Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center

ProgramGuide bocajff.org DearFriends For many years, local enthusiasts of Jewish-themed films have been traveling as far south as Miami and as far north as Palm Beach Gardens to enjoy the newest films, and some of our friends head to Telluride, Sundance, Toronto, New York or Cannes to immerse themselves in the world of Jewish film. We are thrilled to announce the creation of the new Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival. Our inaugural BRJFF will take place March 19th - 26th at the Cinemark Palace in Boca Raton. This year promises to be very exciting, showcasing premieres of films from , France, Japan, Germany, The Netherlands, Canada, and the U.S. This is such a major undertaking – one that would not be possible without the tireless work and dedication of so many. Please contact Ellen Safran, 561-852-3237 for more information and about ways that that you can get involved! Warmly,

Susana Flaum, Ellen Safran, Levis JCC Sandler Center BRJFF Director Director

Arleen Roberts, Nina Rosenzweig, Levis JCC Art, Levis JCC Art,

Culture & Learning Culture & Learning

Co-chair Co-chair I am honored to be part of bringing fantastic,“ cutting edge films to create a new Festival for our Community “that will entertain, educate and provoke exciting discussion on Jewish and Israeli issues. -Lesley Rich, BRJFF Production Director

For many years I dreamed of having a Jewish Film Festival in Boca Raton. Thanks to the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC’s “ “Sandler Center, the dream is now a reality as we present incredible films during our inaugural year. I am thankful to our dedicated staff and passionate Jewish Film Society members for making this possible. My sincere thanks. -Wendy Honig, BRJFF Artistic Director 2 FestivalPasses Supporting Cast As a member of the SUPPORTING CAST ($600) you will receive one (1) Festival Pass that entitles you to: • Enjoy all screenings (25 films) at the Cinemark Palace 20 during Festival week • Assigned seats-must be in seat 15 minutes before film begins • Hospitality Suite • Attend April 2nd Patron Appreciation Event, select Levis JCC film programs and special film events through November, 2017 Film Circle As a member of the FILM CIRCLE ($365) you will receive one (1) pass that entitles you to: • Enjoy all screenings (25 films) at the Cinemark Palace 20 during Festival week • Assigned seats-must be in seat 15 minutes before film begins • Hospitality Suite Film Buff Become a FILM BUFF ($136) and you will receive one (1) Festival pass that entitles you to: • Attend all screenings (25 films) at the Cinemark Palace 20 during Festival week • Film Buff passes will be available for purchase beginning February 21

Call 561-558-2520 for tickets or visit bocajff.org Limited handicapped seating available.

TheFestivalContinues Missed seeing something intriguing during Festival week? Join us throughout the summer for screenings of select BRJFF films. WEDNESDAYS, 1:00 PM at the Sandler Center • Persona Non Grata May 3 • Across the Waters June 14 • Moon in the 12th House July 12 • Wrestling Jerusalem August 9 Call 561-558-2520 for more information

3 FilmLine-Up MONDAY, MARCH 13 GALA FESTIVAL RED CARPET KICKOFF EVENT Tickets: Reception and Film, $75; Film only, $25

SUNDAY, MARCH 19 - SUNDAY, MARCH 26

SUNDAY, MARCH 19 Children of Chance 11:00 am Wounded Land 1:15 pm Karen Davis, Q&A Moderator The Women’s Balcony 3:30 pm Persona Non Grata 7:00 pm with Director Cellin Gluck

MONDAY, MARCH 20 Moon in the 12th House 1:00 pm Jerry Lewis: 3:30 pm Larry Ferber, The Man Behind The Clown Q&A Moderator (Shown with The Man Who Shot Hollywood) Our Father 7:00 pm

TUESDAY, MARCH 21 Harold & Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story 1:00 pm (Shown with Bagels In The Blood) Wrestling Jerusalem 3:30 pm Beyond The Mountains & Hills 7:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 The Price of Sugar 1:00 pm Across The Waters 3:45 pm 4 RECEPTION & FILM Sabena Hijacking: My Version with Creator and Producer Nati Dinnar 5:30 pm at The Wick Theater in Boca Raton

SUNDAY, MARCH 19 - SUNDAY, MARCH 26 CINEMARK PALACE 20

Forever Pure 7:00 pm

THURSDAY, MARCH 23 Antenna 1:15 pm (Shown with Ave Maria) The Settlers 3:15 pm Origin of Violence 7:00 pm

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 The Interrogation 1:00 pm A Quiet Heart 3:00 pm

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 Past Life 7:30 pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 26 EXIT: MUSIC 1:00 pm with Filmmaker Simon Wynberg, Artistic Director of the ARC Ensemble Serial (Bad) Weddings 3:45 pm (Shown with The Chop)

PATRON APPRECIATON EVENT: Sylvia: Tracing Blood Sunday, April 2, 7:30 pm at the Levis JCC Sandler Center Tickets available March 1 5 OurFilms ACROSS THE WATERS Drama | Denmark (2016) | 100 minutes SHOWTIME: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 3:45 PM (Danish with English Subtitles) Florida Premiere SYNOPSIS: The year is 1943 and rumors are spreading that the Germans are about to deport all the Danish . Jewish jazz musician Arne Itkin realizes that he must flee to safety in Sweden with his wife and 5-year old son. They hear that they can sail across the strait to Sweden but don’t know if they can rely on the fishermen they hear might be able to save them. Who can they trust when Gestapo and Danish collaborators are on their heels to stop anyone from fleeing the country? DIRECTOR: NICOLO DONATO Nominated for Denmark’s Bodi Awards and Robert Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Production Design, Best Score, Blockbuster Audience Award Sponsors: Barbara Glick, Barbara & Jerry Lewin, Elissa Spiro

ANTENNA Drama | Israel (2016) | 100 minutes SHOWTIME: THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1:15 PM (Hebrew with English Subtitles) – Shown with Ave Maria East Coast US Premiere SYNOPSIS: Yehoshua, an 84 year old Holocaust survivor, discovers a cellular antenna on the roof of his two-family home. It turns out that his neighbor has rented out his part of the roof to the cell phone company. Yehoshua believes that all his ailments are caused by radiation from the antenna and his feelings escalate into obsession as he wages war with his neighbor. His wife and three grown sons are unwillingly swept into the fray, revealing their personal problems and forcing them to confront their father’s shadow. Antenna is an engaging family drama sprinkled with humor that paints a picture of the Jewish mentality with both love and reproach. On another, deeper level, it reflects the political situation in Israel, and how Israeli’s carry the burden of history into their private lives. This is the first feature film from veteran TV Director Arik Rotstein. DIRECTOR: ARIK ROTSTEIN Haifa International Film Festival - 2016 Best Editing Award; Warsaw Film Festival - Selection Sponsors: Carolyn Rockoff, Jeanne & Kenneth Fibus

6 AVE MARIA Comedic Short| West Bank (2015) | 15 minutes SHOWTIME: THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1:15 PM (Hebrew with English Subtitles) - Shown with Antenna SYNOPSIS: The silent routine of 5 nuns in the middle of the West Bank wilderness is disrupted when a family of Israelis come knocking at their door for help after crashing their car into the convent’s wall. Unable to use the telephone due to Sabbath restrictions, the family needs help from the nuns who have taken a vow of silence. Together, they come up with an unorthodox plan to help the Israelis. DIRECTOR: BASIL KHALIL Cannes Film Festival - Official Selection; 2016 USA Academy Awards - Best Short Film Nominee; Palm Springs International Short Fest – First Place; Dubai International Film Festival – Best Short Film; Grenoble International Film Festival - Best Screenplay Sponsors: Carolyn Rockoff, Jeanne & Kenneth Fibus

BAGELS IN THE BLOOD Short Documentary | Canada (2015) | 5 minutes SHOWTIME: TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1:00 PM (English) - Shown with Harold & Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: Almost 100 years ago Isadore Shlafman fled his native Russia. Among the few possessions he brought with him was a recipe, and Montrealers, as well as tourists to the city, are forever grateful. The recipe was for a simple yet divine hand-rolled, honey-water-boiled, wood-fire baked bagel. And so Fairmount Bagel came into being nestled between shops in a residential neighborhood in French Montreal in a quiet brownstone building - an old converted house with a wood fired oven in the back. Isadore passed the torch to his son Jack, who, in turn, passed it to his son, Irwin, who now runs the place with the same attention to detail at the Fairmount Avenue Bakery. DIRECTORS: JONATHAN KEIJSER & DANIEL BERESH Sponsors: Leon & Leona Brauser, Dorothy Gold, Estelle Schwartz

7 BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS AND THE HILLS Drama | Israel (2016) | 90 minutes SHOWTIME: TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 7:00 PM (Hebrew with English Subtitles) Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: A compelling, intelligent feature about an Israeli family in crisis. Having retired after 27 years of military service, David faces uncertainty regarding his new civilian identity. He returns to his family and tries to find himself in his new civilian life when a friend suggests working as a salesman. David sees this as an opportunity to get his foot in the door and make something of himself. His decision slowly gets him and his family entangled in a series of events that force them to face the unknown. DIRECTOR: ERAN KOLIRIN 2016 Israeli Film Academy; 6 Ophir Nominations including Best Film, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Casting; 2016 Jerusalem Film Festival - Winner Best Actress; Official Selection of the Cannes Film Festival Sponsors: Janet Sahr, Irv & Carol Smokler

CHILDREN OF CHANCE Drama (True Story) | France (2016) | 95 minutes SHOWTIME: SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 11:00 AM (French with English Subtitles) Florida Premiere SYNOPSIS: July 1942: Taken to Garches Hospital to treat a broken leg, twelve-year-old Maurice Gutman is not at home when the round-up of Jewish people takes place. But his family is, and they are carted away. At the hospital, Doctor Daviel diagnoses that Maurice has tuberculosis which will require lengthy treatment. Maurice doesn’t know that he is being hidden from the Nazis by this caring and brave doctor and a nurse. Only when letters to his family are returned to him, when he and his friend Samuel are no longer allowed to speak Yiddish, and he gets a code name does Maurice understand that he is in danger. Maurice and eight other young patients live through an unforgettable experience, full of friendship. APPROPRIATE FOR YOUNG ADULTS DIRECTOR: MALIK CHIBANE 2016 International Film Festival for Children & Young Audiences; European Children’s Film Association ECFA Award; Olympia International Film Festival for Children & Young People - Selection Sponsors: Susie & Barney Guttman; Partner: March of the Living 8 THE CHOP Short Comedy | UK (2016) | 16 minutes SHOWTIME: SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 3:45 PM (English) - Precedes Serial Bad Weddings SYNOPSIS: Yossi, a charismatic Kosher butcher who loses his job, cannot find work at other Kosher butcher shops, and decides to pretend to be Muslim in order to get work at a Halal butcher shop. DIRECTOR: LEWIS ROSE Sponsors: Wendy Honig & Lesley Rich, Dina & Norman Burg, Bernice & Ed Wenger, Marleen Forkas

EXIT: MUSIC Music Documentary | Canada, Germany, Israel (2017) | 82 minutes SHOWTIME: SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1:00 PM (English) Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: In 1933, Germany was the vibrant and diverse center of the musical world. With the rise of the Third Reich, music was hijacked for propaganda purposes and thousands of musicians were forced to flee Europe. Exit: Music tells the stories of 5 composers whose works had all but disappeared. The stories are told today by family members and biographers with commentary from experts and through rare archival footage. Their lost compositions are now performed by the ARC Ensemble (Artists of the Royal Conservatory), who have spent the last 12 years restoring these unknown masterpieces to their repertoire. DIRECTOR: JAMES MURDOCH GUEST SPEAKER - Simon Wynberg: Artistic Director of the ARC Ensemble. Simon enjoys a diverse career as a guitarist, chamber musician and artistic director. He has received glowing reviews and awards for editing over 60 volumes of unknown guitar music. He is curator of ARC’s musical projects including Exit: Music and is the Executive Producer of ARC’s recordings. Sponsor: Sandra Zahn-Oreck

9 FOREVER PURE Documentary/Biography | Israel (2016) | 123 minutes SHOWTIME: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 7:00 PM (Hebrew with English Subtitles) Florida Premiere Jerusalem’s Beitar football club, the most controversial sports team in Israel, became a flashpoint for controversy when the signing of two Muslim players brought down the racist wrath of the team’s loyal fans known as La Familia. The 2 young Chechen players, isolated from their homeland, are taunted and live under constant threat. The Israeli players are caught between loyalty for their new teammates and allegiance to their fans. Team captain Ariel Harush pays dearly for attempting to bridge the divide. At a time when societies all over the world are bracing against rising waves of racism and ethnic persecution, this is a cautionary tale with a look at those caught in the middle. DIRECTOR: MAYA ZINSHTEIN 2016 Jerusalem Film Festival - Best Editing & Best Director of a Documentary; 2016 Zurich Film Festival - Nominated Best International Documentary; Vlia Van Leer Award - Honorable Mention Sponsors: Norma Fogel, Jane Yudell

HAROLD & LILLIAN: A HOLLYWOOD LOVE STORY Documentary | US (2016) | 96 minutes SHOWTIME: TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1:00 PM (English) – Shown with Bagels in the Blood Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: Storyboard artist Harold Michelson and his wife, film researcher Lillian Michelson, considered “The Heart of Hollywood,” worked on hundreds of iconic films during Hollywood’s golden age including The Ten Commandments, The Apartment, The Birds, Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolff?, The Graduate, and more. While the couple was responsible for some of Hollywood’s most important examples of visual storytelling, their contributions remain largely uncredited. Through a mix of love letters, film clips and conversations with Harold and Lillian, Danny DeVito, Mel Brooks, Francis Coppola and others, this documentary chronicles their remarkable relationships and extraordinary careers. DIRECTOR: DANIEL RAIM; EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: DANNY DEVITO CANNES CLASSICS, Festival De Cannes - Official Selection The Golden Eye Award at the Cannes Film Festival - Nominee Sponsors: Leon & Leona Brauser, Dorothy Gold, Estelle Schwartz 10 THE INTERROGATION Historical Drama | Israel & Germany (2016) | 84 minutes SHOWTIME: FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1:00 PM (German & Polish with English Subtitles) Florida Premiere SYNOPSIS: In 1946, Rudolf Franz Ferdinand Hoss, the longest serving commander of the Auschwitz concentration camp, was discovered by British troops in Germany disguised as a gardener. Shortly after the former commandant was taken to the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg he was handed over to the Supreme National Tribunal in Poland where he was sentenced to death by hanging. The film takes place during Hoss’s interrogation by a young Polish investigative judge who is appointed to obtain a full confession. Based on the autobiography written by Hoss, this film recreates the final interrogation of this infamous Nazi before his execution. Sponsors: Gutterman Warheit Memorial Chapel - Steven Kanowitz Partner: Next Generation

JERRY LEWIS: THE MAN BEHIND THE CLOWN Feature Documentary | US (2016) | 61 minutes SHOWTIME: MONDAY, MARCH 20, 3:30 PM (English) - Shown with The Man Who Shot Hollywood Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: Jerry Lewis was far more than a clown who kept the masses laughing with his visual gags, pantomime sketches and signature slapstick humor. He was a ground- breaking filmmaker whose curiosity led him to write, produce, stage and direct many of the films he appeared in, emerging as a driving force in Hollywood. He broke boundaries with his technical innovations, unique voice and keen visual eye. While American critics rejected his abrasive art, Europeans recognized him as a true auteur, a creative genius. Featuring interviews with Martin Scorsese, Sean Hayes, Tony Lewis, and more. DIRECTOR: GREGORY MONRO Telluride Film Festival; Haifa International Film Festival; Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival INTRODUCTION & POST-SCREENING DISCUSSION with Larry Ferber, Host of the Living Room Theater’s “Movie Club”, former Director of the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival and multi-Emmy nominated television producer. Sponsors: Dale & Ed Filhaber, Carol & Ed Kaplan, Paula Kassover 11 THE MAN WHO SHOT HOLLYWOOD Short Documentary | Canada (2016) | 13 minutes MONDAY, MARCH 20, 3:30 PM (English) - Shown with Jerry Lewis: The Man Behind The Clown Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: Photographer Yasha (Jack) Pashkovsky, a Jewish–Russian immigrant, compiled the greatest collection of celebrity photographs taken during Hollywood’s golden era. DIRECTOR: BARRY AVRICH Toronto International Film Festival - World Premiere; New York Jewish Film Festival - Official Selection; San Francisco Jewish Film Festival - Official Selection Sponsors: Paula Kassover, Dale & Ed Filhaber, Carol & Ed Kaplan

MOON IN THE 12TH HOUSE Drama | Israel (2016) | 109 min MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1:00 PM (Hebrew with English Subtitles) Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: A puzzling story that depicts the innermost realities in the lives of two sisters, Mira, a hostess in a nightclub who is estranged from her father, and Lanny, a sheltered introvert who still lives at home and takes care of their invalid father. Due to tragic circumstances, the sisters were separated when they were children. As young women they meet again and embark on a journey which allows them to overcome their sense of guilt, leading them on an emotional journey of healing and reconciliation. Despite their painful shared history, their affection for each other paves the way to their fragile reconciliation. Their reunion forces the sisters to face the past and the tragedy that tore them apart. Aesthetic images combined with strong performances create an intense experience. DIRECTOR: ERAN KOLIRIN 2015 Israeli Film Academy - Six Ophir Nominations for Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Best Music; 2016 Jerusalem Film Festival Nominations - Haggiag Award & Best Israeli Feature; UK Jewish Film Festival; Seattle International Film Festival - Special Jury Award; Australia Jewish Film Festival Sponsors: Gail Greenspoon, Helen Heiman

12 THE ORIGIN OF VIOLENCE Drama Thriller | France, Germany (2016) | 110 minutes THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 7:00 PM (French with English Subtitles) Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: Nathan Fabre, a young Catholic teacher, while working on his thesis about French resistance to the Nazis during World War II, discovers a photograph of a prisoner in Buchenwald concentration camp whose resemblance to his father is uncanny. When his father shrugs off his inquiries, Nathan’s research becomes more than academic. By tracking down curators and survivors and confronting family members, Nathan pieces together secrets that have been kept hidden for more than 60 years that prompt him to question everything he knew about his family. His research is complicated by his romance with a young German woman who shares her own family’s history. Based on a best-selling novel of the same name, The Origin of Violence is a mesmerizing thriller. DIRECTOR: ELIE CHOURAQUI Sponsors: Donna & Dr. Harold Richter, Jill & Michael Rose

OUR FATHER Drama Feature | Israel (2016) | 108 minutes MONDAY, MARCH 20, 7:00 PM (Hebrew with English Subtitles) Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: This is a story of fatherhood. Ovadia, an Orthodox Jew who knows no fear and is the toughest bouncer in a Tel Aviv night club, has a dream and a mission – to become a father. He and his wife, Rachel have been trying to become pregnant for 5 years. Frustrated and ready to give up, Ovadia is offered a job by a small-time gangster to be a debt collector. Ovadia sees this as a great opportunity to earn enough money to begin expensive treatments to help Rachel become pregnant. The violent nature of Ovadia’s job takes its toll as he finds himself in a world of crime where his moralities and beliefs are sorely tested as the stakes increase. DIRECTOR: MENY YAESH Israeli Film Academy - Nominated for 12 Ophir Awards including Best Film, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Casting, Best Art Direction, Best Sound; Won - Best Actor and Best Israeli Feature; Hamburg Film Festival; Jerusalem Film Festival, Best Actor; Sderot Film Festival Sponsors: Linda Cohn, Cathy Hertzberg, Judi & Allan Schuman 13 PAST LIFE Drama Feature | Israel, Poland (2016) | 110 minutes SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 7:30 PM (Hebrew, German, Polish with English Subtitles) Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: In this fascinating film from one of Israel’s most acclaimed directors, Past Life tracks the daring late 1970’s odyssey of two sisters – an introverted classical musical composer and a fiery tabloid journalist – as they unravel a shocking wartime mystery that has cast a dark shadow on their entire lives. Inspired by a true story, this film follows the two sisters as they delve into the mystery of their father’s former life in Poland during WWII and learn that their exploration into the past requires painful sacrifices. DIRECTOR: AVI NESHER 2016 Camerimage - Nominated Main Competition; Haifa International Film Festival; Toronto International Film Festival Sponsors: Dana Egert, Arleen & Allan Roberts, Arlene & Boris Yufe, Diane Troderman, Joan & Barry N. Winograd

PERSONA NON GRATA Historical Biography | Japan (2016) | 139 minutes SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 7:00 PM (Japanese with English Subtitles) Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: The true story of Chiune Sigihara, a brave man who acted against orders and is the only Japanese recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by the Israeli government and honored at Yad Vashem. Sugihara was Japan’s Consul in Lithuania during WWII. Caught amid the rigid policies of Japan which was bound by a treaty with Nazi Germany, Sugihara put his career and family at great risk by issuing transit visas to European refugees, helping more than 6,000 Jews escape to Japanese territory. DIRECTOR: CELLIN GLUCK GUEST SPEAKER, Cellin Gluck was born in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, the son of an Jewish-American father and a Japanese-American mother. He has worked in the Hollywood film industry for over three decades. This is his third feature film. Sponsors: Nina & Marty Rosenzweig, Rubens Family Foundation Partners: American Jewish Committee, The March of the Living 14 THE PRICE OF SUGAR Historical Drama | Netherlands, Germany, (2013) |120 minutes WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1:00 PM (Dutch with English Subtitles) Florida Premiere SYNOPSIS: This is the story of two half-sisters, bound by slavery, divided by love. Set in the Dutch colony of Surinam in the 18th century, The Price of Sugar follows a family of Jewish Dutch sugar plantation owners and their slaves. This is a gripping, romantic and heart-wrenching story of two half-sisters in which life has made one the slave of the other. As beautiful Sarith goes through affairs and marriage, her half-sister, slave and confident, Mini-Mini, has only one goal – to support her Mistress and her son Jethro. But when the Maroon Rebellion reaches the plantation, Mini-Mini has to choose between her people and her loyalty to the family. DIRECTOR: JEAN VAN DE VELDE Netherlands Film Festival - Nominations for Audience Award, Best Actress, Best Film; Rembrandt Award and Best Dutch Actresses Sponsor: Barbara Kruger

A QUIET HEART Drama | Israel (2016) |132 minutes FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 3:00 PM (Hebrew with English Subtitles) Florida Premiere SYNOPSIS: Naomi, a secular young woman, seeks refuge from the pressure of her life as a concert pianist. Overwhelmed by expectations in Tel Aviv, she seeks anonymity and solitude in Jerusalem. Despite her intentions to stay alone, Naomi makes two unexpected connections – one with a musically gifted Ultra-Orthodox young boy and the other with Fabrizio, a charismatic Italian monk and organist. These relationships allow Naomi to reconnect with her love of music and sense of meaning but they also make her a target in her new community. Faced with escalating isolation, Naomi must learn to use music as a bridge to overcome towering religious barriers. DIRECTOR: EITAN ANNER 2016 Israeli Film Academy - Ophir Nomination for Best Actress; 2016 Haifa International Film Festival - Best Script Award in collaboration with the Screenwriters’ Guild, Best Screenplay; 2016 Tallin Black Nights Film Festival - Grand Prize Best Film Sponsor: Ellyn & Lee Gross 15 GALA FESTIVAL RED CARPET KICKOFF EVENT, THE WICK THEATER: SABENA HIGHJACKING: MY VERSION* Docu-Thriller | Israel (2015) |104 minutes MONDAY, MARCH 13, 7:30 PM (Hebrew with English Subtitles) Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: This captivating, suspenseful docu-drama is based on previously undiscovered audio recordings of Captain Reginald Levy, the pilot in command of Sabena Flight 571 from Brussels, Belgium to Tel Aviv in May 1972 when it was hijacked by members of “Black September,” the armed wing of Fatah. The story includes candid interviews with the only surviving hijacker, Prime Ministers Shimon Peres, Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Barak. CREATOR & PRODUCER: NATI DINNAR; DIRECTOR: RANI SA’AR Israeli Film Academy - Ophir Nomination for Best Documentary; 2016 Seoul International Drama Award; Australia Jewish Film Festival; Warsaw Jewish Film Festival; Geneva Jewish Film Festival; Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival; Toronto Jewish Film Festival GUEST SPEAKER Nati Dinnar *Not included Sponsors: Marleen Forkas, Billi & Bernie Marcus with Festival Partner: Consul General of Israel Passes, see page 4

FESTIVAL CLOSING FILM: SERIAL (BAD) WEDDINGS Comedy | France (2014) 97 minutes SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 3:45 PM (French with English Subtitles) Shown with The Chop Palm Beach County Premiere SYNOPSIS: This politically incorrect romantic comedy pokes fun at the melting pot of modern-day France. A bourgeois Catholic family is upended by a succession of multi-cultural marriages. The Verneuil’s are a generally conservative couple who consider themselves open-minded but their tolerance is sorely tested as three of their four daughters decide successively to marry an Arab, a Jew and an Asian. Their last hope for a traditional marriage is dashed when their youngest daughter announces her upcoming wedding. DIRECTOR: PHILIPPE DE CHAUVERON Sponsors: Wendy Honig & Lesley Rich, Dina & Norman Burg, Bernice & Ed Wenger

16 THE SETTLERS Documentary | Israel (2016) |107 minutes THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 3:15 PM (English) Florida Premiere SYNOPSIS: A comprehensive view of the Jewish settlers in the territories of the West Bank, an historical overview and a look at the people at the core of the most daunting challenges facing Israel and the international community. DIRECTED BY: SHIMON DOTAN 2016 Israeli Film Academy - Ophir Nomination for Best Documentary; 2016 Sundance Film Festival - Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize World Cinema - Documentary Sponsors: Gayle & Jeffrey Belenzon

SYLVIA: TRACING BLOOD* Documentary | Israel (2016) | 105 minutes SHOWTIME: SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 7:30 PM (English) US Premiere SYNOPSIS: Sylvia Raphael was a agent who infiltrated the inner sanctums of Israel’s foremost enemies. This film traces the trajectory of Raphael’s cloaked life; from her involvement in the infamous Affair, to her subsequent imprisonment for espionage. This alluring *Individual tickets woman formed an integral part of Israel’s secret service. available March 1 (Film included with DIRECTOR: SAXON LOGAN Supporting Cast Festival Passes only)

THE WOMEN’S BALCONY Comedy | Israel (2016) 96 minutes SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 3:30 PM (Hebrew with English Subtitles) Boca Raton Premiere SYNOPSIS: During a Bar Mitzvah, the women’s balcony of a synagogue comes crashing down. A young, charismatic rabbi arrives making promises, offering a plan for the reconstruction of the synagogue —without a women’s balcony—testing friendships and creating tension. The women organize to rebuild the synagogue with their balcony and reclaim their place in the congregation. DIRECTOR: EMIL BEN SHIMON Israeli Film Academy - Ophir Awards for Best Supporting Actress, Best Actor, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup & Best Music

Sponsors: Gil & John Ingram 17 WOUNDED LAND Drama | Israel (2015) |80 minutes SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1:15 PM (Hebrew with English Subtitles) Boca Raton Premiere SYNOPSIS: Police officer Kobi Amar and the Regional Commander, Yehuda Neumann, have been partners for years. Now they are at a decisive moment in their relationship when one is forced to turn against the other. Suddenly they are faced with an even larger conflict and are plunged into a roller coaster-like night during which they are required to watch over a terrorist at a city hospital. An angry, vengeful crowd wants nothing more than the blood of the terrorist, his guards and the hospital staff caring for him. The tumultuous events of the night place Kobi and Neumann’s moral and professional values at stake, as well as their long dedicated friendship. DIRECTOR: EREZ TADMOR 2015 Israeli Film Academy - Nominations for Best Actor, Best Makeup, Winner - Best Actor INTRODUCTION AND POST-SCREENING DISCUSSION moderated by Karen Davis, Director of the Palm Beach Israeli Film Series and the former Executive Director of the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival. Sponsor: Sandra & Bernard Meyer

WRESTLING JERUSALEM Play | Israel (2016) | 90 minutes TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 3:30 PM (English) SYNOPSIS: Writer-actor Aaron Davidman embodies seventeen different characters – in and around the sacred city of Jerusalem – as he takes us on an eye- opening journey into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian story. A feature film based on his acclaimed solo theatre performance, Davidman paints a portrait of the complex humanity that lives inside this conflict and reveals his own fragility and strength in the midst of trying to make sense of it all. The film was shot live in the theatre and on location in the desert. Wrestling Jerusalem is a film with a mission: to inspire a generous vision of humanity in the midst of one of the world’s most troubling conflicts. WRITER AND ACTOR: AARON DAVIDMAN Sponsor: Phyllis Cohen, Marilyn Weissglass

18 It is with great pride that our dream of a Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival has been realized. This inaugural year we are proud to present an unsurpassed lineup of outstanding films and speakers for your education and entertainment, and hope you leave the theater feeling as passionate about cutting-edge Jewish films as we do! A Very Special Thank You...... to the incredible staff at the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC and the Sandler Center for helping make this happen. ...to the amazing members of the Jewish Film Society without whom this would not have been possible ...and to the Boca Raton Community for embracing the Festival Wendy Honig and Lesley Rich

I am pleased to be able to help bring the Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival to our Community and equally thrilled to be part of this wonderful new program! Marleen Forkas

19 Wishing the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center sincere congratulations on the INAUGURAL YEAR of this wonderful new program – the Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival. Billi & Bernie Marcus

MAZAL TOV to the Congratulations Boca Raton to the Jewish Film Festival. Adolph & Rose Levis JCC as together we celebrate We are thrilled to be the inaugural year of the part of this wonderful Boca Raton Jewish new endeavor and Film Festival. look forward to seeing everyone at the movies! Nina & Martin Bernice & Ed Rosenzweig Wenger

20

Jewish Film Society*

With heartfelt gratitude to the founding members Gayle & Jeffrey Belenzon Wendy Honig & Lesley Rich Rubens Family Foundation Dina & Norman Burg Gil & John Ingram Janet Sahr Linda Cohn Paula Kassover Estelle Schwartz Barbara Diamond Barbara Kruger Elissa Spiro Dana Egert Billi & Bernard Marcus Arlene & Boris Yufe Marleen Forkas Priscilla V. Marotta Jane Yudell Norma Fogel Sandra & Bernard Meyer Bernice & Ed Wenger Dorothy Gold Arleen & Allan Roberts Sandra Zahn-Oreck Ellyn & Lee Gross Carolyn Rockoff Cathy Hertzberg Nina & Martin Rosenzweig

Advisory Council

Ellen Safran Stephanie Owitz Dana Egert Wendy Honig Arleen Roberts Bernice Wenger Lesley Rich, Esq. Nina Rosenzweig Karen Davis Susana Flaum Dina Burg

Partners*

EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE SPONSOR

*as of 1/30/17

Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival is presented by Levis JCC Sandler Center 24 21050 95th Avenue South • Boca Raton, FL • 561-558-2520 • bocajff.org