Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
While our printed program is currently going through the design, printing and mailing process to arrive on your doorstep by February 1, I thought I’d offer savvy BJN readers a sneak peek at the lineup for the 5th Annual Boulder Jewish Film Festival, Thursday, March 9— Sunday, March 19th. Please note that there may be minor changes, so confirm all times when purchasing. All films are at the Dairy unless noted. Tickets go on sale February 1 online at thedairy.org, and at the Dairy Box Office, or by calling 303.444.7328. Early bird 10-packs for $100 available through February 21 by phone and at box office only.
Sponsorships are still being accepted so if you see a title that grabs you, why not support the festival by being a film sponsor for $600? Business ads and sponsorship offer great visibility and generate a lot of community good will. Email kathryn@boulderjcc.org.
Our gala opening night will be at the Boulder JCC on Thursday, March 9. Look forward to basketball-themed fun in the gym, a gala in the lobby, and a screening with two international guests in Levin Hall. Our biggest opening ever, on our fifth anniversary, is a feel-good film that will leave audiences filled with pride and the thrill of victory. Thrilling games! Human drama! Political intrigue! This new documentary produced by festival friend Nancy Spielberg has it all. In 2015, she told our audience she knows a “Spielberg story” when she sees one, and I agree with the Hollywood Reporter critic who noted this festival darling was destined for a dazzling Hollywood remake.
“On the Map”
Tickets: $36
Thursday, March 9, 7:00 pm
At the Boulder JCC
Directed by Dani Menkin
In English and some Hebrew with English subtitles/81 minutes
Israel’s 1977 astonishing upset victory over the Soviets in basketball proved that the tiny nation was capable of anything. Two-time Israeli Academy Award winner Dani Menkin appears in person for a tribute program. Basketball star Tal Brody, whose famous post-game remarks became a mantra of national pride, will also attend the screening.
“This compelling sport tale seems bound for a Hollywood dramatization.” – The Hollywood Reporter
“39 Pounds of Love”
Friday, March 10, 2:00 pm in the Boe
Directed by Dani Menkin
In Hebrew with English subtitles/70 minutes/2005
Dani Menkin’s inspiring first documentary introduces us to an extraordinary man and his remarkable friends, who set upon a life-changing road journey.
“Is That You?”
Friday, March 10, 2:00 pm in the Boe
Directed by Dani Menkin
In English/70 minutes/2016
An amiable odd-couple road movie with soul, Dani Menkin’s debut feature is set in America, where an Israeli seeks his lost chance at love.
“A Heartbeat Away”
Saturday, March 11, 7:30 pm
Directed by Tal Barda, Noam Pinchas
In Hebrew with English subtitles/54 minutes/2015
An Israeli pediatric cardiologist travels to Tanzania to perform life-saving operations in this riveting documentary about science, faith and tikkun olam.
Honoring Dr. Bill Shiovitz and the Boulder Medical Community. Champagne reception following the screening.
“The Last Laugh”
Sunday, March 12, 1:00 pm in the Boe
Friday, March 17, 4:00 pm in the Boe*
Comics Panel following the Friday screening
Directed by Ferne Pearlstein
In English/88 minutes/2016
Is humor incompatible with the Holocaust? The answers are as diverse as the people interviewed – including some seriously funny comics.
“For the Love of Spock”
Sponsored by Boulder Jewish News
Sunday, March 12, 6:30 pm in the Boe
Directed by Adam Nimoy
In English/111 minutes/2016
The late, lamented Leonard Nimoy recalls a long and prosperous life before the camera. Not just for Trekkies!
“Jerry Lewis: The Man Behind the Clown”
Sunday, March 12, 2:00 pm in the Boe
Directed by Gregory Monro
In English/61 minutes/2016
The iconic comic will still do anything for a laugh. He can’t help it.
“Keep Quiet”
Monday, March 13, 3:30 pm in the Boe
Directed Sam Blair, Joseph Martin
In Hungarian with English subtitles/90 minutes/2016
An anti-Semitic far-right politician in Hungary begins an astonishing transformation after discovering he’s Jewish.
“Remember”
Monday, March 13, 7:00 pm in the Boe
Tuesday, March 14, 1:00 pm in the Boe
Directed by Atom Agoyan
In English/94 minutes/2015
In this stunning psychological thriller starring the equally brilliant Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau, two elderly Holocaust survivors – one with Alzheimers – are bent on revenge.
“Wedding Doll”
Tuesday, March 14, 4:00 pm in the Boe
Directed by Nitzan Gilady
In Hebrew with English subtitles/82 minutes/2015
A mentally challenged young woman dreams of her wedding day in this delightful but probing drama that looks past labels with a rare lack of sentimentality.
“Hummus: The Movie”
Tuesday, March 14, 7:00 pm in the Gamm
Followed by reception??
Directed by Oren Rosenfeld
In Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles/70 minutes/2016
The staff of life in the Middle East is more than mere nourishment, it’s a fine art and an expression of unity in a troubled region.
“A Grain of Truth”
Wednesday, March 15, 3:00 pm in the Boe
Directed by Borys Lankosz
In Polish with English subtitles/112 minutes/2016
A maverick prosecutor investigates a string of ritual killings rooted in Poland’s anti-Semitic past in this taut detective thriller.
“Fever at Dawn”
Wednesday, March 15, 6:30 pm in the Boe
Thursday, March 16, 1:00 pm in the Boe
Directed by Peter Gardos
In Hungarian with English subtitles/110 minutes/ 2016
True love is an act of determination in post-Holocaust Sweden in this bittersweet drama based on the writer/director’s own parents’ story.
“Big Sonia”
Thursday, March 16, 4:30 pm in the Gamm??
Directed by Leah Warshawski
In English/93 minutes/2016
A diminutive Holocaust survivor proves courage has no size and compassion knows no age in this stirring tribute to the indomitable human spirit.
TEEN FILM
“Freedom Runners”
Thursday, March 16, 5:00 pm in the Boe
Directed by David Wachsmann
In Hebrew with English subtitles/50 minutes/2016
An Israeli high school teacher establishes a running team for young African refugees that helps them take the first steps toward a better future.
CENTERPIECE
“My Hero Brother”
Thursday, March 16, 7:00 pm in the Gamm
Directed by Yonatan Nir
In Hebrew with English subtitles/78 minutes/2016
Young adults with Downs Syndrome trek the Himalayas with their siblings on a challenging journey of discovery.
BEST JEWISH SHORTS
Saturday, March 18, 7:30 pm in the Boe
“Billsville” – An elderly Jewish artist who lives on the margins and on his own terms, seeks to illuminate the world and his synagogue. (19 minutes) Differently abled/Tikkun Olam
“Joe’s Violin” – An elderly Holocaust survivor donates his violin to a disadvantaged young student, impacting both of their lives. (20 minutes) Tikkun Olam/Holocaust
“The Man Who Shot Hollywood” – Jack Pashkovsky was a photographer who practiced his art anonymously, and by the time he was finished, had compiled the best collection of celebrity photographs never seen. (12 minutes) Aging/Art
“The Last Blintz” – The closing of the The Cafe Edison (aka The Polish Tea Room), the Broadway diner immortalized in Neil Simon’s 45 Seconds from Broadway, is not just a story about another famous show business haunt shutting its doors, it is the fading away of a piece of an American past. History/Show Business/Food (40 minutes)
SPANISH SUNDAY
“The Tenth Man”
Sunday, March 19, noon in the Boe
Directed by Daniel Burman
In Spanish with English subtitles/80 minutes/2016
This Argentinian family drama focuses on a son’s struggle to understand and forgive his father’s seeming neglect.
“Dirty Wolves”
Sunday, March 19, 2:15 pm in the Boe
Directed by Simon Casel
In Spanish with English subtitles/105 minutes/2016
Two sisters in rural Spain take different paths to resist the Nazis in this gripping dramatic thriller, inspired by real events, featuring strong performances and beautiful cinematography.
“Forgotten Jewels: A Haven in Havana”
Sunday, March 19, 5:00 pm in the Boe
Directed by Judy Kreith and Robin Truesdale
In Spanish and English with subtitles/45 minutes/2016
Local filmmakers Judy Kreith and Robin Truesdale trace the remarkable story of Jews fleeing the Holocaust who found shelter and set up a diamond polishing business in Cuba.
“Wild Tales”
Sunday, March 19, 6:30 pm in the Gamm
Directed by Damian Szifron
In Spanish with English subtitles/122 minutes/2015
This Academy Award-nominated anthology from Argentinian Jewish director Damián Szifron is the blackest of comedies, a wild ride through the extremities of human behavior.
Good one post…..