional singer Adam’s grandfather was born. from rural Kazakhstan. Amre While he’s wary about the trip, she’s manages to steal the show every looking forward to the opportunity time he performs, but remains an to connect with her roots, visit the outsider in high-culture Paris. He place her grandmother is from, forms a quick friendship with two and, hopefully uncover more about American Jews who empathize with her family’s mysterious history. But his experience as an underdog— confronted with their families’ pasts, George Gershwin and Irving their romantic holiday begins to Berlin, and he begins a flirtation unravel and their differences come with the beautiful photographer, to the surface. Lee Abbott. This inspiring true story of a Kazakhstani folk hero Followed by a conversation illuminates how Amre’s talent with Director Élise Otzenberger. and determination overcame the (November 7 and November 9) adversity within a repressive regime.
SCREENING TIMES SCREENING TIMES Thursday, November 7, 7 pm Saturday, November 9, 6:30 pm Brattle Theatre JCC Reimer-Goldstein Theater
Saturday, November 9, 6:30 pm Monday, November 11, 7 pm Museum of Fine Arts Arlington Capitol Theatre (Remis Auditorium)
Tuesday, November 12, 7 pm Coolidge Corner Theatre
18 PICTURE OF THE RABBI HIS LIFE GOES WEST
Directors Dani Menkin and Directors Amy Geller and Yonatan Nir Gerald Peary Documentary, 2019, Israel/Canada/ Documentary, 2019, USA, 78 min USA, 71 min English English, Hebrew, and Inuktitut Massachusetts Premiere with subtitles Massachusetts Premiere When Rabbi Chaim Bruk moved from Brooklyn to Bozeman, To photograph of some of the most Montana, he left a large Chabad fearsome creatures on Earth, Amos Hasidic community. In all of Nachoum has gone face to face Montana there are just 2,000 with anacondas, giant leopard Jewish families—and Rabbi Chaim seals, great white sharks, orcas, and is determined to put a mezuzah crocodiles. But at age 65, Nachoum, on each of their doorposts. one of the greatest underwater While Rabbi Chaim builds his photographers of all time, is about community, becoming beloved by to face his ultimate challenge: his congregants, some of the state’s photographing a polar bear, up Jews believe his outreach activities close, without any protection. As pose a risk to their denominations he prepares for his biggest mission of Judaism. At the same time, the in the Canadian Arctic, Nachoum threat of anti-Semitism, including faces past traumas in an intimate possible attacks from neo-Nazis, story of dedication, sacrifice, and looms. personal redemption. Followed by a conversation with Followed by a conversation with Protagonist Rabbi Chaim Bruk Director Dani Menkin. (November 16) and Directors Amy Geller and Gerald Peary. Co-Presented with ReelAbilities Boston SCREENING TIME SCREENING TIMES CLOSING NIGHT: SPOTLIGHT SCREENING: Sunday, November 17, 7 pm Saturday, November 16, 7:30 pm Somerville Theatre New England Aquarium
Sunday, November 17, 11:30 am Museum of Fine Arts (Alfond Auditorium)
19 SHORT FILM PROGRAM: SAFE SPACES BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
Director Daniel Schechter Join us for a series of international Narrative, 2019, USA, 93 min short films about the surprises and English triumphs that can happen at any Boston Premiere point in life’s journey. (110 min)
Josh (Justin Long, Dodgeball) For complete descriptions visit has a lot going on. His job as an bostonjfilm.org adjunct writing professor is being threatened after a student accused BUTTERFLIES him of being inappropriate in class. Director Yona Rozenkier And his beloved grandmother Narrative, 2019, Israel/France (Lynn Cohen) is in the hospital, GEFILTE meaning his divorced parents (Fran Director Rachel Fleit Drescher, The Nanny, and Richard Documentary, 2018, USA Schiff, The West Wing) and siblings (including Kate Berlant, Sorry I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU to Bother You) need to all come Director Matan Rochlitz together. This candid and often- Documentary, 2018, Israel/Italy/UK humorous take on how we deal with modern crises, both unexpected LAST CLASS IN BAGHDAD and self-inflicted, is a testament to Director David Langer the importance of family—no matter Documentary, 2017, UK how dysfunctional. SENSEI FRAN KICKS ASS Followed by a conversation with Director Simone Fary Actor Justin Long and Director Documentary, 2019, USA Daniel Schechter. (November 6) THE STARFISH SCREENING TIMES Director Tyler Gildin OPENING NIGHT: Documentary, 2019, USA Wednesday, November 6, 7 pm Coolidge Corner Theatre SCREENING TIME Sunday, November 10, 1 pm Thursday, November 7, 9:15 pm Bright Family Screening Room Brattle Theatre
Sunday, November 10, 4:15 pm JCC Reimer-Goldstein Theater
20 THE SONG OF STANDING UP, NAMES FALLING DOWN
Director Francois Girard Director Matt Ratner Narrative, 2019, USA/UK, 113 min Narrative, 2019, USA, 91 min English English Massachusetts Premiere Massachusetts Premiere
When Martin’s family takes in Life is not going according to plan Dovidl, a Polish-Jewish refugee for Scott (Ben Schwartz, Parks and and musical prodigy, the boys Recreation). He’s struck out as a become fast friends. But at age stand-up comedian in LA and is 21, right before his first major violin living in his childhood bedroom in performance, Dovidl disappears. Long Island. Filled with self-doubt It is not until decades later that and the dread of needing to get a Martin (Tim Roth) sets out to find soul-crushing “real” job, he finds an Dovidl (Clive Owens) and begins unexpected connection with Marty a transcontinental search that (Billy Crystal), a local dermatologist will take him down a path of long- and charming bar-fly. As their forgotten memories that lead unlikely friendship deepens, Scott to surprising revelations. Driven discovers that despite a larger- by beautiful music, this is a story than-life personality, Marty has his about family, obligation, ambition, own disappointments. A funny and and friendship, as well as the emotionally resonant story about inescapable trauma of being forced finding the strength to start anew. to leave home. SCREENING TIME SCREENING TIME Saturday, November 9, 9:30 pm Tuesday, November 12, 7 pm Bright Family Screening Room West Newton Cinema Saturday, November 16, 8:45 pm Museum of Fine Arts (Remis Auditorium)
21 THE STATE AGAINST SUSTAINABLE MANDELA AND THE OTHERS NATION
Director Nicolas Champeaux and Director Micah Smith Gilles Porte Documentary, 2019, Israel, 60 min Documentary, 2018, France, 106 min English and Hebrew with subtitles English Boston Premiere New England Premiere Sustainable Nation highlights three In 1963, Nelson Mandela and nine remarkable Israelis doing their other confederates were tried on part to bring clean water to an charges of trying to overthrow increasingly thirsty planet. Using South Africa’s government. Several innovative solutions developed of them, as well as members of in water-poor Israel, they create Mandela’s legal team, were part wells across Africa, transform of South Africa’s close-knit Jewish polluted water in India, and hydrate community. While there were no drought-plagued fields in California. cameras present in court, there In a world where one in ten people are 256 hours of sound recordings lack access to safe drinking water, of the proceedings. Along with and where energy and food are animation, interviews, and newsreel water dependent, the work of these footage, these recordings bring the three visionaries create rivers of courtroom to life and illuminate the hope. Sustainable Nation highlights story of Mandela’s lesser-known how fixing global water issues is not co-defendants, the heroes who only a matter of life and death, it’s a dedicated their lives to the cause of step towards healing the world. freedom, and risked everything in pursuit of liberty for all. Screening as part of the Cummings Social Justice Film Series. Screening as part of the Cummings Social Justice Film Series. SCREENING TIME Sunday, November 10, 7 pm Followed by a conversation. JCC Reimer-Goldstein Theatre
SCREENING TIME Sunday, November 10, 4 pm Bright Family Screening Room
22 TEVYE’S THERE ARE NO DAUGHTERS LIONS IN TEL AVIV
Director Vladimir Lert Director Duki Dror Narrative, 2017, Ukraine, 120 min Documentary, 2019, Israel, 63 min Russian with subtitles Hebrew with subtitles Massachusetts Premiere New England Premiere
In the Jewish shtetl of Anatovka, When the chief Rabbi of Tevye the milkman is struggling to Copenhagen moved to Israel in make ends meet. But there is hope 1935, he began collecting exotic for his five beautiful daughters—if he animals in his Tel Aviv home. can find them successful matches! Rabbi Doolittle, as he came to be His daughters, on the other hand, known, was going to build a zoo are not interested in a matchmaker’s and teach the children of Palestine help, as they have other plans for to love animals. The Tel Aviv Zoo marriage. And while Tevye tries to became one of the city’s greatest take care of his home life, the Czarist attractions, but as the zoo grew, government’s anti-Semitic campaign bureaucracy moved in and this threatens everything around him. idealistic paradise took another This funny and buoyant retelling of form. With remarkable archival the Sholem Aleichem story which photos and footage of early Israel inspired Fiddler on the Roof was and charming animation, this is filmed on the same locations which the story of a dreamer, and a inspired the original tale. dream that grew so big it no longer belonged to him. Screening With: THE FIDDLE Director Asher Schwartz Screening With: BEAR WITH ME Narrative, 2018, Israel, 8 min Director Daphna Awadish Documentary, 2018, Israel, 4 min This animated film tells the story of the boy who was destined to An animated film about immigrants become the Fiddler on the Roof. who cross borders to be with the ones they love. SCREENING TIMES: Sunday, November 10, 1 pm SCREENING TIME: JCC Reimer-Goldstein Theater Sunday, November 17, 12:30 pm West Newton Cinema Monday, November 11, 7 & 7:15 pm Foxboro Patriot Place
23 THOSE WHO WITNESS THEATER REMAINED
Director Barnabas Tóth Director Oren Rudavsky Narrative, 2019, Hungary, 83 min Documentary, 2018, USA, 74 min Hungarian with subtitles English Massachusetts Premiere Massachusetts Premiere
In post-World War II Hungary, Over the course of a year, sixteen 16-year old Klara is holding onto Brooklyn high school students and hope that her parents will return eight Holocaust survivors meet to to her. When she meets Aldo, a use drama therapy to prepare, and survivor living a solitary life, they eventually perform, a theater piece provide each other with some of based on the survivors’ stories. the warmth and compassion that As the students and survivors get disappeared with the war. But as to know each other, they become the Soviet Empire rises to power friends, connecting through their in Hungary, their pure and loving stories, jokes, and tears. And the father-daughter relationship is students come to understand misunderstood and frowned upon. not only what happened, but the A lyrical story of loss, trauma, and important role they will play by the healing power of love, through hearing these firsthand accounts, the eyes of a young girl. especially as the number of direct witnesses dwindles. Hungary’s submission to the 2019 Academy Awards. Screening as part of the Cummings Social Justice Film Series. Followed by a conversation with Filmmaker Barnabas Tóth. Followed by a conversation (November 9) with Director Oren Rudavsky. (November 14) SCREENING TIME Saturday, November 9, 8:45 pm SCREENING TIME Museum of Fine Arts Monday, November 11, 1 pm (Remis Auditorium) Coolidge Corner Theatre
Sunday, November 10, 6:30 pm Thursday, November 14, 7 pm West Newton Cinema West Newton Cinema
Sponsored by Richard & Judy Lappin
24 SPECIAL THANKS
Presenting Sponsors
Major Sponsors
Media Sponsors
25 SPECIAL THANKS
Our family’s bank. And yours.
Jewish Studies Program
26 Individual Supporters August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
Executive Producer ($10,000+) Jone & Allen Dalezman Anonymous Linda & Michael Frieze Beverly & Donald Bavly Cheryl & Larry Franklin Rachel & David Fine Barbara & Jay Gainsboro Judy Ganz Beth & Lawrence Greenberg Paula & James Gould Roberta & William Greenberg Lisbeth & George Krupp Sheila & Irwin Heller Judy & Richard Lappin Linda Kaplan & Jeffrey Kraines Sherry & Alan Leventhal Francine Perler Cynthia & William Marcus Lorre Beth Polinger & Donald Wertlieb Barbara & Frank Resnek Ken Shulman Adam Riemer Susan & Gerald Slavet Rosalyn & Richard Slifka Susan & James Snider Denise Widman & Allan Lauer Naomi & Jeffrey Stonberg Millie & Harold Tubman Producer ($5,000+) Candice & Howard Wolk Roberta & Stephen Weiner Debra Ankeles & Robert Freedman Shirley & Robert Zimmerman Doreen Beinart & Robert Brustein Joan Brooks & James Garrels Beverly & Lawrence Feinberg Screenwriter ($500+) Lee & Jeffrey Forgosh Mary Akerson & Steven Cohen Nancy & Peter Gossels Nancy & Matthew Allen Phyllis Hammer Estelle & David Andelman Lela & Norman Jacoby Marcy & Bruce Balter Taren & Ralph Metson Robin Berman Joyce & Bruce Pastor Joyce & Michael Bohnen Nancy Raphael Georgette & Sol Boucai Annette & Paul Roberts Lois & Mickey Cail Wendy Traynor Ron Casty Dana & Josef Volman Rachel & Larry Chafetz Deanna & Sidney Wolk Judith & Jonathan Chiel Louise Citron Director ($3,600+) Toby & Bert Davidson Marna Dolinger Julie Altman & Alex Sagan Bea & Mel Fraiman Jill Cohen & Michael Savit Brenda & Harvey Freishtat Claudia Davidoff & Joseph Kahan Rita Freudberg Goldie Eder Bryan Ganz Bette Ann Libby & David Begelfer Michal Goldman Cynthia Shulman Melinda Gordon & Howard Cohen Arnee R. & Walter A. Winshall Jennifer & David Gorman Jill Greenberg Cinematographer ($1,800+) Suzanne Greenberg Rita & Lenny Adelson Barbara & Steve Grossman Anonymous Patty & Louis Grossman Sara & Leonard Aronson Helaine Hartman Diane & Chester Black Frederic & Susan Jacobs Lorraine Bressler Jerome & Holly Kampler Claudia & Kevin Bright Jacqui Kates Ellen & Richard Calmas Charlotte Krentzel Roberta & Irwin Chafetz Tammy & Steve Kumin
27 SPECIAL THANKS
Marcia & Alan Leifer Family Screening Room: Susan Nancy & Sid Lejfer Chinsen, Rebecca Frank Oeser, Barbara & Frank Litwin Matthew Harrington, Elizabeth Mason, Jenn Meader & Mark Lowenstein Herbert Nipson, Anya Prudente, Jamie Alex & Michael Mirman Siebenaler, Marisa Young Shoshana Pakciarz & Lenny Gruenberg Foxboro Patriot Place: Kim Davies, Suzanne Priebatsch Debbie Heller Fran & Donald Putnoi JCC Greater Boston, Riemer-Goldstein Jane Rabb Theater: Brian Morris Edie Rosenberg & Robert Gross Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: Kevin Grant, Abby & Donald Rosenfeld Katherine Irving, Shaun Lawler, Carter Barbara & Jerold Rutberg Long, Matthew Teitelbaum Phyllis & Bob Sage NewBridge on the Charles: Dana Gitell, Jaymie Saks & Chris Diamond Emily Sigal Rosalie & James Shane New England Aquarium: Lynn Hughes Issie Shait The Center for the Arts at the Armory: Robin & Melvin Shuman Chlóe Cunha Myra & Robert Snyder Somerville Theatre: Ian Judge Elizabeth Tapper West Newton Cinema: David Bramante Lisa & Neil Wallack Kaj Wilson & Alan Spatrick Many Thanks to the Following Frances & Richard Winneg Organizations & Individuals Joanne Zaiger Robbie Adams Lisa Zalkind Agile Ticketing Solutions: Hope Biber, Judi & Ed Zuker Mary Jane Charriere, John Lemon, Becky Roubos, Richard Steward With Gratitude to Bright Lights Film Series: Anna Feder Our Supporting Foundations Cary Aufseeser The Adelson Family Foundation Cam Bauchner The Barrington Foundation Erin Batchelder The J. E. & Z. B. Butler Foundation Mara Bresnahan The Cummings Foundation The Center for Jewish Studies at Harvard The Dorot Foundation University: Irit Aharony The Barbara Epstein Foundation Combined Jewish Philanthropies: Marc The Fine Family Foundation Baker, Caleb Alemany, Aviva Klompas, The Joseph and Rae Gann Charitable Nancy Kriegel, Julia Pollack, Kimberlee Foundation Schumacher, Madeline Wenzel The Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Consulate General of Israel New England: Foundation Ambassador Zeev Boker, Daniel Agranov The Nancy Lurie Marks Foundation Dushez Catering: Yoel Konstantine The Laurence J. and Anne Rubenstein Goldie Eder Foundation Facing History & Ourselves: Jan Darsa, The Ruderman Family Foundation Marc Skvirsky The Topol Foundation French Cultural Services, Boston Amy Geller & Gerald Peary Our Theater Partners German Consulate General Boston, Arlington Capitol Theatre: Jamie Mattchen Consul General Nicole Menzenbach, Brattle Theatre: Kim Baillargeon, Ned Elizabeth von Wagner Hinkle, Ivy Moylan Goethe Institut: Marina May, Karin Coolidge Corner Theatre: Mark Anastasio, Oehlenschläger Nancy Campbell, Nick Lazzaro, Sheila Green Katherine Tallman, Andrew Thompson Hadassah Brandeis Institute: Lisa Emerson Paramount Center, Bright Fishbayn Joffe
28 Hebrew College: Tanya McCann Our Community Partners Independent Film Festival Festival Anti-Defamation League Boston: Nancy Campbell, Brian Tamm Arlington International Film Festival Israeli American Council: Lital Carmel Belmont World Film JCC Manhattan: Yaara Kedem, Isaac Boston Latino International Film Festival Zablocki Boston Underground Film Festival Jewish Arts Collaborative: Jim Ball, Caleidoscope Film Festival Joey Baron, Laura Mandel Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film JewishBoston.com: Kali Foxman The DocYard Jewish Women’s Archive: Judith Filmmakers Collaborative Rosenbaum Generations After Paul Landesman Globe Docs Sarah Jane Lapp Honorary Consulate of Hungary to Mass. Cultural Council: Charles Boston Baldwin, Cynthia Gaviglio, Kalyn King, Independent Film Festival Boston Lisa Simmons, Anita Walker Consulate General of India in New York MassCreative InterFaith Family Modulus Jewish Community Relations Council of National Center for Jewish Film Greater Boston Northeastern Jewish Studies Program: The Jewish Journal Laurel Leff, Lori Lefkovitz, Deborah Keshet Levisohn Consulate of the Republic of Poland in William Novak Boston Omnium Protection Group: Gerard Roxbury International Film Festival Boniello, Marie Boyce Naomi & Keith Osher Shoshana Pakciarz & Lenny Gruenberg Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival: Olivia Antsis Laura Pinksy Nora Puricelli Sari Rapkin Natalie Rees Rutgers Jewish Film Festival: Karen Small Jaymie Saks Angela Schatz Andria Smith Phyllis Somers Talamas Vilna Shul: Rosa Franck, Barnet Kessel, Lynne Krasker Shultz Washington DC Jewish Film Festival: Ilya Tovbis Wicked Queer Film Festival: Shawn Cotter, Diane Griffin Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies, Boston University: Mira Angrist, Abigail Gilman, Michael Zank Kaj Wilson Shayna Worby
2929 SPECIAL THANKS
Board of Directors Staff Taren Metson, President Susan Adler, Executive Director Debra Ankeles Ariana Cohen-Halberstam, Artistic Director Beverly Bavly Nysselle Clark, Director of Production Doreen Beinart, Vice President Joyce Bettencourt, Marketing & Abigail Cable Communications Manager Jill Cohen Lauren Scharf, Development Officer Lawrence S. Feinberg Joey Katz, Program Associate Lee K. Forgosh, Vice President Ann Bersani, Accounting/Office Manager Judith L. Ganz Katka Reszke, ReelAbilities Film Festival Nancy L. Gossels Director Jim Gould Jill Greenberg, Treasurer Interns 2018-2019 Judy Lappin Abigail Akiba Bette Ann Libby Sam Berg Mark Lowenstein Max Goldberg Cynthia Marcus Dani Haskin Joyce F. Pastor Ruth Hope Nancy S. Raphael Trevor Howell Barbara Resnek Calder Laban Adam Riemer Jonny Ross Paul G. Roberts Amelia Young Ken Shulman, Clerk Dana Volman, Vice President Festival Production Denise Widman JC Bouvier, Web Design & Management Gabriela Kroszynski, Guest & Volunteer Festival Founder Coordinator Michal Goldman Laurann Lento Black & Wesley Hicks, Technical Directors Artistic Director Emerita Lynn Horsky, Process Corp Sara L. Rubin John Means, Means Business for Computers Honorary Committee Rajiv Manglani, Database Consulting Doug Block Vincent Straggas, Flagday Productions Kevin Bright Christina Van Dyke, Van Dyke Design & Robert Brustein Photography Lisa Gossels Barbara Wallace Grossman The Cummings Social Justice Alice Hoffman Film Series Wendy Kout Thanks to a $100k for 100 Grant from the Joni Levin Cummings Foundation, we are able to Jackie Liebergott present films about anti-Semitism and Joan Nathan social justice with the hope of eliminating Robert Sage prejudice and preventing future genocide. Jenny Slate Nancy Spielberg Audience Awards Ron Suskind After each screening, tear your paper Ed Symkus ballot and submit your vote. The winning films will be announced on our website and social media after Thanksgiving.
30 TICKETS Group Sales (10 ticket minimum): $12 per ticket plus $4 per order mailing fee. Not $18 General Admission available for Special Events: Opening, MidFest, $16 Senior/Member* Spotlight Screening, and Closing Night. Order $14 30 and Under group tickets online at bostonjfilm.org, by email at [email protected], or by phone at *Discounted tickets available for seniors (65+), 617.244.9899. members of BJF, Coolidge Corner Theatre, Museum of Fine Arts, and WGBH. Special Events: Opening Night November 6, 7:00 pm, $7 Matinees: Coolidge Corner Theatre $36/$32*/$26 November 8 at noon, 13 & 14 at 1:00 pm at Coolidge Corner Theatre. MidFest November 13, 7:00 pm, Coolidge Corner Theatre $36/$32*/$26 EBT Card holders are eligible for 2 free Spotlight Screening November 16, 7:00 pm, matinee tickets as part of the Mass. Cultural New England Aquarium $36/$32*/$26 Council EBT Card to Culture program. Closing Night November 17, 7:00 pm, Somerville Theatre $36/$32*/$26
PURCHASING TICKETS Tickets are NOT available at the Boston Jewish Film Office. Please order tickets as follows:
Purchase Tickets at bostonjfilm.org: Rush Line: There is a $3.50 security and processing fee If advanced tickets are sold out that doesn’t per ticket. Online purchases close at midnight mean the film is sold out. Rush tickets may before a screening. become available after passholders and advance ticket holders are admitted into Boston Jewish Film will only reserve seats the theater. 15 minutes before the show, we for groups or individuals who require special release a number of tickets to the Rush Line. accommodations. While we can’t make any guarantees, people in the rush line have a very high probability of At Cinema Box Offices: getting tickets. The Rush Line forms no earlier Advance tickets are available at Coolidge than one hour before screening time. 4 tickets Corner Theatre, Emerson Paramount, West per person maximum. Newton Cinema, and the MFA. Tickets for screenings at other theatres are available Passes: one hour before screening. Each venue sells Buy your pass by October 25 to be sure you tickets for its location only. Processing fees don’t miss a minute of the Festival. Order may apply. your pass online or call 617.244.9899. Pass admission is guaranteed if the holder arrives For MFA Screenings: at least 20 minutes before the screening.** All MFA tickets ordered on the Boston Jewish Present your pass at the BJF pass table (or Film website are on a will-call only basis. for MFA screenings, at the MFA Admissions MFA regulations require Boston Jewish FIlm Desk). A Friends Pass may only be used by to close ticket sales through our website 48 passholder and is non-transferable. hours in advance of each screening. Plenty of tickets may still be available at mfa.org or at Friends Pass: the MFA box office. Processing fees may apply. Admission to every film and event for Tickets can be picked up in person at any MFA $360. ticket desk on the day of the screening. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. Please REELPass: note that a Film or Museum Admission ticket is Get one admission to 3 screenings required in order to enter the Museum. Tickets for $48. Opening, MidFest, Spotlight cannot be held inside the Museum at the box Screening, and Closing Night excluded. office. Theater doors will open 15 minutes before the start of a screening. **Seating is guaranteed for Friends Pass holders until 15 minutes prior to the scheduled On Saturdays, November 9 & November 16, start of an event. Latecomers will be seated at doors open for the MFA screenings 1 hour the discretion of Boston Jewish Film staff. before showtime at the MFA Linde Entrance.
31 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 7:00 pm Opening Night Safe Spaces ...... Coolidge Corner Theatre
Thursday, November 7, 2019 7:00 pm FreshFlix Short Film Competition ...... The Center for Arts at the Armory, Somerville 7:00 pm Good Morning Son...... Coolidge Corner Theatre 7:00 pm My Polish Honeymoon ...... Brattle Theatre 7:30 pm Dolce Fine Giornata ...... Museum of Fine Arts (Remis Auditorium) 9:15 pm Safe Spaces ...... Brattle Theatre
Friday, November 8, 2019 12:00 pm Cause of Death...... Coolidge Corner Theatre
Saturday, November 9, 2019 6:30 pm Cause of Death...... Brattle Theatre 6:30 pm Flawless...... Emerson Paramount (Bright Family Screening Room) 6:30 pm My Polish Honeymoon...... Museum of Fine Arts (Remis Auditorium) 6:30 pm Paris Song...... JCC Riemer-Goldstein Theater 8:45 pm Those Who Remained ...... Museum of Fine Arts (Remis Auditorium) 9:00 pm The Mover...... JCC Riemer-Goldstein Theater 9:15 pm Dolce Fine Giornata...... Brattle Theatre 9:30 pm Standing Up, Falling Down...... Emerson Paramount (Bright Family Screening Room)
Sunday, November 10, 2019 1:00 pm Short Film Program: Beyond Expectations...... Emerson Paramount (Bright Family Screening Room) 1:00 pm Fig Tree...... West Newton Cinema 1:00 pm Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds...... NewBridge on the Charles 1:00 pm Tevye’s Daughters & The Fiddle...... JCC Riemer-Goldstein Theater 3:00 pm Ms. Stern ...... Coolidge Corner Theatre 4:00 pm The Lost Crown...... West Newton Cinema 4:00 pm The State Against Mandela and the Others.....Emerson Paramount (Bright Family Screening Room) 4:15 pm Safe Spaces...... JCC Riemer-Goldstein Theater 6:30 pm Those Who Remained...... West Newton Cinema 7:00 pm #Female Pleasure...... Emerson Paramount (Bright Family Screening Room) 7:00 pm Golda’s Balcony: The Film...... Coolidge Corner Theatre 7:00 pm Sustainable Nation...... JCC Riemer-Goldstein Theater
32 Monday, November 11, 2019 1:00 pm Witness Theater ...... Coolidge Corner Theatre 7:00 pm Advocate ...... Coolidge Corner Theatre 7:00 pm Paris Song ...... Arlington Capitol Theatre 7:00 pm Tevye’s Daughters ...... Foxboro Patriot Place 7:15 pm Tevye’s Daughters ...... Foxboro Patriot Place
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 7:00 pm Latter Day Jew ...... Somerville Theatre 7:00 pm My Polish Honeymoon ...... Coolidge Corner Theatre 7:00 pm The Song of Names ...... West Newton Cinema
Wednesday, November 13, 2019 1:00 pm Latter Day Jew...... Coolidge Corner Theatre 7:00 pm Midfest From Slavery to Freedom...... Coolidge Corner Theatre 7:30 pm Fig Tree...... Museum of Fine Arts (Alfond Auditorium)
Thursday, November 14, 2019 1:00 pm From Slavery to Freedom...... Coolidge Corner Theatre 7:00 pm Good Morning Son...... Arlington Capitol Theatre 7:00 pm Ms. Stern...... Somerville Theatre 7:00 pm Witness Theater...... West Newton Cinema 9:00 pm The Damned...... Coolidge Corner Theatre
Saturday, November 16, 2019 6:30 pm Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds..... Museum of Fine Arts (Remis Auditorium) 6:30 pm Double Feature Mrs. G & Kosher Beach...... Brattle Theatre 7:30 pm Spotlight Screening Picture of His Life...... New England Aquarium 8:45 pm Standing Up, Falling Down...... Museum of Fine Arts (Remis Auditorium) 9:00 pm Flawless...... Brattle Theatre
Sunday, November 17, 2019 11:30 am Picture of His Life...... Museum of Fine Arts (Alfond Auditorium) 11:30 am TLV TV Autonomies...... Brattle Theatre 12:30 pm There Are No Lions in Tel Aviv...... West Newton Cinema 2:30 pm #Female Pleasure...... Museum of Fine Arts (Alfond Auditorium) 3:00 pm The Mover...... West Newton Cinema 4:00 pm TLV TV Muna...... Brattle Theatre 7:00 pm Closing Night The Rabbi Goes West...... Somerville Theatre
For full guest list and bios visit bostonjfilm.org/guests VENUES
Arlington Capitol Theatre Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 204 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston 781.648.4340 617.267.9300 www.capitoltheatreusa.com www.mfa.org
Brattle Theatre NewBridge on the Charles 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge 5000 Great Meadow Road, Dedham 617.876.6837 781.859.3090 www.brattlefilm.org www.hebrewseniorlife.org/newbridge
Coolidge Corner Theatre New England Aquarium 290 Harvard Street, Brookline 1 Central Wharf, Boston 617.734.2500 617.973.5298 www.coolidge.org www.neaq.org
Emerson Paramount The Center for Arts at the Armory Bright Family Screening Room 191 Highland Ave #1c, Somerville 559 Washington Street, Boston 617.718.2191 617.824.8000 www.artsatthearmory.org www.coolidge.org
Somerville Theatre JCC Greater Boston 55 Davis Square, Somerville Riemer-Goldstein Theater 617.625.5700 333 Nahanton Street, Newton www.somervilletheatre.com 617.558.6522 www.bostonjcc.org
West Newton Cinema 1296 Washington Street Foxboro Patriot Place Route 16, West Newton 24 Patriot Place, Foxboro 617.964.6060 508.543.1450 www.westnewtoncinema.com www.patriot-place.com/cinemadelux
SPECIAL NOTE The majority of films are unrated, some may contain graphic content not suitable for ages 17 and under. Parental discretion is advised. Please contact the Boston Jewish Film office for more details on specific films at 617.244.9899.
ACCESSIBILITY Boston Jewish Film is committed to accommodating audience members with disabilities, offering seating as needed and wherever possible. Upon arrival at the venue, please check in with a BJF staff member for assistance. All venues are wheelchair accessible. All films in languages other than English are subtitled in English. Individuals requiring further accommodations should contact us at 617.244.9899 or [email protected]. SAVE THE DATES
BOSTON JEWISH FILM 360 PROGRAMS
Boston Jewish Film is your home for great ReelAbilities Film Festival Jewish films throughout the year. Join us for Boston: March 2020 events, screenings, and more Festivals. Boston Jewish Film is proud 2nd Annual Boston Israeli Film Festival to host the 9th annual February 6-13, 2020 ReelAbilities Film Festival in Join us for the best new films from Israel, 2020. ReelAbilities strives followed by conversations with filmmakers. for inclusion of all people and is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation A Field Guide to SNL Writers: An Evening of the lives, stories, and with Dave Barry, Adam Mansbach, and artistic expressions of people Alan Zweibel with disabilities. Monday, May 18, 2020 Co-presented with The Vilna Shul For more information about our year round Boston Jewish BJF Summer Cinematheque Film 360 programs visit Wednesdays, July—August, 2020 bostonjfilm.org BOSTON BOSTON, MA BOSTON, NON-PROFIT PERMIT NO. 54945 NO. PERMIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID POSTAGE U.S. JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Somerville Newton / Newton Presenting Sponsors: Presenting Foxboro / Foxboro Dedham / Dedham Cambridge / Cambridge Brookline / Brookline Boston / Boston bostonjfilm.org Arlington /
31st ANNUAL FESTIVAL November 6-17, 2019 / bostonjfilm.org