Inspiring the Austin Community through Jewish films - OCT. 7-NOV. 11, 2018 austinjff.org - Austin Jewish Film Festival
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SIXTEENTH ANNUAL O C T. 7- N OV. 1 1 , 2 0 1 8 Inspiring the Austin Community through Jewish films Use discount code OUTLOOK18 for 10% off all tickets and passes purchased online. austinjff.org
B2 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide
Welcome
Welcome to the 2018 Austin Jewish Film Festival (AJFF)! documentaries, dramas, and comedies from around the
Please join us at the Regal Arbor 8 at Great Hills and the Jewish world—films that help us understand and make sense
Shalom Austin Jewish Community Center during our 16th of this world, and those that take us to fictional places and
exciting year of bringing Jewish films to the Austin community. introduce us to characters who become alive and teach us
This year’s festival offers a compelling mix of stories about about ourselves.
people and cultures from across the globe. Together we’ll
We’ll meet at the Arbor as individuals and as a community
share tales of joy and tragedy, marvel at the courage of
to experience the art on the silver screen. In our highly
the characters, and laugh along with their jokes. Special
technology-driven world, we still come to the movie theater
programs will enhance your cinematic experience as we have
instead of watching the story on a TV, tablet, phone, or
opportunities to engage with one another and to question the
computer screen. Our common experience brings us together
filmmakers themselves.
as we sit with one another. We may not even know the
The AJFF is the nation’s largest Jewish film festival operated people around us, but through laughter and expressions of
by an all-volunteer committee. This dedicated group of film joy or interest we sense the diverse emotions as we create a
screeners begins their work shortly after the closing night community in the darkened space.
of the previous film festival. Their selection process takes
AJFF loves spending time with you at the theater, and
about ten months of watching films, ranking them according
we’re very excited to bring a line-up of compelling foreign,
to a list of criteria, and making decisions on the final set
independent, and U.S. films that will fascinate and inspire.
for the next festival. For 2018, we once again bring you an
Come to the week-long festival at the theater and join the
exciting selection of thought-provoking and entertaining
conversation starting October 27th. See you at the movies!
2018 AJFF Committee AJFF Quarterly Events Mission & Vision
Members Looking for more Jewish Films Throughout VISION STATEMENT
the Year?
The Austin Jewish Film Festival seeks to promote cultural
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The AJFF is not just an annual event! The Austin understanding and tolerance among the Greater Austin
David Goldblatt, Executive Director community, encourage artistic development, and entertain
community can enjoy films from the Austin Jewish Film
Cindy Pinto, Executive Director our audiences through the medium of Jewish film.
Festival four times a year—once a quarter.
David Finkel, Co-Director
One of the highlights of our 2018 quarterly programs, the MISSION STATEMENT
Cynthia Winer, Co-Director
screening of Ben-Gurion, Epilogue, took place in April at The Austin Jewish Film Festival presents the best
COMMITTEE Shalom Austin with an audience of over 200 people. The film Jewish films from the U.S. and around the world to
presents a revealing portrait of David Ben-Gurion, founder entertain and educate the Greater Austin community
Sara Blatt
of Israel and one of modern history’s political giants, based and provides complementary programs to enhance the
Larry Hausman-Cohen
on never-seen archival material. Ben-Gurion shares with us cinematic experience.
Wendy Corn, Shalom Austin liaison to the AJFF
his perceptive insights about Israel’s future. Director Yariv
Kelly Finkel
Mozer spoke before the film, setting the stage for how the
Michelle Missner
archival material, including six hours of interview footage,
Joe Oliveri
David Pinto
was discovered. Mozer conducted a Q&A with the audience Volunteer Thank You
following the film.
Jay Rubin
Of course, the final quarter of each year features the week- The 16th annual Austin Jewish Film Festival could not
Miriam Sherrod
long Austin Jewish Film Festival. Stay up-to-date with the have taken place without the talents and skills of our
Eric Stein
2018 AJFF quarterly event schedule by checking out our many volunteers. We’d like to thank each of those who
Fai Lee Steinberg
website at austinjff.org and by signing up for the Newsletter contributed their valuable time to the AJFF throughout the
Joe Winer
Blast. year. We are grateful for the passion and commitment of
Jake Wolfson
all our volunteers who help bring this wonderful festival to
the Austin community.
Visit austinjff.org for frestival and ticket information. | October 2018 | B3
Tickets & Passes New Ticket Pricing for 2018 FUNNY STORY
Bye Bye Germany, Funny Girl, The Interpreter,
The price of Festival Badges, Flex Passes, and Individual The Samuel Project
Tickets rose slightly this year to reflect increases in our GERMAN STORIES
Purchase tickets online – Save Time And Money costs for films that now averages $1,000; an increase in Bye Bye Germany, The Cakemaker, The Interpreter
theater rental charges; and the expense of bringing guest The Invisibles, The Last Supper
• Discount codes are available for online ticket
speakers from around the world. Despite the minor increase
purchase only—not for those purchased at the HOLOCAUST AND WWII
in admission prices, the majority of the Festival’s cost is borne
theater. Bye Bye Germany, The Interpreter, The Invisibles
by our generous donors and sponsors, and we thank them for
• After purchasing your ticket online, when you get to their support The Last Supper, The Testament
the Arbor, head directly to the AJFF theater to have ISRAELI THEME
your ticket scanned. A Heart Beat Away, The Cakemaker, Itzhak, Kavod Gadol,
• Festival Badge or Flex Pass – Stop at the Will Call Shoelaces, The Museum, The Testament
desk to receive your Festival Badge or Flex Pass Locations
LGBT
the first time you come to the Arbor. Then you can The Cakemaker, The Love Letter
October 7 | Special Screening, Shalom Bollywood
head directly to the AJFF theater.
Shalom Austin JCC, Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane ROMANCE
October 27- November 2 | Week-Long film festival Blessed, Bye Bye Germany, The Cakemaker, Funny Girl,
Regal Arbor Cinema, 9828 Great Hills Trail Itzhak, The Love Letter
General Admission tickets cost $12 for all moviegoers, for SOCIAL JUSTICE
November 11 | “The Festival Continues”
all film screenings. AJFF sells individual tickets online An Act of Defiance, A Heart Beat Away, Itzhak, Shoelaces,
Shalom Austin JCC, Community Hall, 7300 Hart Lane
at austinjff.org (with all fees included in the ticket price); The Last Supper, Sammy Davis I’ve Got to Be Me
readers of The Jewish Outlook can receive a 10% discount
by entering code OUTLOOK18, and Community Partner
organizations and their members can receive a 10% discount
when purchasing tickets online with their assigned discount
code. “Movie Goer” Sponsor
To save even more, audience members can purchase a ten-
ticket Flex Pass for $99, online or at the theater, for a savings Become A “Movie Goer” Sponsor of the Austin
Jewish Film Festival for as little as $100—receive David Goldblatt
of $21 over the cost of individual tickets, and Festival Badges
a Flex Pass (valued at $99) and an invitation to the & Cindy Pinto
will be available for $180, allowing the holder to attend every
single film at this exciting film festival. opening “Reel Reception” on Thursday, October 25, at
Shalom Austin JCC, Community Hall.
FRIEND OF THE FESTIVAL BADGE $180
Check out our website at austinjff.org to become a
Valid for admission to all films at all venues, with advanced sponsor.
seating 15 minutes before show time.
FLEX PASS $99
Valid for 10 admissions to the film(s) of your choice at any
venue. Flex Pass holders will be seated after Film Badge 2018 AJFF Film Topics
holders and before general admission ticket holders.
BLACK JEWISH LIFE
PREMIUM TICKET $18 An Act of Defiance, Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me
Valid for general admission for daytime or evening (Includes AMERICAN JEWISH LIFE
students/seniors). Sold online and at the theater box office. Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, Funny Girl, Itzhak,
Premium Ticket holders will be seated after Film badge Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me, Wendy’s Shabbat
holders and before Flex Pass holders. Additional benefits for
Premium ticket holders are on the way – stay tuned for a great ANTI-SEMITISM
package. Bye Bye German, The Invisibles,The Last Supper
GENERAL ADMISSION $12 ARTS AND CULTURE Goldblatt/Pinto
Funny Girl, Itzhak, The Museum, Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta
Valid for general admission for daytime or evening (includes Be Me, Shalom Bollywood: The Untold Story of Indian Cinema Young Filmmaker Grant
students/seniors).
BIOGRAPHY
Sold online and at the theater box office, beginning 15 minutes Bombshell, Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me, Itzhak In 2015 the Austin Jewish Film Festival established
before each film starts, until tickets are sold out. General the Goldblatt/Pinto Young Filmmaker Grant to honor the
admission ticket holders are seated after Film Badge and Flex DOCUMENTARY outstanding team of David Goldblatt and Cindy Pinto for
Pass holders. A Heart Beat Away, Bombshell, Itzhak, The Museum, directing the Festival into lasting success. This ongoing
Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me, Shalom Bollywood: scholarship helps support young, local Jewish film students’
GROUP BULK TICKET PURCHASE The Untold Story of Indian Cinema participation in film production forums. During the summer
Group ticket purchasers of 20 or more tickets will receive DOCU-DRAMA of 2016, the Grant provided funding for our first student,
a 20% discount. Groups will have reserved seats together. The Invisibles Haruka Gerald, to participate in the Jerusalem Film Workshop.
Special benefits, including a meeting space at the theater David Goldblatt has long dreamed that someday a young
before or after the film, may be arranged, depending on DRAMA filmmaker who started with our festival would return to Austin
the film schedule. Contact info@austinjff.org for additional An Act of Defiance, Bye Bye Germany, Budapest Noir, as a proud producer or director. It is with the community’s
information. Funny Girl, The Cakemaker, The Interpreter, Shoelaces, support that AJFF was able to assist Haruka, and we look
The Last Supper, The Samuel Project forward to continuing such assistance for many years. Please
Last-minute schedule and program changes happen.
help us by donating to the grant fund so that we can provide
Visit austinjff.org for the latest schedule and ticket information. FAMILY FRIENDLY a meaningful level of support to our next young Austin film
A Heart Beat Away, Funny Girl, Itzhak, The Invisibles, maker. Donations can be made anytime online at the AJFF
The Museum, Pirate Captain Toledano, Sammy Davis Jr.: website: austinjff.org.
I’ve Gotta Be Me, The Samuel Project
B4 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide
2018 AJFF Schedule
A film introduction and trailers will be SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 7:30 PM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2
presented prior to each screening.
International Film Day Featuring: Austria, The Testament “First Fridays” At Temple Beth Shalom
Last-minute schedule changes happen. Visit Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands,
Director: Amichai Greenberg
austinjff.org for the latest festival and ticket Slovakia, and South Africa 7:45 PM
information. Austria, Israel | 2017 | Narrative | 96 min.
2:00 PM | Hebrew, German, English, Yiddish (with A Heartbeat Away
All screenings take place at Regal Arbor 8 subtitles)
@ Great Hills, unless otherwise noted. An Act of Defiance Directors: Tal Barda, Noam Pinchas
Israel | 2015 | Documentary | 54 min. |
Director: Jean van de Velde WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 Hebrew, Swahili (with subtitles)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 South Africa, Netherlands | 2017 | Narrative, International Film Day Featuring: Israel Location: Temple Beth Shalom
4:00 PM Biography | 123 min. | English / Afrikaans
(with subtitles) NOON Program following the film with speaker from
Shalom Bollywood: the non-profit, Save A Child’s Heart.
The Untold Story of 4:30 PM The Museum For more information visit
Indian Cinema The Interpreter Director: Ran Tal bethshalomaustin.org
Israel | 2017 | Documentary | 74 min. |
Drector: Danny Ben-Moshe Director: Martin Sulík
Hebrew, English (with subtitles)
Australia, India | 2017 | Documentary | Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria | 2018 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11
76 min. | English, Hindi (with subtitles) | Drama | 113 min. | German, Russian,
7:30 PM “The Festival Continues”
Slovak (with subtitles)
Location: Shalom Austin JCC,
Community Hall Screened with the short film Pirate Captain
The Cakemaker 4:30 PM
Toledano
In collaboration with Indie Meme Film
Director: Ofir Raul Graizer
Germany, Israel | 2017 | Narrative |
The Last Supper
Festival. Light snacks, samosas and 7:30 PM Director: Florian Frerichs
104 min. | German, Hebrew (with subtitles)
rugelach will be served. Germany | 2017 | Drama, History | 83 min. |
The Invisibles Screened with a short film The Love Letter
German (with subtitles)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 Director: Claus Räfle Location: Shalom Austin JCC,
Germany | 2018 | Biography, Drama, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Community Hall
Film Sneak Peek (opens nationally 10/12) History | 110 min. | German (with subtitles) International Film Day Featuring: Israel
7:30 PM Introduction by Jake Wolfson, Education and USA 7:30 PM
Coordinator of the Texas Holocaust and
The Samuel Project Genocide Commission. NOON Bye Bye Germany
Director: Sam Garbarski
Director: Marc Fusco
Funny Girl Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg | 2017 |
USA | 2018 | Drama, Comedy | 93 min. | MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 Classic Film Series - 50th Anniversary Narrative | 102 min. | English, German
English
International Film Day Featuring: Israel, (with subtitles)
Location: Shalom Austin JCC, Director: William Wyler
Hungary, and USA
Community Hall USA | 1968 | Biography, Comedy, Drama | Location: Shalom Austin JCC,
151 min. | English Community Hall
Skype Q&A with cast member following NOON
the film. Itzhak 7:30 PM
Director: Alison Chernick Shoelaces
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 Israel, USA | 2017 | Documentary | 83 min.
Director: Jacob Goldwasser
Opening Day for week-long festival | English
Israel | 2017 | Drama | 98 min. | Hebrew (with
subtitles)
4:00 PM 7:30 PM
Screened with the short film Kavod Gadol
The Last Supper Budapest Noir
Skype Q&A following the film with Director,
Director: Florian Frerichs Director: Éva Gárdos Jacob Goldwasser.
Germany | 2017 | Drama, History | 83 min. | Hungary | 2017 | Drama | 95 min. |
German (with subtitles) Hungarian (with subtitles)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Shabbat Teaching Film Q&A following the film with Filmmaker,
Eva Gardos from Los Angeles. Let’s Hear It For Hollywood Film Day
Screened with the short film Wendy’s
Shabbat 11:30 AM
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30
Opening Night Feature
International Film Day Featuring: Austria,
Bombshell:
8:00 PM Belgium, Germany, Israel, and Luxembourg The Hedy Lamarr Story
Sammy Davis, Jr.: NOON
Director: Alexandra Dean
USA | 2017 | Documentary, Biography,
I’ve Gotta Be Me
Bye Bye Germany History, War | 88 min. | English
Director: Sam Pollard
USA | 2017 | Documentary | 100 min. | Director: Sam Garbarski Screened with the short film Blessed
English Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg | 2017 |
Skype Q&A following the film with Director,
Narrative | 102 min. | English, German
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Alexandra Dean
(with subtitles)
The film is preceded by a musical tribute to Screened with the short film Who Sank
Sammy Davis Jr. Your Ships?
Visit austinjff.org for frestival and ticket information. | October 2018 | B5
OPENING NIGHT FILM
FOR THE WEEKLONG FESTIVAL Documentary
Sammy Davis, Jr.:
I’ve Gotta Be Me
Sam Pollard|USA|2017|100 min.|English
A star-studded roster of interviewees pay tribute to
the legendary dancer, singer, impressionist, and actor
Sammy Davis, Jr. An entertainer of jaw-dropping
artistry and unparalleled charisma, Davis entered
show business at a time of racial tension and social
upheaval. Davis converted to Judaism in 1954
and remained as devoted to Judaism as he was to
entertainment throughout his life.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 | 8:00 PM
REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
Shoelaces
Jacob Goldwasser|Israel|2017|98 min.|Hebrew
(with subtitles)
Rueben abandoned Gadi, his special-needs son, when
he was a young boy. Now a young adult, Gadi wants
to donate a kidney to help save his father’s life, but a
transplant committee objects, claiming that Rueben, as
his guardian, doesn’t have the right to authorize such an
invasive procedure. Gadi, who recently lost his mother,
is afraid of losing his father as well.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | 7:30 PM
REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
Drama
B6 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide
Documentary
Danny Ben-Moshe|Australia, India|2017|76 min.|English,
Hindi (with subtitles)
The Indie Meme Film Festival Shalom Bollywood:
The Untold Story
is an Austin-based South Asian
film festival presenting unique
and powerful stories from India,
Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Bhutan. (www.
indiememe.org)
“Shalom Bollywood” reveals the unlikely story of
of Indian Cinema
the 2000-year-old Indian Jewish community and its
formative place in shaping the world’s largest film
industry. When Indian cinema began 100 years ago,
it was taboo for Hindu and Islamic women to perform
on screen, so Indian Jewish women took on female
lead roles, which they then dominated for decades.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 4:00 PM
SHALOM AUSTIN JCC, COMMUNITY HALL
Admission: $12. Light snacks, samosas and rugelach
will be served.
Chloe Benjamin | The Immortalists
Texas Book Festival
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 11:00 AM
TEXAS STATE CAPITOL
If you knew the date of your death, how would you
live your life? It’s 1969 in New York City’s Lower East
Side, and word has spread of the arrival of a mystical
woman, a traveling psychic who claims to be able to
tell anyone the day they will die. The Gold children
four adolescents on the cusp of self-awareness
sneak out to hear their fortunes. The prophecies
inform their next five decades.
Chloe Benjamin
Visit austinjff.org for frestival and ticket information. | October 2018 | B7
Narrative, Biography Drama
Documentary
Documentary, Biography
A Heartbeat Away An Act of Bombshell: Budapest Noir
Directors: Tal Barda, Noam Pinchas Defiance The Hedy Lamarr Director: Éva Gárdos
Israel|2015|54 min.|Hebrew, Swahili Director: Jean van de Velde Story Hungary|2017|95 min.|Hungarian
(with subtitles) South Africa, Netherlands|2017|123 min.| (with subtitles)
Director: Alexandra Dean
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | 7:45 PM English, Afrikaans (with subtitles) USA|2017|History, War|88 min.|English MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 | 7:30 PM
TEMPLE BETH SHALOM REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 2:00 PM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | 11:30 AM
“First Fridays” at Temple Beth Shalom. REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS Q&A following the film with Filmmaker
REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
For more information visit Eva Gardos from Los Angeles.
www.bethshalomaustin.org Skype Q&A following the film with
Director, Alexandra Dean.
Program following the film with
speaker from Save A Child’s Heart. “A politically-charged tale of corruption
“Dutch filmmaker Jean van de Velde
and betrayal, this richly atmospheric
captures a dark period in South Africa’s
murder mystery will leave you guessing
recent history, balancing a nail-biting “What do the most ravishingly beautiful
Dr. Akiva Tamir, an Israeli pediatric until its surprising climax.”
political thriller with spectacular courtroom actress of the 1930s and 40s and the
cardiologist, leads a medical mission to
intrigue.” inventor whose concepts were the basis of Budapest, 1936: the Hungarian prime
Tanzania to perform heart surgeries on
cell phone and Bluetooth technology have minister returns from Germany in a
children. Out of hundreds of sick kids the In 1963, apartheid is rampant in South
in common? Hedy Lamarr.” coffin, his dream of making Hungary into
team reviews, they can select only a few Africa. Nelson Mandela and nine other
a functioning fascist state snuffed out—
for lifesaving operations. When Tamir defendants, including Jewish anti- Full of eye-opening surprises, this film for now. A hard-boiled crime reporter,
meets Julius, a charming six-year-old boy Apartheid fighters, are arrested on a farm goes behind the public persona of a Zsigmond Gordon, has other things on
with only a slight chance of survival, he is for conspiring to commit sabotage and deeply misunderstood Hollywood starlet to his mind. He discovers a tip leading to an
forced to decide whether or not to operate. treason against the repressive South reveal the thwarted ambitions of a brilliant unusual crime scene in a seedy part of
Dr. Tamir and his team take the viewer on African government. Tenacious white technology trailblazer and inventor. Known the city. A beautiful, well-dressed young
an emotional rollercoaster as they deal Afrikaner lawyer Bram Fisher steps up for her glamour and sex appeal, Hedy woman is found beaten to death, with only
with the most serious question of which of to the challenge as lead counsel whose Lamarr rose to fame in the 1930s and a Jewish prayer book in her purse. No one
these potentially terminally ill children they defendants faced a possible death ‘40s. But her iconic career was largely is interested in solving the bizarre crime
should treat. This riveting human drama sentence. Fisher risks his career and tainted by both her own lurid offscreen except Gordon, who feels that things are
oscillates between science and faith, hope family to defend Mandela and his inner exploits and screen roles that objectified not what they seem to be. Investigating
and despair, life and death. In its center circle in this historical thriller set in South her. What history had overlooked was the murder, Gordon enters a world of
are doctors who have been thrust into the Africa’s incendiary segregation era. As Lamarr’s uncredited achievements in pornographers, brothels, and communist
position of gods. Mandela fights to expose South Africa’s mechanics and technology. An Austrian cells leading to the highest echelons of
corrupt, unjust system, Fischer attempts Jewish émigré who left her Nazi
Community Partners: Hadassah; Austin power, just as Hungary’s fascist-leaning
to hide his own ties to the resistance. sympathizer husband, she pursued a
Chapter, Temple Beth Shalom. government prepares to align with Hitler.
This riveting drama combines nail-biting future in show business while patenting a
This film is being shown in conjunction The more people try to scare him away,
political and courtroom intrigue to explore secret communications system that’s the
with Lila Bilbe’s Bat Mitzvah Project. For the deeper he digs in, not knowing whom
South Africa’s seminal struggle against foundation of today’s wireless technology
more information go to https://give.classy. to trust or what ulterior motives are
racism, and it highlights the little-known and perfecting a radio guidance system
org/lilahmitzvahproject working against him and the truth.
Jewish figures who sought to end for Allied torpedoes. Hedy Lamarr narrates
Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) is entrenched discrimination in their country. her trailblazing story, weaving interviews Community Partner: Congregation Agudas
an Israeli-based international and clips with never-before-heard audio Achim Brotherhood.
Community Partner: National Council of
humanitarian project providing Jewish Women (NCJW). tapes of her speaking about her incredible
lifesaving heart surgery and life. This story brings to light an unusual
follow-up care for children from and accomplished woman, spurned as too
developing countries regardless beautiful to be smart, but a role model to
of nationality, religion, color, this day.
gender or financial status. Community Partners: Jewish War
Veterans (JWV) Post 757, JCC
Seniors Program, Temple Beth Shalom
Sisterhood.
Quotes are from AJFF
Contains Mature Language Contains Mature Themes Contains Nudity Contains Violence Family Friendly Special Program
Committee Members.
B8 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide
Narrative Drama
Narrative Biography, Comedy, Drama
Bye Bye Germany The Cakemaker Funny Girl The Interpreter
Director: Sam Garbarski Director: Ofir Raul Graizer Classic Film Series Director: Martin Sulík
50th Anniversary
Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg|2017| Germany, Israel|2017|104 min.| Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria|2018|
102 min.|English, German (with subtitles) German, Hebrew (with subtitles) Director: William Wyler 113 min.|German, Russian, Slovak
USA|1968|151 min.|English (with subtitles)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 | NOON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 | 7:30 PM
REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | NOON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 4:30 PM
REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 | 7:30 PM
SHALOM AUSTIN JCC,
COMMUNITY HALL
“Director Raul Graizer subtly illustrates the
idea that our social, religious, and sexual Barbra Streisand’s triumphant, Oscar- “A road trip focusing on two old men
identities are more fluid than fixed.” winning, big-screen debut, FUNNY GIRL coming to grips with memories of their
“A humorous and moving look at Jewish The emotionally distant Thomas leads a is the musical rags-to-riches tale of a parents. Extraordinary scenes from the
life in post-war Germany.” lonely life as a Berlin coffee shop pastry young ugly duckling with a relentless drive countries they travel through.”
chef until starting a closet affair and to be a Broadway star. In a watershed
David Berman, a Holocaust survivor role that launched her to superstardom, An 80-year-old translator, Ali Ungár,
passionate tryst with Oren, a married discovers a book by a former SS officer
in postwar Frankfurt, has only one Streisand is funny and heartbreaking
Israeli businessman. Bereft over the recounting his war experiences in Slovakia.
purpose—to go to America as soon as as the comedienne and singer Fanny
sudden death of his long-distance lover, Ali realizes that one chapter may well
possible. To get there, he needs lots of Brice, plucked from obscurity in New
Thomas travels to Jerusalem, seeking describe his own parents’ execution. Armed
money, and smooth-talking David has York’s Lower East Side during the early
solace in the city where he can feel closer with a pistol, he heads for Vienna to find
an idea. Recruiting six survivor friends, 1900s to headline the Ziegfeld Follies.
to Oren. Anat, Oren’s widow, runs a small that SS man to take revenge; instead Ali
he teaches these Jewish salesmen Fame, riches, and adoration follow, as
café. Thomas finds work there with the finds the man’s 70-year-old son, Georg,
the shady tricks of his former trade: does a bittersweet marriage to charming
unsuspecting widow and quickly turns the a retired teacher. Georg has always
how to use flattery and chutzpah to sell gambler Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif),
struggling café into a successful business, avoided his father, but the translator’s
overpriced bed linens door-to-door to whose shady business deals threaten a
after his talents as a pastry chef are put to visit arouses his curiosity, and he invites
guilt-ridden Germans. Meanwhile, he scandal. Director William Wyler’s colorful
use. As business flourishes with Thomas’ Ali on a trip through Slovakia, embarking
faces interrogation by a comely American adaptation of the smash Broadway show
kitchen talents, and Anat finds herself on a bittersweet journey to meet surviving
military intelligence officer about his past was nominated for 8 Academy Awards,
drawn to him, the bereaved pair forges witnesses of the wartime tragedy. But while
as an alleged Nazi collaborator, but her including Best Picture, with Streisand’s
a bond that blurs lines of nationality, Georg is basically out to have a good time,
impassivity is no match for the charismatic famous “Hello, gorgeous” opening line
religion, and sexuality. Winner of the Lia Ali is hoping to find out how his parents
jokester. Presenting a fresh historical ranked among the greatest movie quotes.
Van Leer Award for Jewish heritage at the died. Gradually, these two very different
perspective with a klezmer-style score
Jerusalem Film Festival and Ecumenical Community Partner: Congregation Agudas men begin to warm to each other, and
and Yiddish-inflected dialogue, “Bye Bye
Jury prize at the Karlovy Vary International Achim HAZAK. together, they discover a country eager to
Germany” is an utterly engaging salute to
Film Festival. forget its past. Oscillating between comedy
European Jews who chose to “tough out”
painful memories in order to reclaim their Community Partners: Congregation and tragedy, this road trip focuses on two
lives. Agudas Achim Sisterhood, Keshet Austin, old men weighed down by the unresolved
All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities Film conflicts that have plagued their lives who
Festival (aGLIFF). are now trying to free themselves from this
oppressive burden.
AJFF History Corner | Did You Know?
• After attending the Jewish Cinema South, Dr. David Goldblatt initiated the AJFF in 2002. • For the past five years, AJFF has sponsored a free program for high school students
from around Austin entitled “Lights, Camera, Chutzpah” that trains and encourages
• The first AJFF presented five films at the Alamo Drafthouse in October 2002, opening
young filmmakers.
with “Shalom Y’all,” a movie about Southern Jews.
• During the past 16 years, our programs have benefited from our partnerships with
• AJFF screened 15 films in the second year, and the festival moved to the Arbor Cinema.
numerous community organizations from all around Greater Austin.
• Dr. David Goldblatt and Cindy Pinto served as co-directors of the AJFF until 2014.
• Check out austinjff.org for more details on the history of the AJFF.
Visit austinjff.org for frestival and ticket information. | October 2018 | B9
Documentary Documentary
Biography, Drama, History Drama, History
The Invisibles Itzhak The Last Supper The Museum
Director: Claus Räfle Director: Alison Chernick Director: Florian Frerichs Director: Ran Tal
Germany| 2018|110 min.|German Israel, USA|2017|83 min.|English Germany|2017|83 min.|German Israel|2017|74 min.|Hebrew, English
(with subtitles) (with subtitles) (with subtitles)
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 | NOON
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 7:30 PM REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 | 4:00 PM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 | NOON
REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
Introduction by Jake Wolfson,
Education Coordinator of the Texas SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 | 4:30 PM
Holocaust and Genocide Commission. SHALOM AUSTIN JCC,
“A look at the life, work, and religious COMMUNITY HALL
heritage of violinist Itzhak Perlman.” “Exhilarating... a masterful look at the
Shabbat Teaching Film Israel Museum, which goes much deeper
From Schubert to Strauss, Bach to…
Billy Joel, Itzhak Perlman’s violin playing than a conventional documentary.” (The
“The little-known story of young Jews that transcends mere performance to evoke Jerusalem Post)
outlast the Third Reich while hiding in the the celebrations and struggles of life. On January 30, 1933—the day Adolf Renowned Israeli director Ran Tal takes
middle of Berlin by living so recklessly that ITZHAK examines the life and music Hitler comes to power—the Glicksteins, a behind-the-scenes look at the Israel
they become ‘invisible.’” of Israeli-born Itzhak Perlman, widely an affluent German-Jewish family, come Museum in Jerusalem over a period of 18
considered to be the greatest living together for a family dinner. Most of months. This documentary goes inside the
In May 1943, Germany infamously
violinist. Perlman is a polio survivor whose them (like so many other Germans at museum to observe its daily life, noting
declares Berlin “free of Jews.” But at that
parents emigrated from Poland to Israel. that time) don’t take the Nazis seriously. how it brings together a colorful cast
moment there are still 7,000 Jews living
This is the story of the young wheelchair- When young Leah reveals her plans to of characters—the American museum
“underground;” only 1,700 survive to
bound man who struggled to be taken emigrate from Berlin to Palestine, her director, The Jerusalemite curator, the
liberation. “The Invisibles” tells the stories
seriously as a music student when family starts arguing with her. Her father, Haredi kashrut inspector, custodians,
of four of those survivors. Cioma is an
schools saw only his disability. Perlman Aaron, can’t see any reason to leave artists, a singing security guard, tour
art student who uses his drafting skills to
is funny, irreverent, and self-deprecating Germany, the country of their ancestors guides, volunteers, soldiers, art lovers and
forge passports to save his fellow Jews
as he recounts obstacles with humor. and the country for which he risked his others—from all over Jerusalem, Israel,
in exchange for food ration cards; Hanni
Archival materials and performance life during World War I. However, when and the world. We are also given insight
dyes her hair blond and manages to pass
clips—including a breakthrough Michael, Leah’s younger brother, indicates into the Museum’s attempts to incorporate
as Aryan, strolling along the streets of
appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show that he’s actually an ardent admirer of the Palestinian representation into its
Berlin; teenager Eugen, who distributes
at age 13—combine with behind-the- National Socialist movement, the family is collection. Tal’s elegantly shot film shows
anti-government leaflets, is handed to a
scenes moments of the venerated artist on the brink of being torn apart. “The Last us not only a microcosm of Israeli society,
succession of sympathetic Communist
in rehearsal, teaching classes, attending Supper” is a deeply personal and intimate but also how this institution seeks to both
families; and Ruth must resort to roaming
award shows, and collaborating with chamber play. reflect and mold Israeli history and culture.
the streets before being taken in by a
colleagues. His life story unspools in
surprising protector. Brilliantly mixing
conversations with masterful musicians,
oral histories with striking re-enactments,
family and friends, and reminds us why art
this unusual hybrid docu-
is vital to life.
drama offers a powerful
and uplifting message of
resilience and courage.
Sponsor: The Texas
Holocaust and Genocide
Commission (THGC).
Community Partners:
Congregation Beth Israel Brotherhood,
Congregation Beth Israel Sisterhood, and
Austin Film Society.
Quotes are from AJFF
Contains Mature Language Contains Mature Themes Contains Nudity Contains Violence Family Friendly Special Program
Committee Members.
B10 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide
Shorts Documentary
Sammy Davis, Jr.:
I’ve Gotta Be Me
Blessed The Love Letter Wendy’s Shabbat
Director: Sam Pollard
Director: Prague Benbenisty Director: Atara Frish Director: Rachel Myers USA|2017|100 min.|English
Israel|2015|Short Drama|16 min.|Hebrew Israel|2017|Short Drama|22 min.|Hebrew USA|2017|Short Documentary|10 min.|
(with subtitles) English SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 | 8:00 PM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 | 11:30 AM REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 | 7:30 PM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 | 4:00 PM Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
In her big Moroccan family, Zohara is the REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
daughter everyone takes for granted, The film is preceded by a musical
An IDF basic training commander receives A joyful group of seniors captures the tribute by Sherree Brown to Sammy
while Oshrit is the beauty who is about to a mysterious love letter in her locker from spirit of Shabbat in their own unique way,
get married. On the day of the traditional Davis Jr.
one of her female soldiers. She suspects gathering at a fast food restaurant to light
henna ceremony preceding the wedding, the letter is a fraud and is torn between candles and say prayers over hamburgers
Zohara steals Oshrit’s blessing. The sticking to military discipline rules and and fries.
mystical power of this blessing transforms her yearning to feel, if only for a moment,
Zohara, bringing her love and changing loved. “A thrilling, enlightening, and redemptive
the dynamics of her relationship with her look at the lesser known aspects of
sister. Sammy Davis’s extraordinary life.”
A star-studded roster of interviewees,
including Jerry Lewis, Whoopi Goldberg,
Norman Lear, Quincy Jones, and Billy
Crystal, pay tribute to the legendary
dancer, singer, impressionist, and actor
Sammy Davis, Jr. Dazzling audiences
since he was a child, Harlem-born Davis
was an entertainer of jaw-dropping artistry
and unparalleled charisma. Entering
showbusiness at a time of racial tension
and social upheaval, Davis found himself
frequently courting controversy. He
performed alongside Dean Martin and
Frank Sinatra as a member of the Rat
Pack, and, invited by President Nixon, he
was the first African-American to sleep
at the White House. Yet, as a result he
Kavod Gadol Pirate Captain Who Sank Your was labeled by some as a sellout to his
Director: Ori Szternfeld Toledano Ships? race. Davis converted to Judaism in 1954
and remained as devoted to Judaism
Israel|2015|Short Drama|10 min.|Hebrew as he was to entertainment throughout
Director: Arnon Shorr Director: Ella Kohn his life. The film includes never-before-
(with subtitles) USA|2017|Short Drama|10 min.|English, Israel|2017|Short Drama|24 min.|Hebrew seen photographs plus excerpts from
Spanish (with subtitles) his performances, exploring the life and
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | 7:30 PM
art of an entertainer who saw the major
REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 | 4:30 PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 | NOON flashpoints of American society from the
Daniel gets a wonderful surprise from REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS Depression through the 1980s.
his father for his Bar Mitzvah party – a
Set in the little-known world of Jewish Yuli, a petite military photographer, is Community Partner: A Clever Production,
sheep – to slaughter. Daniel is not happy
piracy in the Caribbean,”Pirate Captain in love with Michael. But Michael has a Congregation Shir Ami, Congregation Kol
with the gift and tries everything he can to
Toledano” brings to life the story of girlfriend. One night, as Yuli witnesses a Halev, Temple Beth Shalom Brotherhood.
get rid of the sheep, from giving it away,
releasing, it and even calling the police to refugees from the Inquisition who found a harsh fight between the two, she decides
help. way to strike back against Spain. to follow Michael. Through Yuli’s dreamy
eyes, a dreary military night becomes
magical.Visit austinjff.org for frestival and ticket information. | October 2018 | B11
Documentary Narrative
Drama, Comedy Drama
The Samuel Shalom Bollywood: Shoelaces The Testament
Project The Untold Story Director: Jacob Goldwasser Director: Amichai Greenberg
Director: Marc Fusco of Indian Cinema Israel|2017|98 min.|Hebrew (with subtitles) Austria, Israel|2017|96 min.|Hebrew,
USA|2018|93 min.|English German, English, Yiddish (with subtitles)
Director: Danny Ben-Moshe THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | 7:30 PM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 | 7:30 PM Australia, India|2017|76 min.|English, REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 | 7:30 PM
SHALOM AUSTIN JCC, Skype Q&A following the film with REGAL ARBOR 8 @ GREAT HILLS
Hindi (with subtitles)
COMMUNITY HALL Director, Jacob Goldwasser.
Skype Q&A with cast member SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 | 4:00 PM
SHALOM AUSTIN JCC, “A mystery involving a religious historian
following the film.
COMMUNITY HALL and his family. He is willing to risk
Free. Donation suggested everything to discover the truth.”
Proceeds to benefit a local arts “A story of a special needs adult and the Yoel Halberstam, a senior Holocaust
education program. “Shalom Bollywood” reveals the unlikely
budding relationship between the father researcher, is in the midst of a legal battle
who abandoned him as a child.” with powerful forces in Austria concerning
story of the 2000-year-old Indian Jewish
community and its formative place in “Shoelaces” traces the story of a a massacre of Jews that occurred during
shaping the world’s largest film industry. complicated relationship between an aging WWII. An influential family of industrialists
When Indian cinema began 100 years father and his special-needs son, whom on whose land the murder took place is
“A film for both parents and grandparents ago, it was taboo for Hindu and Islamic he abandoned while he was still a young planning a real estate project on the very
to share with their children.” women to perform on screen, so Indian boy. Reuben’s kidneys are failing, and same property. Yoel suspects that their aim
Jewish women, who were more liberal and his son Gadi wants to donate one of his is to bury the affair for good, but he can’t
Eli, an outcast teen, connects with his
progressive, took on female lead roles, own kidneys to help save his father’s life. find the conclusive evidence that would
isolated grandfather for the first time, and
which they then dominated for decades. However, the transplant committee objects stop the project. Meticulous in his quest,
he uncovers the man’s surprising past
Because these stars used stage names, to the procedure, claiming that Rueben, Yoel toils in the basement of the Holocaust
when he makes his grandpa the subject of
audiences assumed they were Muslims acting as Gadi’s sole legal guardian, does Institute in Jerusalem. While investigating
an animated art project for school. Eli has
or Christians—until now! From the silent not have the right to authorize such an the incident, Yoel examines classified
dreams of becoming a professional artist
era through Bollywood’s golden age, invasive procedure. Gadi, who recently testimonies of Holocaust survivors, and
and discovers that his grandpa, Samuel
Indian cinema icons share their highs lost his mother, is afraid of losing his he is shocked to discover a testimony
(Hal Linden), a Jewish dry cleaner, was
and lows and how their careers pushed father as well. He feels he finally has the he never knew existed—one given by
heroically saved from Nazi capture in
the boundaries of Indian-Jewish culture. chance to do something meaningful; to his mother in which she confesses to a
Germany by a young woman when he
Interviews plus rare archival footage and become a man and stand on his own. He’s substantial secret from her past. With his
was a boy. After some hesitation, Samuel
retro-style music and animation revive the furious with the committee’s decision and personal and professional life at stake,
agrees to tell his story for the project—a
all-singing, all-dancing cheeky feel of a sets out to fight for his right to save his Yoel secretly pursues the lead, risking
story he hasn’t told in over 75 years. In
Bollywood production. father’s life. Through the film’s portrayal everything—career, wife and son, even his
the end, Eli’s project makes the finals in
of a relationship full of love, rejection, and own beliefs—to solve the mystery about
a countywide art showcase, where he The Austin Jewish Film Festival presents
co-dependency, “Shoelaces” ponders his identify.
unveils his animated ‘Samuel Project’ with “Shalom Bollywood” in collaboration with
the help of his unlikely friend Kasim, an the importance of human life and human Community Partner: Congregation Beth El.
Indie Meme Film Festival.
electric guitar-wielding school misfit. After connection.
decades, three generations of Eli’s family
finally connect with one another.
Community Partner: Shalom Austin.
Quotes are from AJFF
Contains Mature Language Contains Mature Themes Contains Nudity Contains Violence Family Friendly Special Program
Committee Members.B12 | October 2018 | 2018 AJFF Guide
PRODUCER | $5,000 AND ABOVE
2018 AJFF Donors
Cooky and David
Goldblatt
CASTING DIRECTOR | $1,800 SCREENWRITERS | $1,000
Kelly and David
Bobby Finkel
Epstein
Valerie and Jeff Cindy and David
Newberg Pinto
Shari and Eric
Stein Mandy Michael B. Deborah and Richard
and
Dealey Kentor Rudy
FILM STARS | $500
Barbara Sandra Andrea Koplowitz and David Michele and Marshall Sylvia and Philip Cynthia and Joe
Barron Freed Kahn Missner Spertus Winer
FILM FANS | $360 MOVIE LOVERS | $180 MOVIE GOERS | $100
Patti and Mike Abkowitz Anne and Rabbi Neil Blumofe Leslie and Rick Otis Sigrid Levi Baum and Essay Doc
Dr. Michael Baum The WRITE Rx for
Keri and Yale Pearlson
Your Success
Sara Blatt and David Lewis
Carole and Kerry Price (512) 415-0109
Michael Churgin
Diane and Charles Radin Neena Husid and Dr. Hilary Miller
Judith Cassorla Laurie Drucker and Paula Falk
Sherrie and Robert Frachtman Sandy and Michael Rotman Terry and Steve Milman
Suzy Seriff and Robert Cullick Sonia Paban and Dan Freed
Pam and David Frager Sandy and Marshall Sack Nancy Parkinson
Sharon Jayson and Ken Herman Atida and Efim Gendler
Laurie and Ross Garber Lauren Schreiber Elyse and Rick Rosenberg
Cheryl Hersh and Arielle Levy Mark Goldberg
Carol and Jay Rubin David Sekons Mary Jane and Stanley Saikin
Kim and Tony Kahn Lea Isgur
Barbara Wilson and Tobi Taub and Deb Seaman Miriam and Earle (z”l) Sherrod
Elliot Trester Nora and Allen Lieberman Melanie Lewis
Mary and Charles Toubin Tracy and Rob Solomon
Joyce and Mark Lit Sydelle Popinsky and
Maureen and Kirby Walker Jeanette Solway
Gail and Neil Miller Charles Mandelbaum
Amy and Jerry Webberman Bill and Judy Waxman
Haia and Uri Mintz Robert Miller
Suzanne and Marc Winkelman Dana Winer
Rosalie and Joe Oliveri
Monica and Zvi Yaniv
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