For the second straight year, the JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival will bring the Chicago community together to experience 16 globally-inspired Jewish films with a wide range of perspectives June 20-28.
From documentaries to narratives, vintage and foreign films, feature lengths and shorts, the Festival offers Chicagoans artistic and educational excitement through a Jewish lens.
Featured films will include: "24 Days" based on the shocking true story of a Jewish-French man who was abducted in Paris; "Havana Curveball" that chronicles the unlikely trio of Jewish puberty, Cuba and baseball; "Mr. Kaplan," a hilarious, crowd-pleasing dark comedy about a Jewish retiree and his cantankerous disposition; "Friends From France," which spurs romance and international intrigue; and "Theodore Bikel: In The Shoes Of Sholom Aleichem," that weaves together the stories of two beloved Jewish icons. For more information on all 16 films, visit
www.chicagojewishfilm.org
.
"Last year's Chicago Jewish Film Festival showcased a set of expertly curated films and educational opportunities. I'm looking forward to another successful [Festival] this year," said moviegoer and discussion leader Jacqueline Saper.
Films will be screened at one of four locations: Century 12 Evanston/CineArts 6 and XD, 1715 Maple Ave., Evanston; Landmark Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St., Chicago; Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago; the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Dr., Skokie.
The films, along with post-show discussions and rich dialogue, will provoke moviegoers to open their eyes to raw dilemmas, deepen their connection to the Jewish community and enrich their cultural experience.
"Film is a reflection of society, and we want to look back and forward, so people can further reflect on themselves, their families and communities," says David Chack, artistic director of the JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival and professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University.
With a sustaining commitment of $250,000, JCC Chicago has secured the festival as an annual event for the next five years. To embrace and originate a Jewish film festival in a major city like Chicago reinforces the significance of this project and underscores JCC Chicago's commitment to building community through culture and the arts across the city.
"The incredible artistry in [Chicago] is fertile ground for Jews who create theatre, film, comedy, jazz, classical music and art. The Festival joins in celebrating, documenting and being a catalyst for these great performances," adds Chack.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and are available online at
www.chicagojewishfilm.org
. A festival pass to see eight films is also available for $64.
