B1 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL
OCT. 7-NOV. 11, 2018
Inspiring the Austin Community through Jewish films
Use discount code OUTLOOK18 for 10% off all tickets and passes purchased online. austinjff.org B2 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide
Welcome
Welcome to the 2018 Austin Jewish Film Festival (AJFF)! documentaries, dramas, and comedies from around the Please join us at the Regal Arbor 8 at Great Hills and the Jewish world—films that help us understand and make sense Shalom Austin Jewish Community Center during our 16th of this world, and those that take us to fictional places and exciting year of bringing Jewish films to the Austin community. introduce us to characters who become alive and teach us This year’s festival offers a compelling mix of stories about about ourselves. people and cultures from across the globe. Together we’ll We’ll meet at the Arbor as individuals and as a community share tales of joy and tragedy, marvel at the courage of to experience the art on the silver screen. In our highly the characters, and laugh along with their jokes. Special technology-driven world, we still come to the movie theater programs will enhance your cinematic experience as we have instead of watching the story on a TV, tablet, phone, or opportunities to engage with one another and to question the computer screen. Our common experience brings us together filmmakers themselves. as we sit with one another. We may not even know the The AJFF is the nation’s largest Jewish film festival operated people around us, but through laughter and expressions of by an all-volunteer committee. This dedicated group of film joy or interest we sense the diverse emotions as we create a screeners begins their work shortly after the closing night community in the darkened space. of the previous film festival. Their selection process takes AJFF loves spending time with you at the theater, and about ten months of watching films, ranking them according we’re very excited to bring a line-up of compelling foreign, to a list of criteria, and making decisions on the final set independent, and U.S. films that will fascinate and inspire. for the next festival. For 2018, we once again bring you an Come to the week-long festival at the theater and join the exciting selection of thought-provoking and entertaining conversation starting October 27th. See you at the movies!
2018 AJFF Committee AJFF Quarterly Events Mission & Vision
Members Looking for more Jewish Films Throughout VISION STATEMENT the Year? The Austin Jewish Film Festival seeks to promote cultural EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE understanding and tolerance among the Greater Austin The AJFF is not just an annual event! The Austin David Goldblatt, Executive Director community, encourage artistic development, and entertain community can enjoy films from the Austin Jewish Film Cindy Pinto, Executive Director our audiences through the medium of Jewish film. Festival four times a year—once a quarter. David Finkel, Co-Director MISSION STATEMENT Cynthia Winer, Co-Director One of the highlights of our 2018 quarterly programs, the screening of Ben-Gurion, Epilogue, took place in April at The Austin Jewish Film Festival presents the best COMMITTEE Shalom Austin with an audience of over 200 people. The film Jewish films from the U.S. and around the world to presents a revealing portrait of David Ben-Gurion, founder entertain and educate the Greater Austin community Sara Blatt of Israel and one of modern history’s political giants, based and provides complementary programs to enhance the Larry Hausman-Cohen on never-seen archival material. Ben-Gurion shares with us cinematic experience. Wendy Corn, Shalom Austin liaison to the AJFF his perceptive insights about Israel’s future. Director Yariv Kelly Finkel Mozer spoke before the film, setting the stage for how the Michelle Missner archival material, including six hours of interview footage, Joe Oliveri was discovered. Mozer conducted a Q&A with the audience David Pinto Volunteer Thank You following the film. Jay Rubin The 16th annual Austin Jewish Film Festival could not Miriam Sherrod Of course, the final quarter of each year features the week- have taken place without the talents and skills of our Eric Stein long Austin Jewish Film Festival. Stay up-to-date with the many volunteers. We’d like to thank each of those who Fai Lee Steinberg 2018 AJFF quarterly event schedule by checking out our contributed their valuable time to the AJFF throughout the Joe Winer website at austinjff.org and by signing up for the Newsletter year. We are grateful for the passion and commitment of Jake Wolfson Blast. all our volunteers who help bring this wonderful festival to the Austin community. B2 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide Visit austinjff.org for frestival and ticket information. | October 2018 | B3
New Ticket Pricing for 2018 FUNNY STORY Tickets & Passes Bye Bye Germany, Funny Girl, The Interpreter, The price of Festival Badges, Flex Passes, and Individual The Samuel Project Tickets rose slightly this year to reflect increases in our GERMAN STORIES Purchase tickets online – Save Time And Money costs for films that now averages $1,000; an increase in Bye Bye Germany, The Cakemaker, The Interpreter theater rental charges; and the expense of bringing guest • Discount codes are available for online ticket The Invisibles, The Last Supper speakers from around the world. Despite the minor increase purchase only—not for those purchased at the in admission prices, the majority of the Festival’s cost is borne HOLOCAUST AND WWII theater. by our generous donors and sponsors, and we thank them for Bye Bye Germany, The Interpreter, The Invisibles • After purchasing your ticket online, when you get to their support The Last Supper, The Testament the Arbor, head directly to the AJFF theater to have ISRAELI THEME your ticket scanned. A Heart Beat Away, The Cakemaker, Itzhak, Kavod Gadol, Shoelaces, The Museum, The Testament • Festival Badge or Flex Pass – Stop at the Will Call Locations desk to receive your Festival Badge or Flex Pass LGBT the first time you come to the Arbor. Then you can October 7 | Special Screening, Shalom Bollywood The Cakemaker, The Love Letter head directly to the AJFF theater. Shalom Austin JCC, Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane ROMANCE October 27- November 2 | Week-Long film festival Blessed, Bye Bye Germany, The Cakemaker, Funny Girl, Regal Arbor Cinema, 9828 Great Hills Trail Itzhak, The Love Letter General Admission tickets cost $12 for all moviegoers, for November 11 | “The Festival Continues” SOCIAL JUSTICE all film screenings. AJFF sells individual tickets online Shalom Austin JCC, Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane An Act of Defiance, A Heart Beat Away, Itzhak, Shoelaces, at austinjff.org (with all fees included in the ticket price); The Last Supper, Sammy Davis I’ve Got to Be Me readers of The Jewish Outlook can receive a 10% discount by entering code OUTLOOK18, and Community Partner organizations and their members can receive a 10% discount when purchasing tickets online with their assigned discount code. “Movie Goer” Sponsor To save even more, audience members can purchase a ten- of the ticket Flex Pass for $99, online or at the theater, for a savings Become A “Movie Goer” Sponsor Austin for as little as $100—receive David Goldblatt of $21 over the cost of individual tickets, and Festival Badges Jewish Film Festival will be available for $180, allowing the holder to attend every a Flex Pass (valued at $99) and an invitation to the & Cindy Pinto single film at this exciting film festival. opening “Reel Reception” on Thursday, October 25, at Shalom Austin JCC, Community Hall. FRIEND OF THE FESTIVAL BADGE $180 Check out our website at austinjff.org to become a Valid for admission to all films at all venues, with advanced sponsor. seating 15 minutes before show time. FLEX PASS $99 Valid for 10 admissions to the film(s) of your choice at any venue. Flex Pass holders will be seated after Film Badge 2018 AJFF Film Topics holders and before general admission ticket holders. BLACK JEWISH LIFE PREMIUM TICKET $18 An Act of Defiance, Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me Valid for general admission for daytime or evening (Includes AMERICAN JEWISH LIFE students/seniors). Sold online and at the theater box office. Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, Funny Girl, Itzhak, Premium Ticket holders will be seated after Film badge Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me, Wendy’s Shabbat holders and before Flex Pass holders. Additional benefits for Premium ticket holders are on the way – stay tuned for a great ANTI-SEMITISM package. Bye Bye German, The Invisibles,The Last Supper GENERAL ADMISSION $12 ARTS AND CULTURE Goldblatt/Pinto Funny Girl, Itzhak, The Museum, Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Valid for general admission for daytime or evening (includes Be Me, Shalom Bollywood: The Untold Story of Indian Cinema Young Filmmaker Grant students/seniors). BIOGRAPHY Sold online and at the theater box office, beginning 15 minutes Bombshell, Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me, Itzhak In 2015 the Austin Jewish Film Festival established before each film starts, until tickets are sold out. General the Goldblatt/Pinto Young Filmmaker Grant to honor the admission ticket holders are seated after Film Badge and Flex DOCUMENTARY outstanding team of David Goldblatt and Cindy Pinto for Pass holders. A Heart Beat Away, Bombshell, Itzhak, The Museum, directing the Festival into lasting success. This ongoing Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me, Shalom Bollywood: scholarship helps support young, local Jewish film students’ GROUP BULK TICKET PURCHASE The Untold Story of Indian Cinema participation in film production forums. During the summer Group ticket purchasers of 20 or more tickets will receive DOCU-DRAMA of 2016, the Grant provided funding for our first student, a 20% discount. Groups will have reserved seats together. The Invisibles Haruka Gerald, to participate in the Jerusalem Film Workshop. Special benefits, including a meeting space at the theater David Goldblatt has long dreamed that someday a young before or after the film, may be arranged, depending on DRAMA filmmaker who started with our festival would return to Austin the film schedule. Contact [email protected] for additional An Act of Defiance, Bye Bye Germany, Budapest Noir, as a proud producer or director. It is with the community’s Funny Girl, The Cakemaker, The Interpreter, Shoelaces, information. support that AJFF was able to assist Haruka, and we look The Last Supper, The Samuel Project Last-minute schedule and program changes happen. forward to continuing such assistance for many years. Please help us by donating to the grant fund so that we can provide Visit austinjff.org for the latest schedule and ticket information. FAMILY FRIENDLY a meaningful level of support to our next young Austin film A Heart Beat Away, Funny Girl, Itzhak, The Invisibles, maker. Donations can be made anytime online at the AJFF The Museum, Pirate Captain Toledano, Sammy Davis Jr.: website: austinjff.org. I’ve Gotta Be Me, The Samuel Project B4 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide 2018 AJFF Schedule
A film introduction and trailers will be SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 7:30 PM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 presented prior to each screening. International Film Day Featuring: Austria, The Testament “First Fridays” At Temple Beth Shalom Last-minute schedule changes happen. Visit Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Director: Amichai Greenberg austinjff.org for the latest festival and ticket Slovakia, and South Africa 7:45 PM information. Austria, Israel | 2017 | Narrative | 96 min. 2:00 PM | Hebrew, German, English, Yiddish (with A Heartbeat Away All screenings take place at Regal Arbor 8 subtitles) @ Great Hills, unless otherwise noted. An Act of Defiance Directors: Tal Barda, Noam Pinchas Israel | 2015 | Documentary | 54 min. | Director: Jean van de Velde WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 Hebrew, Swahili (with subtitles) SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 South Africa, Netherlands | 2017 | Narrative, International Film Day Featuring: Israel Location: Temple Beth Shalom 4:00 PM Biography | 123 min. | English / Afrikaans (with subtitles) NOON Program following the film with speaker from Shalom Bollywood: the non-profit, Save A Child’s Heart. 4:30 PM The Untold Story of The Museum For more information visit Indian Cinema The Interpreter Director: Ran Tal bethshalomaustin.org Israel | 2017 | Documentary | 74 min. | Director: Martin Sulík Drector: Danny Ben-Moshe Hebrew, English (with subtitles) Australia, India | 2017 | Documentary | Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria | 2018 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 | Drama | 113 min. | German, Russian, 76 min. | English, Hindi (with subtitles) 7:30 PM “The Festival Continues” Slovak (with subtitles) Location: Shalom Austin JCC, The Cakemaker Community Hall Screened with the short film Pirate Captain 4:30 PM Toledano Director: Ofir Raul Graizer In collaboration with Indie Meme Film The Last Supper Germany, Israel | 2017 | Narrative | Festival. Light snacks, samosas and 7:30 PM 104 min. | German, Hebrew (with subtitles) Director: Florian Frerichs rugelach will be served. Germany | 2017 | Drama, History | 83 min. | Screened with a short film The Invisibles The Love Letter German (with subtitles) Director: Claus Räfle THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 Location: Shalom Austin JCC, Germany | 2018 | Biography, Drama, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Film Sneak Peek (opens nationally 10/12) Community Hall History | 110 min. | German (with subtitles) International Film Day Featuring: Israel 7:30 PM Introduction by Jake Wolfson, Education and USA 7:30 PM Coordinator of the Texas Holocaust and Bye Bye Germany The Samuel Project Genocide Commission. NOON Director: Marc Fusco Funny Girl Director: Sam Garbarski USA | 2018 | Drama, Comedy | 93 min. | Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg | 2017 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 th English Classic Film Series - 50 Anniversary Narrative | 102 min. | English, German International Film Day Featuring: Israel, (with subtitles) Director: William Wyler Location: Shalom Austin JCC, Hungary, and USA Community Hall USA | 1968 | Biography, Comedy, Drama | Location: Shalom Austin JCC, 151 min. | English Community Hall Skype Q&A with cast member following NOON the film. Itzhak 7:30 PM Director: Alison Chernick Shoelaces SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 Israel, USA | 2017 | Documentary | 83 min. Director: Jacob Goldwasser | English Opening Day for week-long festival Israel | 2017 | Drama | 98 min. | Hebrew (with subtitles) 4:00 PM 7:30 PM Screened with the short film The Last Supper Budapest Noir Kavod Gadol Skype Q&A following the film with Director, Director: Florian Frerichs Director: Éva Gárdos Jacob Goldwasser. Germany | 2017 | Drama, History | 83 min. | Hungary | 2017 | Drama | 95 min. | German (with subtitles) Hungarian (with subtitles) FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Shabbat Teaching Film Q&A following the film with Filmmaker, Eva Gardos from Los Angeles. Let’s Hear It For Hollywood Film Day Screened with the short film Wendy’s Shabbat 11:30 AM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 Opening Night Feature International Film Day Featuring: Austria, Bombshell: 8:00 PM Belgium, Germany, Israel, and Luxembourg The Hedy Lamarr Story Director: Alexandra Dean Sammy Davis, Jr.: NOON I’ve Gotta Be Me USA | 2017 | Documentary, Biography, Bye Bye Germany History, War | 88 min. | English Director: Sam Pollard USA | 2017 | Documentary | 100 min. | Director: Sam Garbarski Screened with the short film Blessed Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg | 2017 | English Skype Q&A following the film with Director, Narrative | 102 min. | English, German Alexandra Dean Doors open at 7:30 p.m. (with subtitles) The film is preceded by a musical tribute to Screened with the short film Who Sank Sammy Davis Jr. Your Ships? B4 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide Visit austinjff.org for frestival and ticket information. | October 2018 | B5
OPENING NIGHT FILM FOR THE WEEKLONG FESTIVAL Documentary Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me
Sam Pollard|USA|2017|100 min.|English
A star-studded roster of interviewees pay tribute to the legendary dancer, singer, impressionist, and actor Sammy Davis, Jr. An entertainer of jaw-dropping artistry and unparalleled charisma, Davis entered show business at a time of racial tension and social upheaval. Davis converted to Judaism in 1954 and remained as devoted to Judaism as he was to entertainment throughout his life. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 | 8:00 PM REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
CLOSING NIGHT FILM Shoelaces
Jacob Goldwasser|Israel|2017|98 min.|Hebrew (with subtitles)
Rueben abandoned Gadi, his special-needs son, when he was a young boy. Now a young adult, Gadi wants to donate a kidney to help save his father’s life, but a transplant committee objects, claiming that Rueben, as his guardian, doesn’t have the right to authorize such an invasive procedure. Gadi, who recently lost his mother, is afraid of losing his father as well. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | 7:30 PM REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
Drama B6 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide
Documentary
Danny Ben-Moshe|Australia, India|2017|76 min.|English, Hindi (with subtitles) The Indie Meme Film Festival Shalom Bollywood: is an Austin-based South Asian film festival presenting unique and powerful stories from India, The Untold Story Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Bhutan. (www. indiememe.org) of Indian Cinema “Shalom Bollywood” reveals the unlikely story of the 2000-year-old Indian Jewish community and its formative place in shaping the world’s largest film industry. When Indian cinema began 100 years ago, it was taboo for Hindu and Islamic women to perform on screen, so Indian Jewish women took on female lead roles, which they then dominated for decades. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 4:00 PM SHALOM AUSTIN JCC, COMMUNITY HALL Admission: $12. Light snacks, samosas and rugelach will be served.
Chloe Benjamin | The Immortalists
Texas Book Festival SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 11:00 AM TEXAS STATE CAPITOL
If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life? It’s 1969 in New York City’s Lower East Side, and word has spread of the arrival of a mystical woman, a traveling psychic who claims to be able to tell anyone the day they will die. The Gold children four adolescents on the cusp of self-awareness sneak out to hear their fortunes. The prophecies inform their next five decades.
Chloe Benjamin B6 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide Visit austinjff.org for frestival and ticket information. | October 2018 | B7
Narrative, Biography Drama
Documentary Documentary, Biography
A Heartbeat Away An Act of Bombshell: Budapest Noir Directors: Tal Barda, Noam Pinchas Defiance The Hedy Lamarr Director: Éva Gárdos Israel|2015|54 min.|Hebrew, Swahili Director: Jean van de Velde Story Hungary|2017|95 min.|Hungarian (with subtitles) (with subtitles) South Africa, Netherlands|2017|123 min.| Director: Alexandra Dean FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | 7:45 PM English, Afrikaans (with subtitles) USA|2017|History, War|88 min.|English MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 | 7:30 PM TEMPLE BETH SHALOM REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 2:00 PM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | 11:30 AM “First Fridays” at Temple Beth Shalom. Q&A following the film with Filmmaker REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS For more information visit Eva Gardos from Los Angeles. www.bethshalomaustin.org Skype Q&A following the film with Director, Alexandra Dean. Program following the film with speaker from Save A Child’s Heart. “A politically-charged tale of corruption “Dutch filmmaker Jean van de Velde and betrayal, this richly atmospheric captures a dark period in South Africa’s murder mystery will leave you guessing recent history, balancing a nail-biting Dr. Akiva Tamir, an Israeli pediatric “What do the most ravishingly beautiful until its surprising climax.” political thriller with spectacular courtroom cardiologist, leads a medical mission to actress of the 1930s and 40s and the intrigue.” Budapest, 1936: the Hungarian prime Tanzania to perform heart surgeries on inventor whose concepts were the basis of minister returns from Germany in a children. Out of hundreds of sick kids the In 1963, apartheid is rampant in South cell phone and Bluetooth technology have coffin, his dream of making Hungary into team reviews, they can select only a few Africa. Nelson Mandela and nine other in common? Hedy Lamarr.” a functioning fascist state snuffed out— for lifesaving operations. When Tamir defendants, including Jewish anti- Full of eye-opening surprises, this film for now. A hard-boiled crime reporter, meets Julius, a charming six-year-old boy Apartheid fighters, are arrested on a farm goes behind the public persona of a Zsigmond Gordon, has other things on with only a slight chance of survival, he is for conspiring to commit sabotage and deeply misunderstood Hollywood starlet to his mind. He discovers a tip leading to an forced to decide whether or not to operate. treason against the repressive South reveal the thwarted ambitions of a brilliant unusual crime scene in a seedy part of Dr. Tamir and his team take the viewer on African government. Tenacious white technology trailblazer and inventor. Known the city. A beautiful, well-dressed young an emotional rollercoaster as they deal Afrikaner lawyer Bram Fisher steps up for her glamour and sex appeal, Hedy woman is found beaten to death, with only with the most serious question of which of to the challenge as lead counsel whose Lamarr rose to fame in the 1930s and a Jewish prayer book in her purse. No one these potentially terminally ill children they defendants faced a possible death ‘40s. But her iconic career was largely is interested in solving the bizarre crime should treat. This riveting human drama sentence. Fisher risks his career and tainted by both her own lurid offscreen except Gordon, who feels that things are oscillates between science and faith, hope family to defend Mandela and his inner exploits and screen roles that objectified not what they seem to be. Investigating and despair, life and death. In its center circle in this historical thriller set in South her. What history had overlooked was the murder, Gordon enters a world of are doctors who have been thrust into the Africa’s incendiary segregation era. As Lamarr’s uncredited achievements in pornographers, brothels, and communist position of gods. Mandela fights to expose South Africa’s mechanics and technology. An Austrian cells leading to the highest echelons of corrupt, unjust system, Fischer attempts Community Partners: Hadassah; Austin Jewish émigré who left her Nazi power, just as Hungary’s fascist-leaning to hide his own ties to the resistance. Chapter, Temple Beth Shalom. sympathizer husband, she pursued a government prepares to align with Hitler. This riveting drama combines nail-biting future in show business while patenting a The more people try to scare him away, This film is being shown in conjunction political and courtroom intrigue to explore secret communications system that’s the the deeper he digs in, not knowing whom with Lila Bilbe’s Bat Mitzvah Project. For South Africa’s seminal struggle against foundation of today’s wireless technology to trust or what ulterior motives are more information go to https://give.classy. racism, and it highlights the little-known and perfecting a radio guidance system working against him and the truth. org/lilahmitzvahproject Jewish figures who sought to end for Allied torpedoes. Hedy Lamarr narrates Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) is entrenched discrimination in their country. her trailblazing story, weaving interviews Community Partner: Congregation Agudas Achim Brotherhood. an Israeli-based international Community Partner: National Council of and clips with never-before-heard audio humanitarian project providing Jewish Women (NCJW). tapes of her speaking about her incredible lifesaving heart surgery and life. This story brings to light an unusual follow-up care for children from and accomplished woman, spurned as too developing countries regardless beautiful to be smart, but a role model to of nationality, religion, color, this day. gender or financial status. Community Partners: Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Post 757, JCC Seniors Program, Temple Beth Shalom Sisterhood.
Quotes are from AJFF Contains Mature Language Contains Mature Themes Contains Nudity Contains Violence Family Friendly Special Program Committee Members. B8 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide
Narrative Drama
Narrative Biography, Comedy, Drama
Bye Bye Germany The Cakemaker Funny Girl The Interpreter Director: Sam Garbarski Director: Ofir Raul Graizer Classic Film Series Director: Martin Sulík Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg|2017| Germany, Israel|2017|104 min.| 50th Anniversary Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria|2018| 102 min.|English, German (with subtitles) German, Hebrew (with subtitles) Director: William Wyler 113 min.|German, Russian, Slovak USA|1968|151 min.|English (with subtitles) TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 | NOON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 | 7:30 PM REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | NOON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 4:30 PM REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 | 7:30 PM SHALOM AUSTIN JCC, COMMUNITY HALL “Director Raul Graizer subtly illustrates the idea that our social, religious, and sexual Barbra Streisand’s triumphant, Oscar- “A road trip focusing on two old men identities are more fluid than fixed.” winning, big-screen debut, FUNNY GIRL coming to grips with memories of their “A humorous and moving look at Jewish The emotionally distant Thomas leads a is the musical rags-to-riches tale of a parents. Extraordinary scenes from the life in post-war Germany.” lonely life as a Berlin coffee shop pastry young ugly duckling with a relentless drive countries they travel through.” chef until starting a closet affair and to be a Broadway star. In a watershed David Berman, a Holocaust survivor An 80-year-old translator, Ali Ungár, passionate tryst with Oren, a married role that launched her to superstardom, in postwar Frankfurt, has only one discovers a book by a former SS officer Israeli businessman. Bereft over the Streisand is funny and heartbreaking purpose—to go to America as soon as recounting his war experiences in Slovakia. sudden death of his long-distance lover, as the comedienne and singer Fanny possible. To get there, he needs lots of Ali realizes that one chapter may well Thomas travels to Jerusalem, seeking Brice, plucked from obscurity in New money, and smooth-talking David has describe his own parents’ execution. Armed solace in the city where he can feel closer York’s Lower East Side during the early an idea. Recruiting six survivor friends, with a pistol, he heads for Vienna to find to Oren. Anat, Oren’s widow, runs a small 1900s to headline the Ziegfeld Follies. he teaches these Jewish salesmen that SS man to take revenge; instead Ali café. Thomas finds work there with the Fame, riches, and adoration follow, as the shady tricks of his former trade: finds the man’s 70-year-old son, Georg, unsuspecting widow and quickly turns the does a bittersweet marriage to charming how to use flattery and chutzpah to sell a retired teacher. Georg has always struggling café into a successful business, gambler Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif), overpriced bed linens door-to-door to avoided his father, but the translator’s after his talents as a pastry chef are put to whose shady business deals threaten a guilt-ridden Germans. Meanwhile, he visit arouses his curiosity, and he invites use. As business flourishes with Thomas’ scandal. Director William Wyler’s colorful faces interrogation by a comely American Ali on a trip through Slovakia, embarking kitchen talents, and Anat finds herself adaptation of the smash Broadway show military intelligence officer about his past on a bittersweet journey to meet surviving drawn to him, the bereaved pair forges was nominated for 8 Academy Awards, as an alleged Nazi collaborator, but her witnesses of the wartime tragedy. But while a bond that blurs lines of nationality, including Best Picture, with Streisand’s impassivity is no match for the charismatic Georg is basically out to have a good time, religion, and sexuality. Winner of the Lia famous “Hello, gorgeous” opening line jokester. Presenting a fresh historical Ali is hoping to find out how his parents Van Leer Award for Jewish heritage at the ranked among the greatest movie quotes. perspective with a klezmer-style score died. Gradually, these two very different Jerusalem Film Festival and Ecumenical and Yiddish-inflected dialogue, “Bye Bye Community Partner: Congregation Agudas men begin to warm to each other, and Jury prize at the Karlovy Vary International Germany” is an utterly engaging salute to Achim HAZAK. together, they discover a country eager to Film Festival. European Jews who chose to “tough out” forget its past. Oscillating between comedy painful memories in order to reclaim their Community Partners: Congregation and tragedy, this road trip focuses on two lives. Agudas Achim Sisterhood, Keshet Austin, old men weighed down by the unresolved All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities Film conflicts that have plagued their lives who
Festival (aGLIFF). are now trying to free themselves from this oppressive burden.
AJFF History Corner | Did You Know? • After attending the Jewish Cinema South, Dr. David Goldblatt initiated the AJFF in 2002. • For the past five years,AJFF has sponsored a free program for high school students from around Austin entitled “Lights, Camera, Chutzpah” that trains and encourages • The first presented five films at the Alamo Drafthouse in October 2002, opening AJFF young filmmakers. with “Shalom Y’all,” a movie about Southern Jews. • During the past 16 years, our programs have benefited from our partnerships with screened 15 films in the second year, and the festival moved to the Arbor Cinema. • AJFF numerous community organizations from all around Greater Austin. • Dr. David Goldblatt and Cindy Pinto served as co-directors of the AJFF until 2014. • Check out austinjff.org for more details on the history of the AJFF. B8 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide Visit austinjff.org for frestival and ticket information. | October 2018 | B9
Documentary Documentary
Biography, Drama, History Drama, History
The Invisibles Itzhak The Last Supper The Museum Director: Claus Räfle Director: Alison Chernick Director: Florian Frerichs Director: Ran Tal Germany| 2018|110 min.|German Israel, USA|2017|83 min.|English Germany|2017|83 min.|German Israel|2017|74 min.|Hebrew, English (with subtitles) (with subtitles) (with subtitles) MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 | NOON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 7:30 PM REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 | 4:00 PM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 | NOON REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS Introduction by Jake Wolfson, Education Coordinator of the Texas SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 | 4:30 PM Holocaust and Genocide Commission. SHALOM AUSTIN JCC, “A look at the life, work, and religious COMMUNITY HALL heritage of violinist Itzhak Perlman.” “Exhilarating... a masterful look at the Shabbat Teaching Film From Schubert to Strauss, Bach to… Israel Museum, which goes much deeper Billy Joel, Itzhak Perlman’s violin playing than a conventional documentary.” (The “The little-known story of young Jews that transcends mere performance to evoke Jerusalem Post) outlast the Third Reich while hiding in the the celebrations and struggles of life. On January 30, 1933—the day Adolf Renowned Israeli director Ran Tal takes middle of Berlin by living so recklessly that ITZHAK examines the life and music Hitler comes to power—the Glicksteins, a behind-the-scenes look at the Israel they become ‘invisible.’” of Israeli-born Itzhak Perlman, widely an affluent German-Jewish family, come Museum in Jerusalem over a period of 18 considered to be the greatest living together for a family dinner. Most of In May 1943, Germany infamously months. This documentary goes inside the violinist. Perlman is a polio survivor whose them (like so many other Germans at declares Berlin “free of Jews.” But at that museum to observe its daily life, noting parents emigrated from Poland to Israel. that time) don’t take the Nazis seriously. moment there are still 7,000 Jews living how it brings together a colorful cast This is the story of the young wheelchair- When young Leah reveals her plans to “underground;” only 1,700 survive to of characters—the American museum bound man who struggled to be taken emigrate from Berlin to Palestine, her liberation. “The Invisibles” tells the stories director, The Jerusalemite curator, the seriously as a music student when family starts arguing with her. Her father, of four of those survivors. Cioma is an Haredi kashrut inspector, custodians, schools saw only his disability. Perlman Aaron, can’t see any reason to leave art student who uses his drafting skills to artists, a singing security guard, tour is funny, irreverent, and self-deprecating Germany, the country of their ancestors forge passports to save his fellow Jews guides, volunteers, soldiers, art lovers and as he recounts obstacles with humor. and the country for which he risked his in exchange for food ration cards; Hanni others—from all over Jerusalem, Israel, Archival materials and performance life during World War I. However, when dyes her hair blond and manages to pass and the world. We are also given insight clips—including a breakthrough Michael, Leah’s younger brother, indicates as Aryan, strolling along the streets of into the Museum’s attempts to incorporate appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show that he’s actually an ardent admirer of the Berlin; teenager Eugen, who distributes Palestinian representation into its at age 13—combine with behind-the- National Socialist movement, the family is anti-government leaflets, is handed to a collection. Tal’s elegantly shot film shows scenes moments of the venerated artist on the brink of being torn apart. “The Last succession of sympathetic Communist us not only a microcosm of Israeli society, in rehearsal, teaching classes, attending Supper” is a deeply personal and intimate families; and Ruth must resort to roaming but also how this institution seeks to both award shows, and collaborating with chamber play. the streets before being taken in by a reflect and mold Israeli history and culture. colleagues. His life story unspools in surprising protector. Brilliantly mixing conversations with masterful musicians, oral histories with striking re-enactments, family and friends, and reminds us why art this unusual hybrid docu- is vital to life. drama offers a powerful and uplifting message of resilience and courage. Sponsor: The Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission (THGC).
Community Partners: Congregation Beth Israel Brotherhood, Congregation Beth Israel Sisterhood, and Austin Film Society.
Quotes are from AJFF Contains Mature Language Contains Mature Themes Contains Nudity Contains Violence Family Friendly Special Program Committee Members. B10 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide
Shorts Documentary
Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me Blessed The Love Letter Wendy’s Shabbat Director: Sam Pollard Director: Prague Benbenisty Director: Atara Frish Director: Rachel Myers USA|2017|100 min.|English Israel|2015|Short Drama|16 min.|Hebrew Israel|2017|Short Drama|22 min.|Hebrew USA|2017|Short Documentary|10 min.| (with subtitles) English SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 | 8:00 PM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | 11:30 AM REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 | 7:30 PM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 | 4:00 PM Doors open at 7:30 p.m. In her big Moroccan family, Zohara is the REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS The film is preceded by a musical daughter everyone takes for granted, An IDF basic training commander receives A joyful group of seniors captures the while Oshrit is the beauty who is about to tribute by Sherree Brown to Sammy a mysterious love letter in her locker from spirit of Shabbat in their own unique way, Davis Jr. get married. On the day of the traditional one of her female soldiers. She suspects gathering at a fast food restaurant to light henna ceremony preceding the wedding, the letter is a fraud and is torn between candles and say prayers over hamburgers Zohara steals Oshrit’s blessing. The sticking to military discipline rules and and fries. mystical power of this blessing transforms her yearning to feel, if only for a moment, Zohara, bringing her love and changing loved. “A thrilling, enlightening, and redemptive the dynamics of her relationship with her look at the lesser known aspects of sister. Sammy Davis’s extraordinary life.” A star-studded roster of interviewees, including Jerry Lewis, Whoopi Goldberg, Norman Lear, Quincy Jones, and Billy Crystal, pay tribute to the legendary dancer, singer, impressionist, and actor Sammy Davis, Jr. Dazzling audiences since he was a child, Harlem-born Davis was an entertainer of jaw-dropping artistry and unparalleled charisma. Entering showbusiness at a time of racial tension and social upheaval, Davis found himself frequently courting controversy. He performed alongside Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra as a member of the Rat Pack, and, invited by President Nixon, he was the first African-American to sleep at the White House. Yet, as a result he Kavod Gadol Pirate Captain Who Sank Your was labeled by some as a sellout to his race. Davis converted to Judaism in 1954 Director: Ori Szternfeld Toledano Ships? and remained as devoted to Judaism Israel|2015|Short Drama|10 min.|Hebrew Director: Arnon Shorr Director: Ella Kohn as he was to entertainment throughout his life. The film includes never-before- (with subtitles) USA|2017|Short Drama|10 min.|English, Israel|2017|Short Drama|24 min.|Hebrew seen photographs plus excerpts from his performances, exploring the life and THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | 7:30 PM Spanish (with subtitles) art of an entertainer who saw the major REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 4:30 PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 | NOON flashpoints of American society from the Daniel gets a wonderful surprise from REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS Depression through the 1980s. his father for his Bar Mitzvah party – a Community Partner: A Clever Production, sheep – to slaughter. Daniel is not happy Set in the little-known world of Jewish Yuli, a petite military photographer, is Congregation Shir Ami, Congregation Kol with the gift and tries everything he can to piracy in the Caribbean,”Pirate Captain in love with Michael. But Michael has a Halev, Temple Beth Shalom Brotherhood. get rid of the sheep, from giving it away, Toledano” brings to life the story of girlfriend. One night, as Yuli witnesses a releasing, it and even calling the police to refugees from the Inquisition who found a harsh fight between the two, she decides help. way to strike back against Spain. to follow Michael. Through Yuli’s dreamy eyes, a dreary military night becomes magical. B10 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide Visit austinjff.org for frestival and ticket information. | October 2018 | B11
Documentary Narrative
Drama, Comedy Drama
The Samuel Shalom Bollywood: Shoelaces The Testament Project The Untold Story Director: Jacob Goldwasser Director: Amichai Greenberg Director: Marc Fusco of Indian Cinema Israel|2017|98 min.|Hebrew (with subtitles) Austria, Israel|2017|96 min.|Hebrew, USA|2018|93 min.|English German, English, Yiddish (with subtitles) Director: Danny Ben-Moshe THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | 7:30 PM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 | 7:30 PM Australia, India|2017|76 min.|English, REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 | 7:30 PM SHALOM AUSTIN JCC, Hindi (with subtitles) Skype Q&A following the film with REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS COMMUNITY HALL Director, Jacob Goldwasser. Skype Q&A with cast member SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 4:00 PM “A mystery involving a religious historian following the film. SHALOM AUSTIN JCC, COMMUNITY HALL and his family. He is willing to risk Free. Donation suggested everything to discover the truth.” Proceeds to benefit a local arts “A story of a special needs adult and the Yoel Halberstam, a senior Holocaust budding relationship between the father education program. “Shalom Bollywood” reveals the unlikely researcher, is in the midst of a legal battle who abandoned him as a child.” story of the 2000-year-old Indian Jewish with powerful forces in Austria concerning community and its formative place in “Shoelaces” traces the story of a a massacre of Jews that occurred during shaping the world’s largest film industry. complicated relationship between an aging WWII. An influential family of industrialists When Indian cinema began 100 years father and his special-needs son, whom on whose land the murder took place is “A film for both parents and grandparents ago, it was taboo for Hindu and Islamic he abandoned while he was still a young planning a real estate project on the very to share with their children.” women to perform on screen, so Indian boy. Reuben’s kidneys are failing, and same property. Yoel suspects that their aim is to bury the affair for good, but he can’t Eli, an outcast teen, connects with his Jewish women, who were more liberal and his son Gadi wants to donate one of his find the conclusive evidence that would isolated grandfather for the first time, and progressive, took on female lead roles, own kidneys to help save his father’s life. stop the project. Meticulous in his quest, he uncovers the man’s surprising past which they then dominated for decades. However, the transplant committee objects Yoel toils in the basement of the Holocaust when he makes his grandpa the subject of Because these stars used stage names, to the procedure, claiming that Rueben, Institute in Jerusalem. While investigating an animated art project for school. Eli has audiences assumed they were Muslims acting as Gadi’s sole legal guardian, does the incident, Yoel examines classified dreams of becoming a professional artist or Christians—until now! From the silent not have the right to authorize such an testimonies of Holocaust survivors, and and discovers that his grandpa, Samuel era through Bollywood’s golden age, invasive procedure. Gadi, who recently he is shocked to discover a testimony (Hal Linden), a Jewish dry cleaner, was Indian cinema icons share their highs lost his mother, is afraid of losing his he never knew existed—one given by heroically saved from Nazi capture in and lows and how their careers pushed father as well. He feels he finally has the his mother in which she confesses to a Germany by a young woman when he the boundaries of Indian-Jewish culture. chance to do something meaningful; to substantial secret from her past. With his was a boy. After some hesitation, Samuel Interviews plus rare archival footage and become a man and stand on his own. He’s personal and professional life at stake, agrees to tell his story for the project—a retro-style music and animation revive the furious with the committee’s decision and Yoel secretly pursues the lead, risking story he hasn’t told in over 75 years. In all-singing, all-dancing cheeky feel of a sets out to fight for his right to save his everything—career, wife and son, even his the end, Eli’s project makes the finals in Bollywood production. father’s life. Through the film’s portrayal of a relationship full of love, rejection, and own beliefs—to solve the mystery about a countywide art showcase, where he The Austin Jewish Film Festival presents co-dependency, “Shoelaces” ponders his identify. unveils his animated ‘Samuel Project’ with “Shalom Bollywood” in collaboration with the importance of human life and human the help of his unlikely friend Kasim, an Indie Meme Film Festival. Community Partner: Congregation Beth El. electric guitar-wielding school misfit. After connection. decades, three generations of Eli’s family finally connect with one another.
Community Partner: Shalom Austin.
Quotes are from AJFF Contains Mature Language Contains Mature Themes Contains Nudity Contains Violence Family Friendly Special Program Committee Members. B12 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide 2018 AJFF Donors PRODUCER | $5,000 AND ABOVE
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