WHAT’S NEW IN 2012?
The Boston Jewish Film Festival is pleased to welcome our new Artistic Director, Amy Geller. After over a decade and half of producing films, Amy is “coming home” to the Festival, where she held her first professional job out of college as our Associate Director. We are debuting many films by up-and-coming directors. Our Festival is filled with trailblazing features from first-time directors, such as Tamar Tal (Life in Stills), Maya Kenig (Off White Lies), Sharon Bar-Ziv (Room 514), and Lior Har-Lev (We Are Not Alone). We are welcoming innovative films from vanguard directors. Roberta Grossman (Blessed is the Match, 2008) returns with our entertaining closing night film Hava Nagila, while Argentinean director Daniel Burman (The Empty Nest, 2009; Family Law, 2006; Lost Embrace, 2004) continues his comedic streak with All In. French director Alain Tasma (Fracture, 2011) tries his hand with We are meeting the third generation the coming-of-age drama Emma. of Holocaust survivors. We watch how trauma carries through the decades and generations while the shadow of the Holocaust defines us in documentaries like Six Million and One, Oma & Bella, and Spinach and Sugar. We are venturing out with contemporary, wide-ranging programs. See Pages 4-7 of this brochure for details. Please join us often at the Boston Jewish Film Festival, 2012. OPENING NIGHT
East Coast Premiere life in stills Director Tamar Tal hatzalmania Israel 2011 Opening Night 58 Minutes Wednesday Documentary November 7 In Person Director Tamar Tal 7:30 p.m. Film subject Ben Peter (invited) Coolidge Corner Theatre Sponsored by Northeastern University Introduced by Jewish Studies Program, Ronit Nudelman-Perl, International Affairs Program, Deputy Consul General, and Department of History Consulate General of Israel to New England Preceded by Spinach and Sugar Musical Performance Lihi Haruvi Trio Berklee College of Music
A valiant 96-year-old woman, Miriam Weissenstein, fights real estate developers to keep alive the Photo House in Tel Aviv, which holds one million negatives documenting the history of Israel. Stubborn and opinionated, Weissenstein is also enormously funny, even when bickering with her beloved gay grandson, Ben, who is helping her save her shop. A heart-warming—and sometimes heart-breaking—documentary of love, courage, and compassion. 2012 Ophir (Israeli Oscar) nominee. In Hebrew, German with English subtitles.
1 MID-FEST
dorfman New England Premiere Director Bradley Leong Mid-Fest USA 2011 Wednesday 97 Minutes November 14 Fiction 7:00 p.m. In Person Coolidge Corner Theatre Screenwriter Wendy Kout Actor Elliot Gould (invited) Sponsored by Emerson College
Photo by Roy Matlen / fluke fotography
In this sweet, L.A.-set Jewish comedy, Deb Dorfman (television actress Sara Rue) —mousy, awkward and single—needs a new life. She sacrifices all for her widowed curmudgeonly father (acclaimed actor Elliot Gould), and her uncaring accountant brother, while pining for a manipulative globetrotting journalist. But things brighten when she moves out on her Dad for a week of house and cat sitting. She gets a makeover and stylish, artsy friends. Will she also find Mr. Right? Note: sexual situations. In English.
2 CLOSING NIGHT2011
hava nagila New England Premiere Director Roberta Grossman (The Movie) USA 2011 Boston Closing Night 73 Minutes Sunday Documentary November 18 In Person 6:30 p.m. Director Roberta Grossman Museum of Fine Arts Supported by The Boston Jewish Music Festival Musical Performance Joe Kessler (violin) and Michael McLaughlin (accordion) from Klezwoods
The ubiquitous Hava Nagila is ingrained in people’s consciousness worldwide. Everyone from Belafonte to Dylan to Elvis to Chubby Checker sang it. This charming and entertaining documentary uncovers Hava’s complex history—the bouncy melody created in the Ukraine, the lyrics seemingly authored in Israel and the joyful dance done at almost every Jewish wedding on earth. With cameos by Leonard Nimoy, Regina Spektor, Connie Francis, Glen Campbell, and Needham’s own Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman. In English.
3 Thursday November 15 7:00 p.m.
Coolidge Corner Theatre
FAVORITE FILMS FROM THE FAMOUS We are kicking off a new annual offering. Want to know which classic Jewish films have influenced local celebs? This year, Robert Brustein, Founder of the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge and Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven, will present one of his favorites, Mel Brooks’ 1968 comedy The Producers.
NOT A DOCTOR, NOT A LAWYER SERIES Traditional Jewish vocations aren’t for everyone. If you wonder what you do when you’re not a doctor or not a lawyer, join us for five new films that shed fresh light on different paths and careers.
The Art of Spiegelman n Dressing America: Tales From the Garment Center n Every Tuesday: A Portrait of the New Yorker Cartoonists n Pretty Old
64 SPECIAL PROGRAMS
SHORT FILM COMPETITION Short films are an increasingly popular art form. But a really good short is rare. We honor this accomplishment during our Short Film Competition.
First, we invited an esteemed jury to choose their top two shorts. They selected seven films from around the world that knocked them out. You’ll get a chance to screen the winning films and vote for the two best shorts. Then, join us for some tunes, brews and prizes at the after-party. Cash awards—$1500 for first place short; $1000 for second!
Tuesday Listed in screening order: Sponsored by November 13 Woody Before Allen 7:00 p.m. The Promised Land The Basketball Game B-Boy Somerville Theatre Orbit Supported in part by The Pitch a Young Adult Community Music Man Murray Grant from CJP.
Jury: Join CJP Young Leadership Division and Prism at an Sara Archambault after-party at Orleans Restaurant in Davis Square, to find Jessie Beers-Altman out who won the cash prizes! Molly Chadis Michael Colford Present your ticket or Festival pass for admission. Goldie Eder Matt Millstein Adam Riemer
5577 WOMEN IN ORTHODOXY Orthodox Jewish women live by a set of religious beliefs that organize most parts of their lives. What happens when questions of self-identity brush up against, and sometimes even conflict with, religious beliefs? Come see our Women in Orthodoxy program and find out.
The Dreamers Devout
Sunday November 11 3:15 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre Following the films, join us for a panel discussion facilitated by The Hadassah Brandeis Institute.
FEMALE HELMERS The “glass ceiling” still very much exists for women who want to pursue a career directing films. In Hollywood, it took 82 years for a woman to win an Oscar for Best Director—Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker in 2010. Female Helmers features four thought- provoking, women-directed, Jewish shorts—from experimental to narrative, documentary to animation, that push the boundaries of creative storytelling.
Catherine the Great Of Birds and Boundaries Sister of Mine Monday Surf and Turf November 12 3:00 p.m. In person Coolidge Corner Theatre Director Annie Berman
6 SPECIAL PROGRAMS
David Sunday Monday Thursday November 11 November 12 November 15 12:45 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Cinema de Lux Patriot Place Coolidge Corner Theatre Foxboro Theatre Join us for a dessert reception following this screening, sponsored by the CJP South Area Task Force
SPECIAL FAMILY PROGRAM (Ages 9 and over) You asked for it, and we delivered—a special family program for parents and children. Told from the perspective of a precocious Muslim boy played by the talented child actor Muatesem Mishal, David is a powerfully moving film that deals with issues of friendship, family, community and Muslim/Jewish relations. In person Producer Stephanie Levy and actor Muatesem Mishal (Nov 11, 12)
SURPRISE SCREENING We are reserving two evenings for last-minute electrifying film announcements. We hope to bring you a sneak peak at two smash-hit, blockbuster films. We can’t tell you in advance, but we know it will be worth the wait. Look on our website as the date comes closer—we’ll share our news on Facebook, Twitter and in our newsletter.
Saturday November 10 7:00 p.m. Museum of Fine Arts
Saturday November 17 7:00 p.m. ? Theatre 1 at Revere Hotel Boston Common
7 FESTIVAL FILMS
May 1948. With independence declared, Israel 804 was immediately under siege from six armies. Outnumbered and out-armed, Israel asked for international help. This documentary tells the little- East Coast Premiere known story of the 804 South Africans in The Machal, Director Etienne Naude volunteers from outside of Israel. Jewish and non- Israel, South Africa, UK Jewish, these brave soldiers left their studies, families, 2011 and homes to fight for Israel’s survival.In English. 52 Minutes Documentary (screens with Ameer Got His Gun as part of Veteran’s Day program)
screening time Mon, November 12 12:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre
This engaging animation tells the story of a Jewish the comic book artist of super heroes (the drawings are by famed cartoonist Herb Rogoff) who guides his adventures autistic grandson to do expressive autobiographical of super drawings. In English. benji (screens with The Art of Spiegelman and Every Tuesday)
Massachusetts Premiere Director Neil Ira Needleman USA 2011 4 Minutes Animation screening time Thur, November 8 7:00 p.m. West Newton Cinema
8 FESTIVAL FILMS
A charming, Jewish, poker-loving, divorced father of all in two, lies — often — to get through life. The day he la suerte en tus manos gets a vasectomy is the day he reconnects with an ex-flame in this delightful romantic comedy. Directed by Daniel Burman (Family Law, 2006 Festival; Lost New England Premiere Embrace, 2004 Festival) and starring Norma Aleandro Director Daniel Burman (Anita), with an acting debut from Jorge Drexler, Argentina Latino singing star and medical doctor. In Spanish, 2012 French with subtitles. 107 Minutes Fiction
Sponsored by
screening times Thur, November 8 Global Wealth Management 9:30 p.m. A unit of AllianceBernstein L.P. Coolidge Corner Theatre
Sun, November 18 1:00 p.m. West Newton Cinema
Ameer Abu-Ria is not your typical Israel Defense ameer got Forces member. He’s a Muslim Arab who volunteers to serve in the military. Regarded as a traitor by many his gun Arab citizens and an enemy by many Israeli Jews, b’nai dodim laneshek Ameer remains a total optimist: smart, gregarious, a friend to all he meets in the army. This documentary is New England Premiere touching and also timely, at a moment where the issue of Arabs in the Israeli military is hotly debated. 2012 Director Naomi Levari Ophir (Israeli Oscar) nominee. In Hebrew, Arabic Israel with subtitles. 2011 58 Minutes (screens with 804 as part of Veterans Day program) Documentary Recommended for ages 13 and over. Sponsored by screening time Mon, November 12 12:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre In person Director Naomi Levari
9 Art Spiegelman is the man behind Maus, the Pulitizer the art of Prize winning graphic novel about the Holocaust as filtered through a contentious father-son relationship. spiegelman This documentary portrait of the complicated cartoon artist shows him at work and at home, chain-smoking Massachusetts Theatrical and kvetching, and in relationship with his daughter Premiere and his French wife, Françoise Mouly, art editor of The New Yorker. In English, French with subtitles. Directors Clara Kuperberg, Joelle Oosterlinck (screens with The Adventures of Super Benji and Every France, USA Tuesday) 2009 44 Minutes (part of Not a Doctor, Not a Lawyer series) Documentary
screening time Thur, November 8 7:00 p.m. West Newton Cinema
Eli is your typical Bar Mitzvah boy — a 13-year- b-boy old barely out of childhood — but put him on the competitive breakdance floor, and he’s E-Break, part of a nationally recognized breakdancing crew. Massachusetts Premiere In English. Director Lisa Cohen USA (part of Short Film Competition) 2012 15 Minutes Documentary
screening time Tue, November 13 7:00 p.m. Somerville Theatre
10 FESTIVAL FILMS
A based-on-life animated film about rural Canadian the youths, who were taught that the Holocaust was a hoax. They visit a Jewish camp, where the two basketball groups use a game of hoops to dispel stereotypes and game distrust. In English. (part of Short Film Competition) East Coast Premiere Director Hart Snider Canada 2012 5 Minutes Animation
screening time Tue, November 13 7:00 p.m. Somerville Theatre
Tal, a French teen, settles in Jerusalem with her a bottle in family. She puts a letter in a bottle, which is tossed into the sea near Gaza, expressing her dismay at the the gaza sea hatred that exists between Israelis and Palestinians. une bouteille dans la mer Weeks later, Tal receives a response via e-mail from de gaza a mysterious “Gazaman,” a young Palestinian named Naïm. This modern day Romeo and Juliet tale is based on the award-winning novel by Valérie Zenatti. In New England Premiere French, Hebrew, English, Arabic with subtitles. Director Thierry Binisti Israel, France, Canada Recommended for ages 13 and over. 2010 99 Minutes Fiction
In person screening time Valérie Zenatti, book author/ Sat, November 10 co-screenwriter (invited) 7:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre Supported by French Cultural Services, Boston
11 A hard-hitting animated short from Israel about a catherine girl from Moldova who thinks she’s going to Israel to care for the elderly and clean houses. In Hebrew with the great subtitles. ykaterina hag’dola (part of Female Helmers program) New England Premiere Director Anna Kuntsman Israel 2011 5 Minutes Animation
screening time Mon, November 12 3:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre
Daud (Muatasem Mishal), a whip-smart Muslim boy, david steps into the Jewish world one day in Brooklyn when an attempt to retrieve his family Koran leads him into a yeshiva. Interestingly, he is mistaken for a religious Boston Premiere Jew in this poignant, award-winning drama about Directors Joel Fendelman, identity, friendship, family, community and Muslim/ Patrick Daly Jewish relations. Starring Iranian-American comedian USA Maz Jobrani as Daud’s strict father. In English, Arabic 2011 with subtitles. 80 Minutes Fiction Special Family Program Recommended for ages 9 and over. Sponsored by CJP South Area Task Force
In person screening times Producer Stephanie Levy and Sun, November 11 Actor Muatesem Mishal 12:45 p.m. (Nov 11, 12) Coolidge Corner Theatre Mon, November 12 Dessert reception following 7:00 p.m. November 12 Foxboro screening Showcase Patriot Place sponsored by the CJP South Thur, November 15 Area Task Force 2:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre
12 FESTIVAL FILMS
Life isn’t easy if you are Orthodox and also devout homosexual. But in this insightful documentary, lesbian and gay Jews, including several who grew up ultra-Orthodox, try reconciling their religious faith New England Premiere with a sexual identity denounced by family, friends Directors Diana Neille, and community. Can they maintain their religiosity Sana Gulzar in the face of rejection and loneliness? Could some USA change be at hand from Orthodox leadership? 2012 In English, Hebrew with subtitles. 37 Minutes Documentary (screens with The Dreamers)
Sponsored by (part of Women in Orthodoxy program)
screening time Sun, November 11 3:15 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre Panel Moderated by Shulamit Reinharz, Director and Founder, Hadassah Brandeis Institute
In this sweet, L.A.-set comedy, Deb Dorfman dorfman (television actress Sara Rue) — mousy, awkward and single — needs a new life. She sacrifices all for her New England Premiere widowed curmudgeonly father (acclaimed actor Elliot Director Bradley Leong Gould), and her uncaring accountant brother, while USA pining for a manipulative globetrotting journalist. But 2011 things brighten when she moves out on her Dad for 97 Minutes a week of house and cat sitting. She gets a makeover Fiction and stylish, artsy friends. Will she also find Mr. Right? Note: sexual situations. In English. Sponsored by
Photo by Roy Matlen / fluke fotography
In person (Nov 14) screening times Screenwriter Wendy Kout; Wed, November 14 actor Elliot Gould (invited) 7:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre (Mid-Fest Film)
Mon, November 19 7:00 p.m. Hollywood Hits Premiere Theatres
13 Ruhama teaches at a religious girls school, while Tikva the sells wigs. In their “free” time, they are absorbed in filmmaking, a rare calling for Israeli Haredi (ultra- dreamers Orthodox) women. Working as a screenwriter/ hacholmot producer and an actress respectively, they are loyal to both their religious beliefs and their creative muses. U.S. Premiere In Hebrew with subtitles.
Director Efrat Shalom Danon (screens with Devout) Israel 2011 (part of Women in Orthodoxy program) 58 Minutes Documentary
Sponsored by screening time Sun, November 11 3:15 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre Discussion Moderated by Shulamit Reinharz, Director and Founder, Hadassah Brandeis Institute
What were once shmattas (rags) became the material dressing that clothed America. This engaging cultural-historical documentary looks at the hustle and bustle of the Big america: Apple’s heavily Jewish garment district through the tales from the eyes of an octogenarian fabric salesman, the creator of New York Fashion Week and the third-generation garment center owners of a machine shop. In English. New England Premiere (screens with Sorry, Rabbi) Directors Stephen Fischler, Joel Sucher (part of Not a Doctor, Not a Lawyer series) USA 2011 57 Minutes Documentary Sponsored by screening times Sun, November 11 4:00 p.m. West Newton Cinema Discussion to follow (Nov 11) Wed, November 14 Led by Erin Trahan, film 1:00 p.m. journalist, featuring Elliot Coolidge Corner Theatre Honig, former third-generation Wed, November 14 textile company owner 2:00 p.m. Cinema Salem
14 FESTIVAL FILMS
In this enthralling coming-of-age story from emma France, Emma, a moody teenager, suffers through an unwanted beach vacation with her father, his third wife, a few siblings, a Holocaust-surviving Director Alain Tasma grandmother and Vincent, a scarred paramour from France Brazil. But the summer may end up differently from 2011 what Emma anticipates, including an unexpected, 93 Minutes consequential seduction. Sensuously directed by Fiction Alain Tasma (Fracture, 2011 Festival). Note: nudity and mild sexual content. In French with subtitles.
screening time Sun, November 11 2:45 p.m. Museum of Fine Arts
New Yorker cartoons are much appreciated, but who every knows the artists behind the works? Four superb cartoonists — Sidney Harris, Emily Flake, Drew tuesday: Dernavich, and Zach Kanin — share their creative a portrait processes in this short by Brandeis grad Rachel Loube. of the new In English. (screens with The Adventures of Super Benji and The Art yorker of Spiegelman) cartoonists (part of Not a Doctor, Not a Lawyer series)
New England Premiere Director Rachel Loube USA 2012 screening time 21 Minutes Thur, November 8 Documentary 7:00 p.m. West Newton Cinema
15 The ubiquitous Hava Nagila is ingrained in people’s hava nagila consciousness worldwide. Everyone from Belafonte to Dylan to Elvis to Chubby Checker sang it. This charming (the movie) and entertaining documentary uncovers Hava’s complex history — the bouncy melody created in the Ukraine, New England Premiere the lyrics seemingly authored in Israel and the joyful dance done at almost every Jewish wedding on earth. Director Roberta Grossman With cameos by Leonard Nimoy, Regina Spektor, Connie USA Francis, Glen Campbell, and Needham’s own Olympic 2011 gold medalist Aly Raisman. In English. 73 Minutes Documentary
In person Director Roberta Grossman (Nov 18) screening times Sun, November 18 Musical performance 6:30 p.m. Joe Kessler (violin) and Museum of Fine Arts Michael McLaughlin (Boston Closing Night) (accordion) from Klezwoods Mon, November 19 7:00 p.m. Arlington Capitol Theatre
The demonic actions of the Third Reich scarred hitler’s generations of surviving Jews, but also left their imprint on Germans with names like Himmler, Frank, children Hoess, Goeth and Goering — the offspring of the most yaldei Hitler notorious Nazis. This Israeli documentary offers frank, penetrating interviews with avowedly anti-Nazi children New England Premiere and grandchildren, all now adult, who must confront the murderous decisions of their forefathers. In German, Director Chanoch Zeevi Hebrew with subtitles. Israel, Germany 2011 80 Minutes Documentary Sponsored by screening time Sun, November 18 2:30 p.m. In person Director Chanoch Museum of Fine Arts Zeevi and film subject Bettina (Goering) Sellers Discussion Moderated by Marc Skvirsky, Facing History & Ourselves
16 FESTIVAL FILMS
In this zany French comedy, Simon (Renaud Cohen, in case i who also directs) is a filmmaker who hasn’t made a movie in 10 years, but he’s always scheming for don’t win a return to the screen. His chance arrives one day, when he ingeniously turns a lump on his head — is it the golden cancer? — into a self-financed, Jewish family-starring, palm swan song film-within-a film-within-a film-within-a- au cas où je n’aurais pas film.In French with subtitles. la palme d’or
East Coast Premiere Director Renaud Cohen France 2011 85 Minutes screening time Fiction Thur, November 15 9:30 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre
Victorious in the 1967 war, Israel created a system of the law in laws and special courts to administer the Palestinian territories. This weighty, cerebral documentary these parts reflects on the legal system instituted in the territories shilton hachazak by those Israelis who actually oversaw it — now- retired judges and military lawyers. Through probing East Coast Premiere interviews, they speak eloquently and sometimes critically of being charged with representing Israel’s Director Ra’anan Alexandrowicz interests in dealing with the Palestinians. Award Israel, USA, Germany winner at Sundance and the Jerusalem Film Festival. 2011 2012 Ophir (Israeli Oscar) nominee. In Hebrew, 101 Minutes English with subtitles. Documentary Sponsored by Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership screening time Gleitsman Program in Sun, November 11 Leadership for Social Change 6:00 p.m. Harvard Law School Human Coolidge Corner Theatre Rights Program In person Director Ra’anan Alexandrowicz Discussion With Robb Moss, filmmaker
17 Ruben Steiner is one blissful postal carrier living in let my idyllic Finland with his Nordic gay partner, Teemu. But one woeful day, Steiner is accused of murder, gets the people go! boot from beloved Teemu, and flees home to Paris to his screwy Jewish family. This visually stylish, light- New England Premiere hearted comedy is the feature film debut of director Mikhael Buch. Note: sexual content. In French, Director Mikael Buch Finnish, English with subtitles. France 2011 87 Minutes Fiction
Supported by French Cultural Services, Boston screening time Sat, November 10 9:30 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre
This buoyant, illuminating documentary goes let’s dance! beyond doing the horah (although that is part of tzeadim the story) to a striking panorama of Israeli modern dance, from expressionism to modernism, including footage of Martha Graham arriving in Israel to share North American Premiere her techniques. With vivid performances from Director Gabriel Bibliowicz many of Israel’s most innovative contemporary Israel choreographers, this film shows how dance has 2010 been central to the Israeli story since the pioneering 52 Minutes kibbutzniks. In Hebrew with subtitles. Documentary
Introduced by Avital Manor Peleg, Director of Cultural Affairs, Consulate General of Israel screening time to New England Sun, November 18 12:30 p.m. Discussion to follow Museum of Fine Arts
18 FESTIVAL FILMS
A valiant 96-year-old woman, Miriam Weissenstein, life in stills fights real estate developers to keep alive the Photo hatzalmania House in Tel Aviv, which holds one million negatives documenting the history of Israel. Stubborn and East Coast Premiere opinionated, Weissenstein is also enormously funny, even when bickering with her beloved gay Director Tamar Tal grandson, Ben, who is helping her save her shop. A Israel heart-warming — and sometimes heart-breaking — 2011 documentary of love, courage, and compassion. 2012 58 Minutes Ophir (Israeli Oscar) nominee. In Hebrew, German, Documentary English with subtitles. Sponsored by (screens with Spinach and Sugar)
Jewish Studies Program, International Affairs Program, screening times Wed, November 7 Department of History 7:30 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre (Opening Night) Metrowest Jewish Planning Committee Mon, November 19 In person (Nov 7) 7:00 p.m. AMC Framingham Director Tamar Tal Film subject Ben Peter (invited)
When Assaf’s parents discover women’s clothing melting away under his mattress, the teen is forced to move out. namas bageshem Assaf becomes a woman, Anna, singing at gay bars in Tel Aviv at night and pretending to be a nurse by day. Anna’s mother searches for her “son” after her Director Doron Eran husband is diagnosed with terminal cancer in this Israel tender, fulfilling story. For the first time in Israeli 2011 cinema, a feature film shows parents learning to deal 86 Minutes with a transgendered child. In Hebrew with subtitles. Fiction (part of the Consulate General of Israel to New England’s Sponsored by Out in Israel program)
screening time Thur, November 8 7:30 p.m. Museum of Fine Arts
19 At 88, Murray Gershenz figures it’s about time to sell music man his L.A. record store, filled with a half-million records. His loving son, Irv, helps out in this empathetic murray documentary. In English.
New England Premiere (part of Short Film Competition) Director Richard Parks USA 2012 22 Minutes Documentary
screening time Tue, November 13 7:00 p.m. Somerville Theatre
Will gangly, geeky Boris Fishkin realize his dream of my dad is dancing at the Russian Bolshoi Ballet? He has a few obstacles in his way in this humorous movie, including baryshnikov a lack of talent and his Jewish mother needing a class moy papa Baryshnikov in Parenting 101. But after digesting Baryshnikov via a White Nights DVD, Fishkin’s life changes dramatically. Boston Premiere Not only does Fishkin resemble Mikhail, but he also starts getting noticed for dancing like the maestro! Director Dmitry Povolotsky In Russian with subtitles. Russia 2011 88 Minutes Fiction
Sponsored by screening times Sun, November 11 2:00 p.m. Metrowest Jewish West Newton Cinema Planning Committee Wed, November 14 Supported by 7:00 p.m. Action for Post-Soviet Jewry AMC Framingham
20 FESTIVAL FILMS
In this Sephardic mix of melodrama, surrealism, and my lovely mysticism, inspired by a Moroccan fairy tale, the troubled marriage of the ultra-superstitious Rahma sister and her coarse husband, Robert, is tested further achoti hayafah by his love of a good-looking ghost. That’s Rahma’s deceased sister, Mary, who died from the pain of Massachusetts Premiere banishment for marrying an Arab man. This brilliant, original love story was nominated for 11 Ophirs (Israeli Director Marco Carmel Oscars). In Hebrew, Arabic with subtitles. Israel 2011 91 Minutes Fiction
screening time Thur, November 15 7:00 p.m. West Newton Cinema
An experimental documentary with floating black- of birds and and-white images in which the inquisitive female filmmaker engages a 25-year-old Hassidic married boundaries man from Brooklyn in taboo phone conversations. In English.
Director Annie Berman (part of Female Helmers program) USA 2011 22 Minutes Experimental
In person Director Annie Berman
screening time Mon, November 12 3:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre
21 It’s 2006. Libby, a sharp but withdrawn California off white teenager, is shipped off by her mom to visit her ne’er do well, absentee father, who is “in between lies apartments” in Israel. This provocative coming-of-age orchim l’regah feature tells of a growing father-daughter relationship set against the Second Lebanon War. Directorial New England Premiere debut of Maya Kenig. Nominated for 7 Ophir (Israeli Oscar) awards. Note: nudity, sexual situations. Director Maya Kenig In English, Hebrew with subtitles. Israel 2011 86 Minutes Fiction
screening times Sun, November 11 8:30 p.m. West Newton Cinema
Thur, November 15 7:00 p.m. Arlington Capitol Theatre
Two elderly Berlin women, Regina and Bella, come oma & bella together to share stories and friendship in this up- close documentary by Regina’s granddaughter. The pair recall the tragedies caused by the Holocaust. Massachusetts Premiere Yet the look back also brings comfort in the form of Director Alexa Karolinski sumptuous Jewish food from their childhoods that Germany, USA they recreate, together with their happiness as new 2011 apartment mates. In German with subtitles. 75 Minutes Documentary
Supported by
screening time Sun, November 11 In person 12:30 p.m. Director Alexa Karolinski Museum of Fine Arts
22 FESTIVAL FILMS
Lily, a tweener, is disappointed because her Jewish orbit father is getting remarried. She grapples with the intimacy she craves via a crush on a clueless waiter at the wedding. Note: simulated sex. In English. New England Premiere Director Jessica Dorfman USA (part of Short Film Competition) 2011 19 Minutes Fiction
screening time Tue, November 13 7:00 p.m. Somerville Theatre
Turned down repeatedly by a film funder, a budding the pitch filmmaker resorts to an ingenious pitch to sell her hapitch samurai movie. Stars Moni Moshonov (Jaffa, 2009 Festival). In Hebrew with subtitles.
New England Premiere (part of Short Film Competition) Director Mysh Rozanov Israel 2011 6 Minutes Fiction
screening time Tue, November 13 7:00 p.m. Somerville Theatre
23 Lenny “Low-Price” Kaplan — army supply store owner, pretty old wrestling announcer, boxing trainer and a local Jewish personality in Fall River — is, most importantly, the brains and heart behind the Ms. Senior Sweetheart Boston Premiere Pageant. This wise, true-life saga (both hilarious and Director Walter Matteson sad) takes us to the 30th pageant, where colorful, USA energetic women, minimum age 58, compete for 2012 the Ms. Senior crown. Sarah Jessica Parker is the 87 Minutes executive producer. In English. Documentary (part of Not a Doctor, Not a Lawyer series) In person Director Walter Matteson and film subject Lenny “Low Price“ Kaplan screening time Sun, November 11 6:00 p.m. West Newton Cinema
The Mel Brooks 1968 classic. Not bad for a director’s the debut! Washed-up producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) and accountant Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) producers join forces for a sure-fire theatrical flop, while laughing all the way to the bank and a quick exit to Rio. At least, that’s the game plan. Oy gevalt! Relive Springtime for Director Mel Brooks Hitler and Brooks’ trademark hilarity in the Oscar- USA winning original movie behind the mega-hit Broadway 1968 play. In English, German with subtitles. 88 Minutes Fiction
Introduced by Robert Brustein, founder and former director of the American Repertory Theater screening time Thur, November 15 7:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre
24 FESTIVAL FILMS
It’s Passover in Israel, but for a Nigerian domestic the promised worker and her son, it’s a trying time to escape immigration authorities. In Hebrew, English with land subtitles. ha’aretz hamuvtachat (part of Short Film Competition) New England Premiere Director Vanessa Knutsen Israel 2010 15 Minutes Fiction
screening time Tue, November 13 7:00 p.m. Somerville Theatre
In an African country where Christians are terrorized re-emerging: and their churches burned down, it is a decision of extraordinary bravery for Nigerians to declare the jews of themselves Jewish, which has been done by thousands of Igbo. Even deniers of the Igbo’s claim nigeria that they are a Lost Tribe of Israel will be impressed by these Nigerians’ intense commitment to practicing New England Premiere Jewish ritual, learning Hebrew and keeping Kosher. Director Jeff Lieberman In Hebrew, English with subtitles. Nigeria, USA 2012 95 Minutes Documentary Sponsored by screening time Tue, November 13 7:00 p.m. West Newton Cinema
In person Director Jeff Lieberman and film subject William Miles, professor of political science at Northeastern University
25 How far should an Israeli soldier go to defend his/ room 514 her homeland? That depends whether you’re Anna, cheder 514 an idealistic military police interrogator, or her tough- guy commander boss, accused of brutality against a Palestinian, or a morally-conflicted whistle-blower. New England Premiere This taut, thrilling, psychological drama filmed in Director Sharon Bar-Ziv claustrophobic, tight shots is inspired by real events. Fans Israel of Hollywood’s A Few Good Men (1992) will be excited to 2012 see this Israeli counterpart. Directorial debut of Sharon 90 Minutes Bar-Ziv. Screened at Tribeca. 2012 Ophir (Israeli Oscar) Fiction Best Actress nominee. In Hebrew with subtitles.
In person Director Sharon Bar-Ziv (invited) (Nov 8) screening times Thur, November 8 7:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre
Sun, November 18 3:00 p.m. West Newton Cinema
Ruchi, a pretty, ultra-Orthodox girl, is being set up sister of for marriage. Only she’s having second thoughts about being matched with a groom who may have a mine disability. In Hebrew with subtitles. achoti at (part of Female Helmers program) World Premiere Director Oshrat Meirovitch Israel 2011 24 Minutes Fiction
screening time Mon, November 12 3:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre
26 FESTIVAL FILMS
Veteran Israeli filmmaker David Fisher decides six million to go on a “vacation” with his three siblings — to the Nazi camps in Austria from which their late and one father somehow managed to survive as a teen. The shesh milion v’echad documentary intersperses their trip with readings from the father’s secret Holocaust diary. The Fisher East Coast Premiere siblings gain an intimate understanding of each other and their father, crying and sometimes laughing Director David Fisher through this intense, harrowing, psychic voyage. 2012 Israel, Austria, Germany Ophir (Israeli Oscar) nominee. In English, German, 2011 Hebrew with subtitles. 93 Minutes Documentary
Sponsored by screening time Tue, November 13 7:00 p.m. Discussion Coolidge Corner Theatre Led by members of (a Coolidge Corner The Boston Psychoanalytic Theatre Off The Couch Society & Institute screening)
Did secular Josh or his girlfriend Marie-Hélène throw sorry, rabbi the object hitting Chaim, a Hassid, while walking on the streets of Montreal? The ultra-Orthodox Rabbi just may have the answer about the truth, the possible New England Premiere truth, or somewhere, smartly, in between. With Mad Director Mark Slutsky Men’s Jessica Paré. In English, Yiddish with subtitles. Canada 2011 (screens with Dressing America) 10 Minutes Fiction
Sponsored by
screening times Sun, November 11 4:00 p.m. West Newton Cinema Wed, November 14 1:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre Wed, November 14 2:00 p.m. Cinema Salem
27 A strong-willed German-Jewish grandmother spinach unwillingly looks back at surviving the Nazis when pushed by her granddaughter, the film’s director, in and sugar this precocious student-made documentary. enkel der geschichte In German with subtitles.
U.S. Premiere (screens with Life in Stills) Director Laura Laabs Germany 2012 20 Minutes Documentary
screening times Wed, November 7 7:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre
Mon, November 19 7:00 p.m. AMC Framingham
Acclaimed experimental filmmaker Abigail Child surf and focuses on Deal, N.J., a long-time summer retreat for Ashkenazi Jews. But with the recent influx of wealthy turf Syrian Jews, this “unmelted pot” is bubbling over with discomfort about class and religion from entrenched North American Premiere old timers. In English.
Director Abigail Child (part of Female Helmers program) USA 2011 32 Minutes Experimental
screening time Mon, November 12 3:00 p.m. Coolidge Corner Theatre
28 FESTIVAL FILMS
Eddie, a security guard at a shopping mall, keeps his we are not distance and has limited friendships as he prepares for the end of the world. Then he meets May, a alone down-and-out fellow loner with a dubious past, who anachnu lo levad is squatting at the mall. This quirky, endearing love story, starring Ohad Knoller (Srugim, Yossi and Jagger), East Coast Premiere is reminiscent of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Directorial debut of Lior Har-Lev. Note: brief nude Director Lior Har-Lev scenes. In Hebrew with subtitles. Israel 2011 90 Minutes Fiction
Sponsored by screening time Sat, November 17 9:15 p.m. Theatre 1 at Revere Hotel Boston Common
Woody Allen and the Russian city of Kaliningrad share woody something: both used to have the name Konigsberg. When the city honors the comedian with a statue, before allen Allen agrees to be a judge for the design. In English, Russian with subtitles. Boston Premiere (part of Short Film Competition) Director Masha Vasyukova France, Germany, Russia, USA 2011 14 Minutes Documentary
screening time Tue, November 13 7:00 p.m. Somerville Theatre
29 coming Sponsored by: attractions: reelabilities returns
Coming January-February 2013
www.cambridgetrust.com
The ReelAbilities Boston Film Festival is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities from a variety of communities. Join us for an expanded festival in 2013!
30 Sponsors Platinum Sponsors ($10,000+) ______
Gold Sponsors ($5,000+) ______
www.cambridgetrust.com Major Sponsors ($2,500+) ______
Media Sponsors ______
31 Special Thanks Accessibility
Victor Outreach and Screening Program for Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Diseases at Tufts All venues are wheelchair accessible, and Medical Center all films in languages other than English are subtitled. Individuals requiring further accommodations should contact us by October 17 at 617-244-9899 or [email protected].
Audience Awards
CHAI Works Day Program Don’t forget to vote! You watch the film, then tear your paper ballot or text your vote.
The winning films will be announced on our web site and email list by Tuesday, November 20.
The director of the Best Feature and Best Documentary will win film editing software from Avid.
Independent Film on
The Boston Jewish Film Festival once again partners with WGBH to showcase independent film on WGBH 44.
Tune in to see My Perestroika, directed by Robin Hessman and shown in our 2010 Festival, airing on November 1 at 10 p.m. on WGBH 44.
For additional details, visit www.wgbh.org
32 Acknowledgments Support for Visiting Artists from The Charles Hotel Major Foundation Support JetBlue The Gryphon House The Adelson Family Foundation The Barrington Foundation In-Kind Goods and Services The Boston Foundation Received from The J.E. and Z.B. Butler Foundation The Herman Dana Trust Alexander Aronson and Finning The Dibner Family Charitable Trust Sara Bauminger The Dorot Foundation Berklee College of Music The Barbara Epstein Foundation Complete HR The Fine Family Foundation Food Should Taste Good The Klarman Family Foundation Goulston & Storrs, P.C. The Nancy Lurie Marks Foundation HDVStudio The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation Honest Tea The Benjamin Olanoff Community Endowment Wendy Israelite Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Laura Pinsky the North Shore Modulus The Lawrence J. & Anne Rubenstein Foundation Pop Chips The Ruderman Family Foundation Pretzel Crisps The Saul Schottenstein Foundation B Process Corp. The George & Beatrice Sherman Family Trust The Regal Beagle The Tofias Charitable Foundation Dena Ressler Andria Smith Our Theatre Partners Tech Superpowers AMC Framingham: Ted Mahoney Top Notch Events Arlington Capitol Theatre and Somerville Theatre: Utz Potato Chips Mel Fraiman, Jamie Howard, Ian Judge Whole Foods Cinema Salem: Kereth Cowe-Spigai Coolidge Corner Theatre: Nancy Campbell, Matt Gabor, Jesse Hassinger, Denise Kasell, Andrew Thompson Stay in the Loop Hollywood Hits Theatre: Scott Przybycien Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly All Year Long! Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: Kristel Lauerman, Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter, Dylan Leavitt, Carter Long, Lindsay Soson or follow us on Facebook and Twitter, to Revere Hotel Boston Common: Laura Kinsman get the latest news on local Jewish film Showcase Cinema de Lux Patriot Place: Rachel throughout the year! Lulay West Newton Cinema: David Bramante
33 Our Community Partners Many Thanks to the Following Action for Post-Soviet Jewery Organizations and Individuals American Friends of Magen David Adom, New Boston Jewish Music Festival: Jim Ball, Joey Baron England Region Consulate General of Israel to New England: Argentinean Jewish Relief Committee Avital Manor Peleg, Ronit Nudelman-Perl, Arlington-Lexington Hadassah Leehe Ralph Artsbridge, Inc. Erin Trahan Boston 3G French Cultural Services, Boston: Eric Jausseran, The Boston Jewish Music Festival Anne Miller Boston Latino International Film Festival Gerald Peary The Boston LGBT Film Festival Goethe-Institut Boston: Detlef Gericke- Schönhagen,Karin Oehlenschlaeger The Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film Harvard Department of Visual and Environmental The Combined Jewish Philanthropies GLBT Team Studies: Rob Moss The Combined Jewish Philanthropies Young Harvard Kennedy School: Casey Otis-Cote Leadership Division Harvard Law School: Rebecca Richman Cohen Connect the Docs Howard P. Stern The DocYard Israel Folkdance Festival: Larry Denenberg Filmmakers Collaborative JCC Manhattan/Other Israel Film Festival: Ravit Generations After, Inc. Turjeman, Isaac Zablocki GesherCity Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston: Greater Boston Interfaith Organization Fiona Epstein, Larry Keller Independent Film Festival of Boston Jewish Film Festival Berlin and Potsdam: Nicola InterfaithFamily.com Galliner Israeli Stage The Jewish Museum and New York Jewish Film J Street Festival: Aviva Weintraub JCDS, Boston’s Jewish Community Day School Linda Dittmar Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston New Center for Arts and Culture/Prism: Francine Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Achbar, Laura Mandel Boston Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival: Olivia Antsis Jewish National Fund Robert Ribera Keshet Rutgers Jewish Film Festival: Karen Small Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community swissnex boston: Andreas Rufer Mikveh and Paula Brody & Family Education Toronto Jewish Film Festival: Larry Anklewicz, Center Stuart Hands, Ginger Mittleman, Barbara Peltz, Massachusetts Dance Festival Dayle Rakowsky, Helen Zukerman New Center for Arts and Culture Prism Prozdor, the High School of Hebrew College Ticket and pass sales account for The Rashi School only 20% of our annual budget. The Roxbury International Film Festival Your donations keep the best in independent (Sponsored by ACT Roxbury and the Color of Jewish film coming to the Greater Boston Film Collaborative) area! Donate by phone at 617-244-9899, or Synagogue Council of Massachusetts online at www.bjff.org. Weston Wayland Interfaith Action Group Women in Film and Video/New England
34 Thank You for Your Cinematographer ($1,200+) Roberta & Irwin Chafetz Contribution Ted Cutler (August 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012) Deborah & Ronald Feinstein Bea & Melvin Fraiman Executive Producer ($10,000+) Beth & Lawrence Greenberg Phyllis Hammer Beverly & Donald Bavly Sheila & Irwin Heller Judy & David Ganz Robert Jacobson Lizbeth & George Krupp Linda Kaplan & Jeffrey Kraines Rosalyn & Richard Slifka Bette Ann Libby & David Begelfer Denise Widman & Allan Lauer Francine Perler Lorre Polinger & Donald Wertlieb Producer ($5,000+) Miriam & Jeffrey Queen Anonymous Nancy Raphael Joan Brooks & James Garrels Toby & Carl Sloane Catherine England Myra & Robert Snyder Rachel & David Fine Risa & Joseph Sontz Linda & Michael Frieze Enid Starr & Jay Agarwal Nancy & Peter Gossels Karen & Bruce Temkin Paula & James Gould Millie & Harold Tubman Joyce & Bruce Pastor Barbara & Frank Resnek Screenwriter ($500+) Adam Riemer Rowena & Harry Abadi Stepheny & Robert Riemer Patti & Mark Abrams Claire & Norton Sherman Susan & Aron Ain Estelle & David Andelman Director ($2,500+) Susan Ansin & Joe LeBauer Debra Ankeles & Robert Freedman Fran Arnold Lois & Mickey Cail Elizabeth Ascher & Michael Yogman Brit d’Arbeloff Steve Barbell Goldie Eder Jeffrey Borenstein & Lilly Pelzman Beverly & Lawrence Feinberg Joyce & Lawrence Brooks Connie Gilson Rima & Warren Burroughs Maya & Ron Katz Elise & Marc Busny Tali & Mark Kwatcher Nancy Cahners & Arthur Hindman Judy & Richard Lappin Ronni & Ronald Casty Sherry & Alan Leventhal Rosalie & Bertram Cohen Cynthia & Bill Marcus Randi & Joel Cutler Taren & Ralph Metson Toby & Bert Davidson Evelyn & John Neumeyer Sherri & Kenneth Falchuk Annette & Paul Roberts Renee & Steven Finn Susan & Daniel Rothenberg Pam & Guy Forman Merle & Michael Tarnow Velma & Robert z”l Frank Deanna & Sidney Wolk Justin Freed Shirley & Robert Zimmerman Rita & Richard Freudberg David & Donna Frieze Leslie & Michael Gaffin Barbara & Jay Gainsboro Heidi & Neal Gold Carol & Avram Goldberg Vida & Arthur Goldstein Doris & Robert Gordon
35 Naomi & Roger Gordon Festival Board of Directors Elaine & Werner Gossels Joyce F. Pastor, President Vicki & Tom Graboys Debra Ankeles Roberta & William Greenberg Beverly G. Bavly Alan Greenstein Marc A. Busny, Treasurer Harvey Greenstein Lawrence S. Feinberg Bracha Horovitz & Barbara Swartz Judith L. Ganz Marjorie & Charles Housen Nancy L. Gossels Nancy Karp Jim Gould Jacqui Kates Maya S. Katz Myra Kolton & Nathan Barry Judy Lappin Patricia Kravtin & Jonathan Horwitz Bette Ann Libby Diane & Milton Lapkin Mark Lowenstein Carol & Alan LeBovidge Taren Metson Donna & Mark Leventhal Evelyn Neumeyer Vivien Levin & Richard Chaffin Jeffrey D. Queen Elana & Dennis Markovitz Barbara Resnek, Clerk Jenn Meader & Mark Lowenstein Adam I. Riemer Alexandra & Michael Mirman Paul G. Roberts Marilyn Newman Joanna Rothman Paula Noe Norton Sherman Martin Peretz Merle W. Tarnow Janet & Ed Polansky Denise L. Widman, Vice President Suzanne and Norman z”l Priebatsch Deanna S. Wolk Edie Rosenberg & Robert Gross Phyllis & Sam Rubinovitz Festival Founder Phyllis & Robert Sage Valya & Robert z”l Shapiro Michal Goldman Barry & Jane Siegel Gilda & Alfred Slifka Artistic Director Emerita Patti Stoll & Michael Gladstone Sara L. Rubin Joanne & Daniel Weil Kaj Wilson & Alan Spatrick Festival Honorary Committee Elaine & Jeffrey Winer Lauren Bacall Candice & Howard Wolk Anne Bernays Audrey & Harris Yett Lee Grant Joanne & Richard Zaiger David Mamet Brenda & Arnold Zaltas Robert Sage Joan Micklin Silver Liv Ullmann Claudia Weill Frederick Wiseman
36 Festival Staff Jaymie E. Saks, Executive Director Amy Geller, Artistic Director Nysselle Clark, Festival Producer Jeff Remz, Marketing and Communications Manager Karla Powers Siegel, Business Manager Paulina Villarroel Cruz, Programming Associate
Festival Production Laurann Black and Wesley Hicks, Print Traffic & Operations Managers J.C. Bouvier, Bouvier Consulting Sally Bradford, Bradford Communications Lynn Horsky, Process Corp. Jen Kaplan, Publications Coordinator Rajiv Manglani, Technology Consultant Wendy Wirsig, W2 Design Studios Heidi Wormser, Magic Box Studio
Interns 2011-2012 Ziv Arzt James Bartolacci Rachael Curran Corrie Dockrey Noam Newberger Stella Odewumi Alexandra Quintela Fay Sanders Kayla Shore Charlie Temkin Kara Trietsch
© 2012 The Boston Jewish Film Festival
37 1001 Watertown Street West Newton, MA 02465 www.bjff.org
2012 FILM VENUES Arlington Boston Brookline Danvers Foxboro Framingham Salem Somerville West Newton View life through a different lens 1001 Watertown Street West Newton, MA 02465 www.bjff.org
2012 FILM VENUES Arlington Boston Brookline Danvers Foxboro Framingham Salem Somerville West Newton View life through a different lens