Hello Friends (Shalom Chaverim) “I once wanted to become an atheist but I gave up… they have no holidays.” — Henny Youngman “In Jewish history there are no coincidences.” — Elie Wiesel The contrast of those two quotes illustrate spectrums of the Jewish experience, and of how this year’s films detail the heart, history, humor and hope of its people. Our committee looked at more than 60 films that were Jewish-themed or made in Israel, finding vibrant and vital stories to share with you. Our gratitude to Angelika Film Center & Café at Mosaic for generously partnering with us again this year, and many thanks to the Film Festival Committee, JCCNV staff, and our Sponsors for celebrating this annual tradition (nee, shtick!) with our community. L’Chaim! Dan Kirsch, NVJFF Director
Festival Opening Night Dinner and Film When Comedy Went to School Thursday, March 20 6:30pm Social | 7pm Dinner 7:45pm Program and Film Followed by Dessert Reception JCCNV | 8900 Little River Turnpike | Fairfax 22031 Written by Lawrence Richards Directed by Ron Frank and Melvut Akkaya USA | 2013 | 77 minutes | Documentary In New York’s Catskill Mountains, aka the Borscht Belt, Jewish immigrants transformed lush farmland into the 20th century’s largest resort complex. Those Catskill hotels and bungalow colonies provided the setting for a remarkable group of young Jewish-American comedians to hone their craft and become worldwide legends — the generation that includes the likes of Jerry Lewis, Sid Caesar, Jackie Mason, Mort Sahl, and Jerry Stiller — all of whom make appearances in the film, telling jokes along with their stories. Robert Klein narrates. Join us for a delicious chicken dinner, a glass of wine, and a special program. Dietary laws observed. Advance tickets: $39 per person (thru March 8); $45 starting March 9 Deadline for registration: Monday, March 17
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