PROGRAM BOOK - Mayerson JCC
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PROGRAM BOOK
THE UNORTHODOX
OPENING NIGHT
PAGE 4
PICTURE OF HIS LIFE
PAGE 8
THOSE WHO REMAINED
PAGE 15
THE SPY BEHIND
HOME PLATE
WELCOME
PAGE 18 Welcome to the 2020 Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film
THE PASSENGERS Festival. This year’s program offers a diverse selection of films
PAGE 21 that engage with current discussions that are important to our
NIGHT OF SHORT FILMS common humanity. Speakers and organizations will bring these
PAGE 23
topics off the screen, showing their relevancy and connection to
LOVE IN SUSPENDERS The Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film home. We look forward to another year of building community
PAGE 31 Festival presents a diverse, inspiring lineup and increasing understanding.
AULCIE of award-winning films, and engaging,
PAGE 33 educational programming that connects to We are grateful for the continued support of our sponsors,
the Jewish and Israeli stories. Our 2020 film partners, and attendees with and for whom this festival is
LEONA lineup explores the importance of striving
PAGE 35
for connection and understanding. We make
created. This community that gathers together every winter
FAMILY IN TRANSITION progress, we create community, we become sustains the Festival year after year. We look forward to seeing
PAGE 40 better, together. you around the city at the movies!
WORKING WOMAN
PAGE 46 Please read on to learn about the Festival and all of the fantastic
events and opportunities to come. Enjoy the 2020 Mayerson JCC
THE MAMBONIKS
PAGE 49 Jewish & Israeli Film Festival!
WITNESS THEATER
PAGE 52
Frances Kahan Stacey Schimberg Marc Fisher
FIDDLER: A MIRACLE Cultural Arts Manager Committee Chair Mayerson JCC CEO
OF MIRACLES
CLOSING NIGHT
PAGE 55
For questions or information,
PARKING & VENUE
INFORMATION please email arts@mayersonjcc.org
PAGE 60 or call 513.722.7258.
MEET THE COMMITTEE
PAGE 62
These films are not rated and are
SPONSORS recommended for mature audiences.
PAGE 64 Times listed include length of films only.
OPENING NIGHT FILM EXTRAS
DIRECTOR’S NOTE humor, and a whole lot of rage. The film
raises questions about the real core of the
This film takes place in the Jerusalem of
political game, about religious coercion
the 80s. In those days, orthodox Sephardic
and about the DNA of Sephardic Jews and
Jews (immigrants from Arab countries)
their inability to truly assimilate into Israeli
tried unsuccessfully to assimilate into a
“Western” society without losing.
society of Ashkenazi Jews (immigrants
from Russia and Europe) and institutions ELIRAN MALKA
in their hold. They were always considered Director
second-rate, even when they were A graduate from Ma’ale
the majority. It wasn’t even outright School in Jerusalem in
discrimination – just the basic assumption. 2010, his thesis film 71
This film is a street movie; like its heroes, Square Meters was screened
it’s dynamic and practically hyperactive, at numerous festivals and won awards
with a voice-over supplying us with a and honorable mentions. In 2011, Malka
bridge into a world we can no longer received a development grant from the
see: a crowded, warm, Sephardic world, Jerusalem Film Fund for the TV drama
without the suit-wearing type characters series “The Shababniks,” of which he is the
you are used to seeing running in creator. The series was produced by Dori
elections. Media Darset for HOT TV, and aired to
great acclaim in 2017. The Unorthodox is
THE UNORTHODOX
Yaakov’s operation is characteristic of
his first feature film.
the people he presented: informal, with
love for their fellow man, a great sense of
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 • 7:30PM • MAYERSON JCC
2018 • Comic Drama • 92 minutes • Hebrew • Eliran Malka
THANK YOU
SYNOPSIS OPENING NIGHT includes one
Yakov Cohen has no political experience, complimentary drink per person
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
no money, and no connections. But when and enjoyment of a reception.
his daughter is expelled from school SPECIAL FEATURE to the
because of her ethnic origin, he decides to Experience what it’s like to vote in Israel
fight back. Yakov bands together with two and engage in discussion with Amnon
generous supporters
friends to run in the city elections, starting
the first ethnic political group in Jerusalem,
Maggid, Community Shaliach (Emissary) of the 2020 Mayerson JCC
from Israel at the Jewish
Sfarad’s Guards. These political rookies Federation of Cincinnati, Jewish & Israeli Film Festival
improvise along the way, capturing voters’ and Jackie Congedo,
hearts and forever changing the face of Director, & Justin for bringing award-winning
Israel. This exhilarating, moving, laugh-out-
loud film based on a real story highlights
Kirschner, Associate
Director of JCRC.
stories of Jewish life to Cincinnati.
the power one person can yield to create
real social change.
In partnership with the We Need to Talk series, presented by Jewish
Federation of Cincinnati and its Jewish Community Relations Council.
4 5
AMNON MAGGID the Jewish community and Israel, fights
Speaker antisemitism, and promotes social
justice. She has over a decade of strategic
Amnon Maggid has been in
communications, public relations, current
the field of education for
affairs, and award-winning journalism
more than 20 years, focusing
experience.
on promoting Jewish culture and heritage
in Israel. Maggid completed his Master’s JUSTIN KIRSCHNER
in Jewish Education at The Schechter Speaker
Institute in Jerusalem. He arrived in Justin Kirschner is the
August 2018 for a three-year stay in Associate Director of
Cincinnati. He is serving as an official the Jewish Community
LIFELONG representative of Israel, strengthening
connections between Cincinnati and Israel
Relations Council of
FRIENDSHIPS through education and advocacy, working
with Jewish and non-Jewish community,
Cincinnati. He’s a community connector
who has a passion for using reflective
THAT THRIVE civic organizations, schools, universities,
and religious institutions. His position
conversation, civic engagement, and
partnerships to co-create just and
vibrant communities. Justin has been
Campers form lifelong friendships, supporting is funded by the Jewish Federation of
and cheering each other on as they try new involved with various social justice, youth
activities and gain independence.
Cincinnati. mentoring and leadership development
JACKIE CONGEDO endeavors, facilitating cross-cultural
Speaker exchanges and teaching experiential
SAVE THE DATE! REGISTRATION NOW OPEN education. He is a double graduate of
Jackie Congedo is the
100th Year Alumni Reunion Weekend FOR SUMMER 2020 Director of the Jewish
Ohio University with a B.A. in Political
August 14 - 16, 2020
Visit camplivingston.com Science, Minors in Business and Global
Register at camplivingston.com/alumnireunion
for more information
Community Relations
Leadership and a Master’s in Public and
Council, which builds bridges
Nonprofit Administration.
between the Jewish and non-Jewish
communities, advocates on behalf of
JCRCJewish Community
Relations Council
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
In our 80 year history, we have been on the front
lines, building relationships to safeguard Jewish
Cincinnati and pursue a more just community for
all people. In the midst of an alarming rise in
antisemitism, JCRC is meeting new challenges
with new strategies and the same steadfast
commitment to this work.
LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED PROUDLY SPONSORS THE
jewishcincinnati.org/jcrc MAYERSON JCC JEWISH &
ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Cincinnati JCRC @cincyjcrc
6 7
with sharks, orcas and eventually polar
bears, but mostly by his will to expose
his most private and inner feelings to the
camera and let us and the world see his
vulnerabilities and pain. We believe that
at the end of the day, like Leonard Cohen
said: “There is a crack in everything, but
that’s how the light gets in.”
Amos’s photography has won Nikon,
Communication Arts, and BBC Wildlife DANI MENKIN
Photographer of theYear awards. Writer/Director
DIRECTORS’ NOTE Dani Menkin is a two-time
Following our award-winning film Dolphin Israeli Academy Award-
Boy, we have reunited to create another winning filmmaker for 39
special film that explores the powerful Pounds of Love and Is That
relationship between man and nature, You?. 39 Pounds of Love has
PICTURE OF HIS LIFE
father and son, violence and peace. Picture been sold to HBO and was
of His Life was more than 10 years in the shortlisted for the Oscars. Menkin’s award-
making. We were determined to bring this winning film Dolphin Boy (co-directed by
TUESDAY, JAN. 28 • 7:30PM • KENWOOD THEATRE special story to life, in the most honest Yonatan Nir) was sold to over 20 countries
way possible. We were inspired not just by around the globe and was bought by
2019 • Documentary • 71 minutes • English, Hebrew, Inuit opening night Amos’s ability to push the envelope and Disney for an adaptation. Dani Menkin is
film a speaker and film juror at international
Dani Menkin, Yonatan Nir, Exec. Producer Nancy Spielberg
israeli competition
2019 docaviv film festival break the boundaries, to swim side-by-side
SYNOPSIS a changing climate, he contemplates the
World-renowned wildlife photographer series of unspoken events that drove him
Amos Nachoum has developed a unique here, to the end of the world. Shomrei Olam is the only Jewish organization
approach that puts him face-to-face
with his subjects. Fascinated by the most
SPECIAL FEATURE in the Cincinnati region dedicated to
Short film screening of Layam by Assaf
fearsome creatures on Earth, he is about Machnes. Discussion led by Dan Marsh,
protecting the environment
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
to face his ultimate challenge: to swim, Director of Education at Cincinnati Zoo &
unprotected, with a polar bear. As Amos Botanical Garden.
dives into a world being rapidly erased by Greening our temples and synagogues
Greening our children’s education
In partnership with Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Greening our homes
FILM EXTRAS
AMOS NACHOUM Le Figaro, Terra Sauvage, Airone, Mondo
Amos Nachoum’s Somerso, Der Spiegel, Unterwasser,
photos and essays and many more. His work has also been
have appeared included in several books, including The
in hundreds of Living Ocean, The World of Nature, and
publications around Oceans. He has appeared on National
the globe, including Geographic Explorer, Today, and Good
National Geographic, Time, Life, The Morning America and has been featured
New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, in People, Esquire, and Money magazines.
shomrei-olam.org
8 9
festivals around the world, as well as a filmmaking, working on
film professor at universities in the U.S. her brother Steven’s early
films as cast and crew.
YONATAN NIR
She attended Arizona
Writer/Director
State University and UCLA
Yonatan Nir’s multiple and, after moving to
award-winning New York in 1978, studied film at Sarah
documentaries have been Lawrence College and the New School.
broadcast and screened in
MAZEL TOV TO
An accomplished businesswoman and
over 40 countries worldwide. Dolphin Boy philanthropist, she has turned her energy
(2011) premiered at Hot Docs, and remake and talents to producing documentary
rights were acquired by Disney. My Hero and feature films. One of her priorities is
Brother (2016) is the winner of the Entre
2 marches at the Cannes Film Festival,
winner of the DocEdge IFF, winner of
to help preserve stories and make them
into educational tools for the benefit of
younger generations.
THE JCC AND THE
FILM FESTIVAL
the 2 main awards at the Santa Barbara
Ms. Spielberg served as consultant on the
International Film Festival, and many
Oscar-winning documentary, Chernobyl
more. His other films include Cutting the
Heart, and is executive producer of
Pain and The Essential Link - The Story of
COMMITTEE FOR
Elusive Justice: The Search for Nazi War
Wilfrid Israel.
Criminals, which aired nationally on
NANCY SPIELBERG PBS. She produced Above and Beyond,
Executive Producer
ANOTHER GREAT
winner of the audience award at more
Nancy Spielberg grew up immersed in than 20 film festivals. Spielberg is the
FESTIVAL!
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
3074 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio
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10 11
executive producer of Sophie Sartain’s Dan received a Bachelor
documentary, Mimi and Dona, which was of Arts in Biology from the
broadcast nationally on PBS in 2015. She is University of Louisville and
executive producer of Who Will Write Our a Master’s in Education in
History, which tells the story of the secret Curriculum and Instruction
buried archive of the Warsaw Ghetto, from the University of
and of On the Map (2016), a documentary Cincinnati. He began as a Trainer and
by filmmaker Dani Menkin, which has Naturalist with the Zoo’s bird show and
screened all over the world and received worked his way up through the department.
multiple festival awards. Dan currently serves as the Director of
Education and Volunteer Services at the
DAN MARSH
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Speaker
SHORT FILM: LAYAM
2018 ∙ Short Drama ∙ 17 minutes ∙ Hebrew ∙ Assaf Machnes
SYNOPSIS DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Shai used to be a tough commander and LAYAM (La-Yam, ) ליםin Hebrew means “to
Kedem used to be his tormented rookie. the sea.” That’s what the film is about – a
Things change. little piece of painful history drifted to
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
Inbar Shahak
Kibbutz Maagan Michael
Israel
1511 Race Street | Over-the-Rhine | Cincinnati, OH
ombregallery.com | @ombregallery
Host your next CONTACT JCC EVENTS:
event with us!
events@mayersonjcc.org or
513.761.7500 x1289
12 13
the sea, an unpleasant river spilled into a ASSAF MACHNES
rather stormy sea. Director
In Israel, where military service is Assaf Machnes is a writer-
compulsory for all, there’s life during director based in Tel Aviv.
the army and life outside the army. Each He graduated from the Met
reality has completely different rules and Film School (London), specializing in
sets of values. However, in such a tiny cinematography. Assaf’s graduation short
country like Israel, these realities meet film was selected for more than 150 film
quite often, creating encounters full of festivals, won 7 awards, and was broadcast
drama. Therefore, “What goes around, on ARTE, Mediaset Italy and more. In late
comes around” stories are very common in 2014, Machnes received a development
Israeli society. grant from the Israeli Film Fund for the
writing of his debut feature, along with a
My favorite element in storytelling is the
special grant from the Polish Film Institute.
absurd humor derived from disturbing
pain that cannot be fully digested. I try to Machnes was chosen to participate in the
implement this tone in almost every story 2015 Berlinale Talent Campus and the
I tell. At the end of the day, I want the 2016 Locarno Filmmakers Academy. Seven
THOSE WHO REMAINED
audience to decide whether this piece of Minutes premiered at the 2017 Berlinale
humiliating history is over or not, and what and Machnes is now developing several
each character can do about it. projects both for the small and big screens,
including a new web series for YNET and a THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 • 7:30PM • ESQUIRE THEATRE
TV drama for HOT Israel.
2019 ∙ Drama ∙ 83 minutes ∙ Hungarian ∙ Barnabás Tóth official entry
Hungary - Best International Feature
2020 academy awards
SYNOPSIS in the midst of conflict, loss, and trauma
Aldo lives a solitary life as a doctor in reveals the healing process of Holocaust
Budapest; Klara lives reluctantly with her survivors through the eyes of a young girl
great-aunt, holding on to hope that her in post-World War II Hungary.
father and mother will return. The two
SPECIAL FEATURE
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
meet and soon find something in each
Discussion led by Jodi Elowitz, Director of
other that has long been absent in their
Education & Engagement at Nancy & David
lives. This lyrical story of the power of love
Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center.
In partnership with Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center.
FILM EXTRAS
We thank Mayerson JCC The film is based on the novel by Zsuzsa F. few have shown us the fate of those who
for its ongoing Várkonyi, published in 2004.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
remained with us, those who came back.
BARNABÁS TÓTH
work and support in the For me, this film is, first of all, a hymn, an
ode to a man who is totally wrecked but
Writer/Director
cincinnati Community!
Born in 1977 in Strasbourg,
pulls himself together for one last time to
Barnabás Tóth studied at the
save another half-destroyed soul. We’ve
Film and Television Academy
seen so many films about what happened
of Budapest. He wrote and directed
14 before and during the Holocaust, but so 15
two feature films, Camembert Rose is in artistic representation
(Rózsaszín sajt) in 2009 and Those Who of the Holocaust in the
Remained (Akik maradtak) in 2019. His visual arts with an emphasis
recent short film Chuchotage (Susotázs) on work done in the
from 2018 was selected to the shortlist camps and ghettos. Jodi
by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts provided content for a
and Sciences for the 2019 Academy large archival project and contributed
Awards. It won 23 awards at 62 different articles about Holocaust representation
film festivals. His short film My Guide in film for the Center for Holocaust and
(Újratervezés) from 2013 has been Genocide Studies at the University of
viewed over 1.8 million times on Vimeo, Minnesota. Prior to that, Jodi was the
making it one of the most successful Executive Director for the Tennessee
short films ever made in Hungary. As Holocaust Commission and the
a director, he directed episodes of Director of Holocaust Education for the
“Született lúzer” for HBO in 2007, “Csalfa Jewish Community Relations Council
Karma” for Life Network in 2011, and “A of Minnesota and the Dakotas. Jodi
mi kis falunk” for RTL Klub in 2018. received her Bachelor of Arts degree
and her Master of Liberal Studies degree
JODI ELOWITZ
at the University of Minnesota. Jodi
Speaker
serves as the Director of Education and
Jodi has a wide range of experience in the Engagement at The Nancy & David Wolf
field of Holocaust studies; her expertise Holocaust & Humanity Center.
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
THEIR
HISTORY
OUR STORY “An
Inspiration”
— Cleveland
Plain Dealer
museum open daily, 10am - 5pm
holocaustandhumanity.org
16 17
Proud Sponsors of the Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival
THE SPY BEHIND HOME PLATE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 • 7:30PM •
MAYERSON HALL IN THE SKIRBALL MUSEUM ON THE HISTORIC CAMPUS
OF HEBREW UNION COLLEGE-JEWISH INSTITUTE OF RELIGION Archie Rand: Sixty Paintings from the Bible
Opens Tuesday, February 18, 5:30PM at the Skirball Museum
2019 ∙ Documentary ∙ 101 minutes ∙ English ∙ Aviva Kempner Upcoming HUC-JIR Events
SYNOPSIS from the worlds of history, sports, and Wednesday, “Bound and Unbound: In Search of the Jewish Poem”
Brilliant scholar-athlete Moe Berg was spy craft reveal the unlikely story of this
January 15 with Dr. Norman Finkelstein, 7PM at the Klau Library
a Princeton and Columbia Law School incredible Major League Baseball player-
graduate fluent in a half-dozen languages, turned-spy. Sunday, The Chazzan’s Tale: Cantorial Concert, 4-5:30PM
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
and a beloved player and coach for five March 1 in the Scheuer Chapel
SPECIAL FEATURE
MLB teams during baseball’s Golden Age. Tuesday, Curator’s Lecture: Archie Rand’s Sixty Paintings
Check out a selection of art and artifacts
Upon the acceleration of WWII, Berg March 10 from the Bible, 7PM at the Skirball Museum
from the Skirball Museum’s collection
began spying overseas. Rare historical
related to Moe Berg’s life and times. Thursday, Tsevat Memorial Lecture, 12:15PM in Mayerson Hall
footage and revealing interviews drawn
March 12 Honoring our late Professor Matitiahu Tsevat
In partnership with Hebrew Union College-Jewish Thursday, Lunch and Learn: Archie Rand’s Sixty Paintings
Institute of Religion Skirball Museum. April 2 from the Bible, noon at the Skirball Museum
Sunday, Spring Student Concert, Dapper, Flapper, and
FILM EXTRAS April 26 Tapper, 4-5:30PM in the Scheuer Chapel
Monday, Collecting Stamps from Israel with Dr. David Alden,
DIRECTOR’S NOTE home’s staircase. Businessman William
May 4 7-8:30PM at the Klau Library
Levine asked me after seeing The Life and
Life-size wall hangings of my three favorite
Times of Hank Greenberg: “Do you want to
Jewish baseball players—Sandy Koufax
make a film on an unusual major league Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
pitching to Hank Greenberg and Moe Berg
baseball player?” I jumped at his generous 3101 Clifton Avenue | RSVP: jashton@huc.edu, 513- 487-3098
as catcher—adorn the curved wall of my
18
offer to support a Berg biopic. The Spy 19Behind Home Plate fits perfectly into my The child of U.S. Army officer Harold
goal to make historical documentaries Kempner and Polish Holocaust survivor
about less-well-known Jewish heroes and Helen Ciesla, Kempner was born in post-
my career focus on exploring courageous World War II Berlin, Germany. Her family
tales about those who fought the Nazis. history inspired her to make films about
less-known Jewish heroes: television
AVIVA KEMPNER
pioneer Gertrude Berg, Hall of Fame
Director/Producer/Writer
baseball superstar Hank Greenberg,
Aviva Kempner’s mission is to philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, and
make films that investigate the Jewish resistance to the Nazis. Her
non-stereotypical images films have received top honors from The
of Jews in history and celebrate the National Society of Film Critics, the New
untold stories of Jewish heroes. Based York Film Critics Circle, the Broadcast Film
in Washington, D.C., Kempner is a Critics Association, and CINE Golden Eagle
director, writer, and producer whose and Peabody Awards.
resume includes critically acclaimed and
Kempner is a member of the Academy
award-winning documentaries, including
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She
Rosenwald, Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg, and
Peabody winner The Life and Times of Hank
Greenberg. She also produced another
writes film criticism and feature articles for
numerous publications. THE PASSENGERS
WWII documentary, Partisans of Vilna. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 • 7:30PM • MARIEMONT THEATRE
2019 ∙ Documentary ∙ 70 minutes ∙ English, Hebrew, Amharic ∙ Ryan S. Porush
SYNOPSIS
Telling the story of more than 9,000 Jews
surviving within a temporary and harsh
reality in Ethiopia, Demoz and Gezi take
a fateful trip to America as spokesmen in
a grassroots advocacy campaign for their
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
abandoned community to immigrate to
Israel. The campaign soon finds itself at
the center of a deteriorating political
Proudly Supports the relationship. As forces in Israel mobilize
on their behalf, Demoz and Gezi must
2020 JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival reconcile unexpectedly diverging paths.
SPECIAL FEATURE
Discussion led by Megan Iverson, Program
Director at RefugeeConnect.
Congratulations on another great year of FILM EXTRAS
innovative and entertaining cinema! RYAN S. PORUSH He has produced, filmed, and edited
Director documentaries and short films around
katzteller.com | 513.721.4532 the world, with an emphasis on telling
Ryan S. Porush is a
dynamic, character-driven stories. He is
documentary filmmaker
an alumnus of UC Santa Barbara and New
20
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT
based in Los Angeles. 21York University. Ryan’s award-winning families find a home in the Cincinnati area.
first short film, Two Hundred Percent, Having previously worked in a highly
about one young man’s journey to Israel diverse Cincinnati Public Schools
to reunite with his forgotten father 15 elementary school created a lasting
years after a tragic accident, screened at impression that schools are the hub of
film festivals in 2016. His next film, titled the American cultural experience for new
A School Grows in Watts, tells the story of families in the U.S. She works with school
a unique, overachieving school, and those staff, partners, and volunteer mentors to
using education to improve the vibrant, create welcoming environments across
often distraught communities of South the city.
Los Angeles. The Passengers is his feature
directorial debut. Iverson is the Program Director at
RefugeeConnect. RefugeeConnect helps
MEGAN IVERSON refugees and asylees navigate often
Speaker unfamiliar systems, new cultural norms,
Megan Iverson studied and language barriers. RefugeeConnect
abroad in Ghana while promotes coordinated services so that
studying History at Xavier this specific population of new Americans,
University and learned first- who may be unaware of the patchwork of
hand that being new in a
country can be an isolating
experience. She brings this
crucial resources already in place, reach
their full potential as individuals, families,
and civic and community leaders.
NIGHT OF SHORT FILMS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 • 7:30PM • ESQUIRE THEATRE
to her work in helping newly resettled
ORDER OF FILMS
Jewish Book I HAVE A MESSAGE MY PLAYGROUND
Series FOR YOU
GEFILTE
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
HOW TO SWIM
Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing Up Bernstein
BENEATH THE INK
Jamie Bernstein
April 1, 2020 • 7pm
An evening of short films, both SPECIAL FEATURE
documentary and narrative, that will make Panel discussion featuring community
Perfect Flavors: Creative Easy-to-Prepare
you think, laugh, and possibly even shed a member, filmmaker, and Jerusalem Film
Recipes Inspired by My Family and Travels
tear. From moving stories of relationships Workshop participant Seth Friedman,
Naomi Nachman
past and present, to personal growth and and Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film
May 14, 2020 • 6pm
changes of heart, to the absurdities of life, Festival committee members.
these films showcase the best of short-
The Altruists
form storytelling.
Andrew Ridker
May 27, 2020 • 7pm
learn more & register This event is in Jewish
Book
MAYERSONJCC.ORG partnership with: Council
In partnership with Cincinnati Hillel.
22 23FILM EXTRAS
SHORT FILM: I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU
2017 ∙ Documentary Short ∙ 13 minutes
French ∙ Matan Rochlitz
nominee
Outstanding New Approaches:
Current News
emmy awards 2018
SAVE
SYNOPSIS course, also one of the defining chapters CINCINNATI HILLEL PRESENTS
THE
On April 4, 1943, a young woman finds of humanity’s recent history. The mind
herself on a train. A decision she makes still struggles to make sense of What
that day saves her life, but leaves her with Happened. But one commandment, one
a huge burden on her conscience. Twenty kernel of a logical response, seems to be
years later she meets a stranger with a expressed by all who have lived through
message for her. the horror: Never forget.
THE 5TH ANNUAL CAMPUS SUPERSTAR
DIRECTOR’S NOTE We are the last generation who will
DATE
be able to meet Holocaust survivors in
My grandmother once told me a story
person, and I consider this a tremendous
about the woman who lived next door
responsibility.
to her in Tel Aviv. It was a tale of love,
loss, guilt and redemption, with a truly MATAN ROCHLITZ
extraordinary epilogue. I never forgot it. Director
The Holocaust looms impossibly large Matan is an Emmy- SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2020
in my family’s shared narrative. It is, of nominated documentary
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
www.qbcincy.com
513.271.5400
In the Heart of Mariemont
6904 Wooster Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45227
hillelcincinnati.org/campussuperstar
24 25filmmaker and musician born and raised
in Rome, Italy. Matan cut his teeth as a
about insomnia, Roman cuisine, and the
end of capitalism. His most recent film, SHORT FILM: MY PLAYGROUND
journalist, but transitioned to short-form I Have a Message for You, premiered on 2019 ∙ Documentary Short ∙ 7 minutes ∙ Hebrew
documentaries. He has made films on The New York Times Op-Docs. He is also a
topics such as mozzarella, running, and the musician, currently focusing on old-time SYNOPSIS SETH FRIEDMAN
Shoah, and is currently working on films banjo music and Italian folk songs. Dr. Saar Hashavaya is the head of the Editor
pediatric emergency room at Hadassah
Seth Friedman is an award-winning
Hospital in Ein Kerem, Israel. During his
student filmmaker from Cincinnati. His
regular routines, his inner child interacts
work includes Red Ink (an original feature
with his patients.
film about a screenwriter trying to get his
SHORT FILM: HOW TO SWIM Created during the 2019 Jerusalem Film
Workshop, a six-week summer program
name off of the Hollywood blacklist), All
2018 ∙ Narrative Short ∙ 15 minutes ∙ Hebrew ∙ Noa Gusakov That You Love Will Be Carried Away (a short
in Israel designed for talented young film based on the short story by Stephen
SYNOPSIS premiere at the 2018 Palm filmmakers from around the world. King, for which he was a featured speaker
In the last few days of her pregnancy, Springs ShortFest and
Director: Obett Motaung (South Africa) at the Rochester Halloween Film Festival
a terrified mother-to-be kidnaps a went on to be selected at
Editor: Seth Friedman (USA) at the George Eastman Museum). Seth
comforting partner-in-crime for one other festivals, including
Cinematographer: Mica Bernhard (USA) was one of 24 filmmakers selected from
afternoon. How else is a person supposed Encounters, Hamptons, and
around the world to participate in the
to get some honest advice? Aspen. It was awarded Best Narrative Producer: Amanda Halfen (Brazil)
Jerusalem Film Workshop.
Short in Annapolis, ahead of its online
NOA GUSAKOV premiere as a Vimeo Staff Pick. Noa
Writer/Director works as a screenwriter and editor for TV
How To Swim had its international productions in Israel. SHORT FILM: GEFILTE
2018 ∙ Documentary Short ∙ 11 minutes ∙ English ∙ Rachel Fleit
JEWISH
SYNOPSIS childhood, joy and family all wrapped
Each year, the Hermelin family of Detroit up in the smell of fish.” As we made the
comes together to celebrate the Passover film, the gefilte fish, of course, became
COMMUNITY
holiday—honoring the liberation of the a lightning rod, into which we project
Jews from slavery in ancient Egypt—by all of our feelings about family, identity,
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
eating Gefilte fish. traditions, struggle, joy, loss, and as
always, love. Gefilte. It’s not
NIGHT
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
about the fish.
When I learned about the Hermelin
family’s remarkable gefilte fish tradition, I RACHEL FLEIT
at the Reds game
immediately knew there was a film there. Director
Sloane Klevin, my editor and trusted Rachel Fleit is a writer
creative collaborator agreed, so I flew & director who lives in
to Detroit, fancy lenses in tow, and we Brooklyn, NY. Her short documentary
set out to make a beautiful film about films, Barbara & Stanley: A Modern
MAY 26, 6:40PM the single most unattractive fish ball. My
favorite thing to do as a filmmaker is to
Romance and Gefilte, can be seen on
NOWNESS. Gefilte is currently slated
REDS VS. PIRATES find the beauty in what most find to be
ugly. I love a good metaphor and I am
to play at almost every single Jewish
Film Festival in the US and UK. Fleit is a
fascinated by the phenomenon of sense 2019 grant recipient from the New York
Made possible by support
from Jimmy & Lauren Miller
memory – as Julie Hermelin describes Foundation for the Arts, Women’s Fund
perfectly in the film, “that’s innocence, for Film, TV, & Theatre for her upcoming
26 27short documentary, Ava & Bianca, about
the unique relationship between two
female cinematographers who happen to
be transgender.
Fleit is on the director’s roster at Good
Story Films. She has developed and
directed branded content for UBS Bank,
Cadillac, Veuve Clicquot, Peanut, BRIDES,
Physique 57, Bumble, Ohlin/D, Paskho,
Eileen Fisher, Ad Council & #SheCanStem.
Frances Hermelin’s Gefilte Fish Recipe can
be found here: www.thegefiltefilm.com
SHORT FILM: BENEATH THE INK nominee
Outstanding Short
Documentary
2018 ∙ Documentary Short ∙ 13 minutes ∙ English ∙ Cy Dodson emmy awards 2019
As society’s belief systems are seemingly Beneath the Ink was shot in Dodson’s
changing, or even reverting in time, one hometown of Zanesville, Ohio. Although
Ohio artist is challenging his community he was raised by loving and non-racist
by saying, “bring me your mistakes.” parents, it wasn’t uncommon to hear
Inspired by recent events, Billy Joe White various racial slurs in his community. At
and his Red Rose Tattoo Studio are a young age, Dodson knew the adults
promoting one simple concept: Erase that he did, or did not, want to become.
the hate. Beneath the Ink is a timely Beneath The Ink is now an Emmy-
look at hate and racism in the western nominated and Academy-qualified
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
foothills of this Appalachian region that film. Dodson sends special thanks to
reveals heartfelt stories of change and everyone at Red Rose Tattoo, especially
redemption. Billy White, who made this film possible.
Dodson currently resides in Minnesota,
CY DODSON
where he is the owner/operator of
Director/Cinematographer/
production company Triumph Pictures,
Editor
LLC, specializing in documentary-style
Cy Dodson has been in the marketing and branding content.
storytelling business for
over two decades. Beneath
the Ink is his third film in five years, and
the one which he considers his most
compelling and inspiring film to date.
Dodson’s past two films, My Last Breath
and The Ragman - A Hobo’s Story Untold
garnered a total of Seven Film Festival
Awards and a Midwest Regional Emmy for
Best Documentary.
28 29LOVE IN SUSPENDERS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 • 3PM • KENWOOD THEATRE
2019 ∙ Romantic Comedy ∙ 102 minutes ∙ Hebrew ∙ Jorge Weller
SYNOPSIS a tough front, but suffers internally
AgeWell Cincinnati is a central solution that links Tami and Beno, both widowed, confront from the loss of his wife. An encounter
older adults, their family members, friends, their losses in very different ways. between two people with such different
and caregivers to community resources for
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
Optimistic Tami still talks to her husband, lifestyles and personalities has to result in
years after his death; Beno puts up a nightmare...but love has its own rules.
aging well in Jewish Cincinnati.
Contact us: FILM EXTRAS
513-766-3333 | agewellcincy.org JORGE WELLER series, feature films, documentaries and
Director instruction films, some going on to win
Our providers international awards.
Jorge (Johanan) Weller holds
academic degrees from both He made his first film in Super 8 at the
the National Film Institute in age of 13 years old, and his passion for
Buenos Aires, Argentina (1978) and Tel filmmaking has only grown with every
Aviv University’s School of Film & Television passing year. He believes as Charlie Chaplin
(1982). Over his career he has created, once said, that the secret of success, in
directed, and produced dozens of TV both movies and life, is enthusiasm.
Our funders
In partnership with Cedar Village Care & Community
and AgeWell Cincinnati.
30 31Senior Living
that never goes
out of style.
AULCIE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 • 7:30PM • MARIEMONT THEATRE
2019 ∙ Documentary ∙ 120 minutes ∙ English, Hebrew ∙ Dani Menkin
A True Sense of Community
SYNOPSIS remarkable athlete captured the spirit of a
Cedar Village provides an inspirational lifestyle designed Content Warning: Drug references nation, became victorious against all odds,
to cater to the specialized needs and wants of our residents. The highly anticipated follow-up to On the
and put Israel on the map.
Throughout our campus, you’ll find a difference in philosophy Map, this inspiring film tells the story of Attendees will have the opportunity to
that embraces the balance between home and care — Aulcie Perry, the last to be cut from the win Club Level tickets to the University
we know family comes first and we live by that. Touching
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
NY Knicks in 1976 who soon found himself of Cincinnati Men’s Basketball game on
every aspect of life at our community, we work together with playing for Israel. He became a basketball February 19, courtesy of Jewish Cemeteries
loved ones to create a plan for enriching each day legend, playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv. This of Greater Cincinnati.
and maximizing independence as much as possible.
Simply put, life is better at Cedar Village.
FILM EXTRAS
DANI MENKIN shortlisted for the Oscars. Menkin’s award-
Writer/Director/Producer winning film Dolphin Boy (co-directed by
Yonatan Nir) was sold to over 20 countries
Dani Menkin is a two-time
around the globe and was bought by
Israeli Academy Award-
Disney for an adaptation. Dani Menkin is
winning filmmaker for 39
a speaker and film juror at international
www.CedarVillage.org Pounds of Love and Is That You?. 39 Pounds
festivals around the world, as well as a
5467 Cedar Village Dr Mason, OH 45040 513-754-3100 of Love has been sold to HBO and was
film professor at universities in the U.S.
F A M I LY- F I R S T S E N I O R L I V I N G F R O M C A R D O N
INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING
In partnership with Jewish Cemeteries of Greater
REHABILITATION • LONG TERM CARE • MEMORY SUPPORT Cincinnati – Guardians and Friends.
32 33LEONA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 • 7:30PM
CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM, FATH AUDITORIUM
2018 ∙ Drama ∙ 95 minutes ∙ Spanish ∙ Isaac Cherem
SYNOPSIS and struggles to find the right path on
Content Warning: Nudity and sexual content this journey of self-discovery and female
empowerment.
A young woman from Mexico City finds
herself torn between her Syrian-Jewish SPECIAL FEATURE
family and forbidden love in this intimate Short film screening of The Outer Circle
drama. She is forced to negotiate the by Adam Baroukh. Discussion led by
labyrinth of familial pressure, religious Valerie Weinstein, Associate Professor of
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
precedent, and her own burgeoning Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at
sentiment as she discovers the world the University of Cincinnati.
outside the bubble of her community
In partnership with Cincinnati Art Museum.
FILM EXTRAS
EMILY BAUMAN assisted in research and implementation
Introduction for CAM’s 30 Americans and Ragnar
Kjartansson: The Visitors and Scenes from
Emily Bauman is Curatorial Assistant
Western Culture. In her role as Moving
for Photography and Film Programmer
Images film programmer, she collaborates
for Moving Images at the Cincinnati
with CAM curators as well as film-centered
Art Museum (CAM). She has curated
organizations across Cincinnati to create
photography special features including
points of connection to artworks on view
The Poetry of Place: William Clift, Linda
in the museum through the democratic
Connor, and Michael Kenna and Personas:
medium of film.
34
Color Portraits, 1979–1985, and she 35DIRECTOR’S NOTE VALERIE WEINSTEIN
Through a portrait of the Jewish Discussion Facilitator
community in Mexico City, I try to
Valerie Weinstein is Associate Professor
establish a bridge of communication
in the Department of Women’s, Gender,
between generations that have different
and Sexuality Studies and affiliate faculty
points of view with respect to the same
in German Studies, Judaic Studies, and
subject. The story of Leona is a personal
Film and Media Studies at the University
reflection on my process of self-
of Cincinnati. She is the author of
knowledge and maturity.
Antisemitism in Film Comedy in Nazi
ISAAC CHEREM Germany (Indiana University Press, 2019),
Director co-editor, with Barbara Hales and Mihaela
Isaac Cherem graduated from Petrescu, of Continuity and Crisis in German
Los Angeles Film School in Cinema 1928-1936 (Camden House, 2016)
2011. In 2015, he founded and co-editor, with Barbara Hales, of
Fosforescente, a production company forthcoming volume Rethinking Jewishness
focused solely on Mexican cinema. In in Weimar Cinema (Berghahn Books,
2016, he produced Two Times You. In 2018, 2020). Weinstein has authored articles and
he shot his directorial debut, Leona, and book chapters on topics including gender,
he is currently working on the production sexuality, and Jewishness in German film
of the film King of the Party, directed by between the two world wars.
Salomon Askenazi.
In Loving Memory
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
of Lucille “Twink”
Carothers
(1924 - 2018)
…a longtime supporter
of the JCC Jewish &
Israeli Film Festival
36 37SHORT FILM: THE OUTER CIRCLE
2017 ∙ Short Drama ∙ 13 minutes ∙ Arabic, English ∙ Adam Baroukh
Midway through a gruelling Orthodox and direct his own work. Through
conversion, Daniel and his fiancée Superplex he has directed hundreds of
Katherine are eager to gain the blessing commercial films for some of the world’s
of his intimidatingly large and loud Iraqi biggest brands and a number of award-
Jewish family. At their annual Rosh winning short dramas.
Hashanah feast, Katherine’s natural Adam works both in visual art and
elegance and ‘English English’ heritage cinematic traditions. In 2015, he was
immediately endears her to them, but it funded by the British Arts Council to
soon becomes apparent that beneath the create the performance film The Silent
warm and welcoming atmosphere, some Wild at the Bronte Parsonage, and The
are not ready as others to accept her. Brush and The Sword - an audio-visual
ADAM BAROUKH installation for the Shangri-La at the Shard.
Director The same year, he produced his first
written film Just Desserts, which played
Adam Baroukh spent his
at numerous BAFTA- and Oscar-qualifying
formative years working as
festivals internationally, was featured at
a photographer and self-
the 2015 BFI London Film Festival, and
shooting short documentaries. In 2011,
won the Discovery Award at London
Adam co-founded Superplex Pictures as
Comedy Festival and Best Comedy at Isle
a platform from which to write, produce
of Man Film Festival.
The New: 1203 Sycamore
The Original: 4381 Reading
The Delicious: Wispy Thin Pancakes Thank you to the Mayerson
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
JCC and the Film Festival
Serving Cincinnati since
Committee for another
1941! We are excited to great film festival!
bring Sugar n’ Spice Diner
to OTR/Pendleton in the
Spring of 2020. Law Office of
Follow @eatsugarnspice Paul H. Spitz LLC
#snsducks #snsdiner
“We help you start and
run your business”
38 39FAMILY IN TRANSITION
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 • 7:30PM • ESQUIRE THEATRE
2018 ∙ Documentary ∙ 70 minutes ∙ Hebrew ∙ Ofir Trainin winner
best israeli film
docaviv film
festival 2018
SYNOPSIS most of all, it is a story
The lives of a family in small-town Israel about a family that redefines the limits of
change completely after their father recognition, acceptance, and love of those
announces that he’s transitioning to closest to us.
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
become a woman. But one journey of
SPECIAL FEATURE
identity leads to another. This family
Discussion led by Jessica Cicchinelli,
story changes what we thought we knew
Founder of Living With Change.
about gender, parity, and parenthood. But A M AY E R S O N J C C F U N D R A I S E R
In partnership with Over-the-Rhine International Film T H U R S D AY, J U N E 1 1
Festival, organized by LADD, Inc. L O S A N T I V I L L E C O U N T RY C L U B
FILM EXTRAS
ADAMS G OLF T O URNAM E N T | T E NNI S | RAFFL E
ABOUT THE FILM PARTICIPANTS my masculinity through my son and my
AMIT TZUK, 44 YEAR-OLD WOMAN,
femininity through my wife Gili, living in a CANASTA | M AH J O NG | C O UR SE O F CAT E RE R S
masquerade ball, trying to be as masculine
TRANSSEXUAL
as possible, hiding, never being exposed.
At the age of 42, I fulfilled my dream, R E G I S T E R & P U R C H A S E R A F F L E T I C K E TS :
The film Family in Transition is a delicate
got out of my costume and became a
full-time wife and mother. As long as I
human document, a documentation of M AY E R S O N J C C . O R G / J C L A S S I C
the most difficult process a person can
40 can remember, I lived in disguise, livingexperience, being reborn in the middle of A life of equality. I began to act on the for the most sensitive documentary, and transition that she gradually began to
life into a brave family that overcomes any national and local level, giving lectures that you have allowed us to be swept into question who she really wanted to be.
challenge and difficulty. throughout the country and turning your world and you equally swept into our During filming it became apparent that,
thousands of people into colorful world. despite a wave of mainstream attention
I managed to get through this process
ambassadors of the community in the into the acceptance of the transgender
thanks to my family – my flock, who DIRECTOR’S NOTE
world. community, many traditional, more
stood by me all the way, helping me over
The main goal of Family In Transition is to conservative towns, like the one where
and over again, giving me the strength GALIT TZUK, 43 YEARS OLD, MOTHER TO
expose a unique family that can teach us the Tsuk family lives, are still less tolerant.
to continue, to be born again, stronger, YUVAL, YARDAN, AGAM, AND PELEG
all how to accept the differences in one By embracing the different, I hope we
happier, fulfilled. My family who allowed
I chose to be filmed in the documentary another. The Tsuk family breaks social can work towards creating a world where
me to become better for me, for them.
Family in Transition to promote awareness, conventions and helps change what we transgender people can live a normal life
During the process I realized that I inclusion, and acceptance of members of thought we knew about gender, parity, and be accepted by their communities.
must give my amazing community the the gay community in society. parenthood, and transgender issues. Most
opportunity to live a better life in Israel. OFIR TRAININ
From this I chose to publish the of all, this close-knit family re-expands the
Director/Producer
autobiographical travel diaries, Love in limits of recognition, acceptance, and the
love of those closest to us. While making Ofir Trainin is an award-
Trance and Now is My Turn, that I wrote
the documentary, I was most surprised by winning director and
following my husband, Amit’s decision
the story arc and transformation of Galit, scriptwriter. His films
to become a transsexual woman. For the
the wife and matriarch of the family. Galit include My Shabbat (2015)
children of the transgender community in
and Amit were married at a very young produced by Prometheus and supported
Israel, I published the book I Only Want to
age, and she was immediately drawn into by Yes Docu, Appolonia (2015) produced
Be Me.
becoming a wife, mother and caregiver. by Micha Shagrir and supported by
I would like to thank the director of the She seemingly lost much of herself in Channel 1 which premiered at the Haifa
film Family in Transition, Ophir Trainin, the process. It was only following Amit's International Film Festival, Wandering Eyes
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
Schimberg Financial Group
is proud to be a supporter of the
Mayerson JCC and Jewish and
Israeli Film Festival!
42 43(2010) supported by Keshet TV-Channel and acceptance through collaborative
2 and The New Israeli Foundation for relationships, LGBTQ+ specific trainings,
Cinema & Television which won Best Film and intersectional educational/
Award at Docaviv Festival 2010 and was programmatic initiatives that center
nominated for the Israeli Academy Awards around the holistic wellness of our
2010. community.
JESSICA CICCHINELLI Founders Chris and Jessica Cicchinelli
Speaker realized how necessary it was to start
Living With Change after experiencing
Living With Change (LWC)
first-hand the uncertainty and adversity
supports a commitment
many parents of transgender children
to fostering collaborative
face. While seeking care and treatment for
relationships on a local,
oldest daughter LC, the couple recognized
national, and global scale with particular
many families didn’t have that same
respect to sexual/romantic/emotional
luxury—going without puberty-delaying
attraction, and gender identities. LWC
treatments and even being placed on
is an inclusive non-profit that provides
waitlists hundreds of patients long. Chris
education, support, resources, and
and Jessica hope the foundation will act
advocacy for the LGBQ+ and Transgender
as a stop gap for families with transgender
community in the Greater Cincinnati area
Performance
children in need of relevant medical care,
and beyond. LWC facilitates LGBQ+ and
Transgender visibility by promoting and transgender programs, and more.
enhancing awareness, understanding,
without the drama!
When you or someone you know has a
real estate need please call me.
You can count on my knowledge and
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
experience to get results without the
Thank you to the JCC dramatics or suspense.
Jewish & Israeli Film Festival
Committee and the JCC Staff Mark Mayer
513.702.8219
for all you do producing this mmayer@comey.com
wonderful Film Festival!
– Suzette & Michael Fisher I am proud to support the JCC’s
Jewish & Israeli Film Festival. Mazel Tov!
44 45EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE!
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training and experience treating patients with general
orthopedic problems, total joint replacement, women’s health,
incontinence and sports injuries.
WORKING WOMAN Choose any of our convenient locations all staffed by
experienced, registered physical therapists who have
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 • 7:30PM • MARIEMONT THEATRE
one goal in mind: helping you to return to full function
winner as safely and quickly as possible.
2018 ∙ Drama ∙ 94 minutes ∙ Hebrew ∙ Michal Aviad best actress
ophir awards 2019
SYNOPSIS boss. This nuanced
Trigger Warning: Sexual harassment & assault portrayal of gray work-place scenarios offers Offering 3 Convenient Locations
thought-provoking insight during the era of
Ambitious and capable thirty-something
Orna takes to her new job in the high- #MeToo. @ Mayerson Jewish
end real estate business with zeal and SPECIAL FEATURE Community Center
thrives, despite the challenges facing her Discussion led by Ronna Greff Schneider, 8485 Ridge Road
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
at home. As she proves her worth and her who is a Professor of Law at the University Cincinnati, OH 45236
professional fortunes rise, so do unwanted of Cincinnati College of Law and President 513.766.3398
advances from her older, high-powered of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
Blue Ash Groesbeck
FILM EXTRAS 9419 Kenwood Road 2475 W Galbraith Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242 Cincinnati, OH 45239
DIRECTOR’S NOTE My first fiction film, Invisible (2011), is 513.792.0777 513.729.1798
directly about the trauma of rape. But in
I started working on Working Woman in
Working Woman, I wanted to make a film
2012. Like other women around me, I
on the more grey areas of seuxal abuse. I Call us today and we’ll get you started right away!
heard stories of sexual harassment on a
collected stories from my life, my friends,
daily basis, especially in the workplace.
the internet and court cases. While each
I was fascinated by the change I was
incident differs in its details, they all see
witnessing from the generation before
me in which society was blind to the
usage of authority and power to coerce Mazel Tov to the Film Festival
phenomena, to my generation and the
women into sexual relations. Committee on a great year!
younger generations who seek a deep Working Woman is about the ways
change in the ways women and men in which the powerful at work can
46 relate sexually to each other. exploit and abuse their subordinates 47and endanger their livelihood. More
often than not, it is the woman who
pays the economic, reputational, social,
psychological and familial price.
I tried in the film to understand the harsh
consequences of sexual harassment on
the victim and her entire context: her
relationships with her husband and her
children, and her ability to find work,
set against the blindness of the abuser RONNA GREFF
and the social environment. In the SCHNEIDER
middle of shooting the film, the #MeToo Speaker
movement came into being. I knew then Professor Schneider is an
that the film will continue to serve as a expert in constitutional law,
reminder that sexual harassment at work with a focus on the First
is not unique to famous people. Amendment and education law. She is
a frequent speaker and commentator
MICHAL AVIAD on issues involving constitutional law,
THE MAMBONIKS
Co-Writer/Director education law, and educational policy
An acclaimed and award- and is the author of the two-volume legal
winning documentary and treatise, Education Law: First Amendment,
Due Process and Discrimination Litigation
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 • 3PM • MAYERSON JCC
narrative filmmaker, Michal
Aviad was born in Jerusalem, Israel. She (Thomson Reuters), and its annual
studied literature and philosophy at supplements (available in print and online 2019 ∙ Documentary ∙ 90 minutes ∙ English, Spanish ∙ Lex Gillespie
Tel Aviv University, and began making in Westlaw). Professor Schneider is also
the co-editor of Education Law Stories SYNOPSIS SPECIAL FEATURE
films in San Francisco in the 1980s.
(Foundation Press). She has published In the 1950s, a group of free-spirited, Community introductory mambo class
Since returning to Israel in 1991, she has
law review articles and a book chapter on mostly Jewish dancers from New York led by Salsannati.
continued to write, direct and produce
topics that include sexual harassment, City fell in love with a sultry dance from
films. Aviad is a senior faculty member Pre-event reception and tickets available
Cuba called the mambo, earning them
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
MAYERSON JCC JEWISH & ISR AELI FILM FESTIVAL 2020
at Tel Aviv University’s Tisch School of hate speech, and religion and schools. for Create Your Jewish Legacy and Jewish
a nickname: the mamboniks. Set in New
Cinema. Her critically acclaimed films Professor Schneider received her BA Federation Silver Circle donors. Please
York, Miami Beach, the Catskills and
include Acting Our Age (1987), Jenny and from the University of Michigan and contact Reagan Kuhn, 513.985.1526, for
Havana, this little-known story reveals
Jenny (1997), Invisible (2011), and Dimona her JD from Boston College. She is information and to RSVP.
the power of music and dance to bring
Twist (2016). an elected member of the American people together, bridging cultures and
After many award-winning documentary Law Institute. She is also an affiliated communities.
films, Michal Aviad’s first fiction Invisible faculty member of the University of
won the Ecumenical Prize at the 2011 Cincinnati’s Department of Women’s, In partnership with Jewish Federation of Cincinnati – Silver Circle
Berlin International Film Festival, Best Gender and Sexuality Studies. Professor
Society and Create Your Jewish Legacy.
Israeli Film and Best Actress at the 2011 Schneider has been actively involved
Haifa Film Festival and the Grand Prize at in the Association of American Law
the 2012 Creteil Women Film Festival in Schools Section on Law and Education, FILM EXTRAS
Frances. Invisible was released theatrically having served as its Chairperson and as a
in Israel and France, and was the MOMA member of its Executive Committee. DIRECTOR’S NOTE had been an aspiring mambo dancer: “I
choice for a limited release in NYC. simply thought there was a story there:
In an interview with the Edlavitch DCJCC,
Working Woman is her second fiction film. why did a nice Jewish grandmother from
director Lex Gillespie noted that he was
New Haven, Connecticut want to learn the
inspired to make the film after his Jewish
cha-cha-cha?” The challenge of the film
wife mentioned that her grandmother
48 49You can also read
