San Francisco Jewish Film Festival 36 by San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

sfjff.org tix: 415.621.0523 #sfjff july 21–31 san francisco

july 23–28 palo alto

july 29–august 4 berkeley

august 5–7 oakland

august 5–7 san rafael

the castro

cinéarts

roda theatre

piedmont theatre

christopher b. smith rafael film center

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

the 36th anniversary san francisco jewish film festival! board chair Janet Schneider vice chair Diana Grand secretary Adrienne Leder-Schriner treasurer Sandee Blechman members Liki Abrams Wendy Bear Shosh (Susan) Blachman Craig Broscow Steven Fayne Julie Felner Joe Goldman Meredith J. Goldsmith Spencer Jarrett Susan Mall David Meckler Gale Mondry Jenni Olson Lloyd Sacks Sam Salkin Fern Tiger Andy Abrahams Wilson Dan Wohlfeiler executive director Lexi Leban

It is the Jewish Film Institute’s pleasure to welcome you to the 36th annual San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, our signature program and the first and most prestigious Jewish film festival in the world. We are proud to be part of the cultural fabric of the San Francisco Bay Area, bringing three weeks of world-class programming and contemporary film and media from some of the world’s greatest festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Berlin, Tribeca and South by Southwest as well as five world premieres to our loyal and spirited audiences. SFJFF36 stands for excellence, originality and innovation and celebrates the full spectrum of Jewish identity, life and thought. Our lineup features 67 films from 15 countries with 10 Big Night programs around the Bay. Our double chai year opens with Daniel Burman’s The Tenth Man, a romantic comedy from Argentina, a cinematic tango with tradition going cheek to cheek with modernity in Buenos Aires’s legendary Jewish district. Join us afterwards at the Contemporary Jewish Museum for our Opening Night Bash featuring L’Chaim Sushi and other local delicacies. Boldly go where no man has gone before and beam yourself and your pointy ears up to the Castro Theatre for our Closing Night film For the Love of Spock, Adam Nimoy’s tribute to his father Leonard Nimoy, followed by a Closing Night reception on the Castro mezzanine. Norman Lear is the recipient of our annual Freedom of Expression Award at the Castro. His iconic television shows All in the Family, Maude, Good Times and The Jeffersons featured stories that dealt with the most relevant and timely issues of the day but still made audiences laugh. He will join us for an onstage interview following the screening of Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You. And for more comedy that tackles serious issues, join us at the Roda Theatre at the Berkeley Rep for Berkeley Big Night’s The Last Laugh where Sarah Silverman, Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner take on Holocaust humor. The film will be followed by a celebratory reception in the courtyard. Our Centerpiece Documentary is Robert Klein Still Can’t Stop His Leg. Join the legendary comic icon Robert Klein in person at the one-time-only screening at the Castro. To honor the scribes among us, Philip Roth fans can view a one-time-only screening of Indignation in Marin. James Schamus’s directorial debut based on Roth’s novel earned him accolades from the distinguished author. Natalie Portman directed, starred in and adapted Amos Oz’s A Tale Of Love And Darkness. Our San Francisco Centerpiece Narrative is David Bezmozgis’s Natasha. He directed his own screen adaptation of his award-winning short story collection. We also welcome Televisionaries: Sayed Kashua (Freedom of Expression recipient 2010) of Arab Labor fame with his new autobiographical series The Writer; Amit Cohen, the writer of the new Israeli espionage series False Flag; and the Israeli television series Shtisel: Season 2, which illuminates Haredi life. If you need to catch up on Season 1, binge-watch it on JFI on Demand. What would the Festival be without a spotlight on local talent? Aaron Davidman shares the much-anticipated world premiere of Wrestling Jerusalem with the SFJFF and Bay Area community. You don’t want to miss In Search of Israeli Cuisine, a mouth-watering guided journey into the multicultural mezcla of Israeli food culture led by James Beard Award–winner Michael Solomonov. This screening will be followed by a special event with Solomonov at Aatxe where the Bay Area’s top chefs prepare Solomonov-inspired dishes. In the words of Mr. Spock, with our hands in a Vulcan (Kohanim) salute, we say, “Live long and prosper!”

Janet Schneider

Jay Rosenblatt

Lexi Leban

C H A I R , B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

P R O G R A M D I R E C T O R

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

Opening Night Bash

Freedom of Expression: Norman Lear

Thursday, July 21 | 9:00PM

Sunday, July 24 3:15 PM | Castro Theatre

Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St, San Francisco $65 Members | $75 General Public | 21+ older Kick off SFJFF36 at The Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sunday, July 31

Norman Lear wrote, produced, created, and developed more than a hundred television shows. His legendary body of work includes such iconic programs as: All in the Family; Maude; Good Times; The Jeffersons; and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. Now about to turn 94, this Jewish World War II veteran is the focus of the documentary Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You and the author of an autobiography, Even This I Get to Experience. The Festival is honored to present this year’s Freedom of Expression Award to Norman Lear, the television pioneer and founder of the advocacy organization, People for the American Way, whose passionate, inspiring involvement may be needed now more than ever.

$22 Members | $25 General Public Reception on the Mezzanine, Castro Theatre Wine, beer, and light refreshments

Following the screening, Norman Lear will receive this year’s Freedom of Expression Award and will sit down for an on-stage conversation with former SFJFF Executive Director Peter L. Stein.

Toast our filmmakers and guests on the Mezzanine of the Castro following For the Love of Spock. Our Closing Night reception is the perfect close to our Castro run, celebrating our 36th year.

Local Spotlight

Parking available for a fee at Jessie Street Garage, 223 Stevenson St., directly below the Museum (left off of 3rd St. onto Stevenson St.)

Closing Night Film & Reception San Francisco

big nights | special events | spotlights

Film and Feast

Saturday, July 23 3:50 PM | Castro Theatre SFJFF presents In Search of Israeli Cuisine, an intimate

portrait of Israel told through delectable food with James Beard Award winning chef Michael Solomonov and director Roger Sherman in attendance.

Wednesday, July 27 6:20 PM | Castro Theatre

The film will be followed by an exclusive reception at Aaxte with Solomonov. Local chefs will collaborate on a special menu inspired by Michael Solomonov’s Zahav recipes.

In Wrestling Jerusalem, actor/writer Aaron Davidman gracefully embodies 17 characters grappling with the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, moving deftly from male to female, Palestinian to Israeli, American to European.Masterfully shot with scenes switching from backstage, live performance, and the desert, this powerful film reveals deeply human stories.

Special event ticket required. Passes do not apply.

Following the screening, writer/actor Aaron Davidman will be present for a Q&A.

Palo Alto Opening Night

Berkeley Big Night

After the 1972 massacre at the Munich Olympics and Israel’s Yom Kippur War, basketball team Maccabi Tel Aviv—built largely around NBA also-rans—wins its first European Championship, putting the small country “on the map.”

Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St, Berkeley $22 Members | $25 General Public

Saturday, July 23 6:15 PM | Cine Arts at Palo Alto Square

Following the screening of On the Map, director Dani Menkin will be present for a Q&A.

Saturday, July 30, immediately following The Last Laugh After watching The Last Laugh, join us for a post film reception in the courtyard of the Berkeley Rep. There will be beer, wine, and food for all. You won’t want to miss what promises to be a very special Berkeley Big Night.

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

July 29 | Take Action Day: Repairing the World, One Film at a Time take action day | jews and germany

Sponsored by the Alexander M. and June L. Maisin Foundation of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund

Take Action Day Pass This all-day special pass ($30 members/$36 general public) gets you into all of the films on Friday, July 29 at the Castro Theatre plus the panel discussion, followed by a mezzanine reception. In the spirit of the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, SFJFF celebrates social justice filmmaking plus the filmmakers and film subjects who are making a difference with their actions. These films are not simply to be viewed in the dark. They bring to light the important issues of our times and inspire us to take action. From income inequality to marriage equality, these films move us out of our seats and into the streets.

3:50 PM The Freedom to Marry (p.11) For more than 30 years, civil rights attorney Evan Wolfson championed the improbable cause of legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States. This inspiring documentary charts the long struggle that emerged victorious last year.

11:00 AM A New Color: The Art of Being Edythe Boone with Arc of Justice (p.14)

Join documentary filmmaker and moderator Susan Stern, local activists and the filmmakers from The Freedom to Marry as they discuss the current state of the LGBT rights movement in the wake of the Supreme Court’s affirmation of marriage equality.

Since she was a girl, Berkeley artist and activist Edythe Boone has aspired “to develop a new color no one has seen in life.” Her unflagging drive and determination are captured in this film’s every frame.

1:25 PM Abortion: Stories Women Tell (p.10)

Award winning filmmaker and Missouri native Tracy Droz Tragos, director of the Sundance Award-winning documentary Rich Hill and Emmy Award-winning Be Good Smile Pretty counteracts the power of Missouri’s restrictive abortion laws by respectfully telling the intimate stories of women who surmount every obstacle to access abortion.

5:20 PM Free Panel Discussion: Marriage Equality

6:40 PM Class Divide (p.11) One hundred and fifteen steps are all that separate a public housing complex from a private school for Manhattan’s elite. Class Divide shines a light on the people who live a stones’ throw apart but inhabit completely different worlds. 8:50 PM Audrie & Daisy

(p.10) Audrie and Daisy never met; what connects them is the sexual violence and subsequent shaming they endured as teens. This film provides unflinching insight into the repercussions of rape in our social media-crazed century.

Jews and Germany: Looking Back and Moving Forward Historically, the relationship of Jews to Germany is fraught with pain. Filmmakers are continuing to grapple with the legacy of the past, bringing a contemporary lens to stories that have been told before and giving voice to next generation perspectives. What does truth and reconciliation look like in the Jewish and German context?

Germans and Jews (p.12) A German Life (p.12)

Followed by an extended Q&A with directors Christian Krönes and Florian Weigensamer at Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., San Francisco.

The People vs. Fritz Bauer (p.14)

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

The People vs. Fritz Bauer

Class Divide

People of the Book

Cable, network and streaming television are providing new opportunities for talented writers and directors to showcase their work, allowing for some of the most compelling stories to be told. The episodic format allows for deep character development and addresses themes that reflect the relevant cultural and political questions of our times. Anchored by our Freedom of Expression Award presentation to the legendary television creator Norman Lear, we shine a light on the small screen.

Jews have long been known as the “people of the book” and so this year, SFJFF celebrates the writers among us—the unsung heroes of the cinematic experience.

Join us as we celebrate The Writer, the new autobiographical series from the creator of SFJFF favorite Arab Labor, Sayed Kashua. Hear Amit Cohen talk about his new espionage thriller following the screening of the Berlinale hit, False Flag. Don’t miss two episodes of Shtisel: Season 2, Israel’s groundbreaking Haredi drama, after binge-watching season 1 on JFI on Demand!

Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You (p.7) False Flag (p.11) Shtisel (p.15) The Writer (p.16)

Back by popular demand, A Tale of Love And Darkness (JFI WinterFest 2016) is Natalie Portman’s take on Amos Oz’s autobiographical novel, which chronicles his childhood in Jerusalem at the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the early years of the State of Israel. Another directorial debut is James Schamus’s acclaimed adaptation of Philip Roth’s Indignation, a fictionalization of his own college experience in 1950’s Midwest America. Schamus (the screenwriter of nine Ang Lee films and the former CEO of Focus Features), will talk about the film following its one-time only screening at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center in Marin. David Bezmozgis adapts his short story collection as the feature film Natasha, our Centerpiece Narrative, drawing comparisons to early works of Malamud and Roth.

A Tale of Love and Darkness (p.16) Natasha (p.6) Indignation (p.13)

Shtisel Natasha

False Flag

televisionaries | people of the book | sfjff36 spotlight web series

Televisionaries

A Tale of Love and Darkness

SFJFF36 Spotlight Web Series

Hitchhikers: An Israeli Roadside Odyssey In this new web series, Israeli filmmaker Yair Agmon (The Arrest, SFJFF 2015) illuminates the complexities of Israeli society through a mosaic of hitchhikers he finds all over the country. SFJFF36 premieres one episode of this creative new series preceding Disturbing the Peace (p. 11) but you can stream the entire season throughout the festival at

youtube.com/sfjewishfilmfestival.

Hitchhikers: An Israeli Roadside Odyssey

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

Next Wave Quick Picks jfi next wave | jews in shorts

JFI Next Wave programs are generously supported by grants from the Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund and the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation. Next Wave at SFJFF36 showcases fresh stories and perspectives exploring contemporary life through a Jewish lens from around the globe, from clubs in Tel Aviv to the streets of lower Manhattan and the bridge of the USS Enterprise. Don’t miss our Next Wave Spotlight film Joshy, a hilarious new comedy from Sundance, followed by a Castro mezzanine reception with the director Jeff Baena and actor Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation). Reception limited to Next Wave passholders. Want to fest with flexibility? Our Next Wave membership—for film lovers ages 35 & under—includes a specially priced Festival pass ($35), offering tremendous access to special events, film screenings, artist talks and more at SFJFF and throughout the year. See p. 17 for details.

Blush (p.11)

Jews in Shorts: Docs (p.13)

Class Divide (p.11)

Jews in Shorts: Narratives

Disturbing the Peace (p.11) False Flag (p.11) For the Love of Spock (p.5)

(p.13)

Joshy (p.7) Natasha (p.6)

Film Movement Award

Like Rodney Dangerfield, shorts rarely get the respect they deserve. To help rectify this we have programmed 15 stellar shorts this year, which will compete for the SFJFF Film Movement Award. This award honors achievement in short filmmaking that expresses the Jewish experience in a unique, original and meaningful way. Previous winners include Ed & Pauline by Christian Bruno and Natalija Vekic (2015), Welcome and Our Condolences by Leon Prudovsky (2014), and Summer Vacation by Tal Granit and Sharon Maymon (2013).

Jews in Shorts And Then, Violence (p.13)

After the recent Paris terror attacks, and in an increasingly violent and anti-Semitic atmosphere, a young secular Jewish law student questions whether she has become a target in the country she so dearly loves.

Arc of Justice (p.14)

In 1968 a group of civil rights leaders flew to Israel to study land-based cooperative living and created New Communities, one of the largest Black-owned land trusts in America.

Bacon & God’s Wrath (p.13)

A 90-year-old Jewish woman reflects on her life experiences as she prepares to taste bacon for the first time.

Hitchhikers An Israeli Roadside Odyssey (p.13)

sfjff36 next wave festival pass

This new web series illuminates the complexities of Israeli society, through each hitchhiker that we meet. In 10 short episodes, Yair Agmon the director of the The Arrest (SFJFF 2015) and a film student from Jerusalem travels all over the country and picks up a diverse mosaic of Israeli characters.

A Home Movie (p.13) Told through home movies found after being stored in a wardrobe for over 50 years, this intimate family story hints at something unspoken and unexplained. Hounds (p.13)

After 16 years as a disaffected museum guard, Iris is finally offered a promotion.

I, Dalio (or The Rules of the Game) (p.13)

The great French actor Marcel Dalio (Jean Renoir’s Grand Illusion) made a career in French cinema of playing shady characters and small-time crooks: informers, blackmailers and gangsters.

Joe’s Violin (p.13)

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

A Holocaust survivor donates the violin he’s had for 70 years to a local instrument drive, changing the life of a 12-yearold schoolgirl from the nation’s poorest congressional district and unexpectedly, his own.

The Man Who Shot Hollywood

(p.13) An unassuming Russian Jewish émigré parlayed his love for movies into becoming the selfappointed, unpaid chronicler of Hollywood royalty during the 1930s and ’40s with his relaxed, un-glam portraits.

Making Morning Star (p.13)

This intimate look into the artistic process introduces composer Ricky Ian Gordon as he attempts to bring an opera about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 to life.

The Mute’s House (p.12) One-armed Yousef and his deaf mother Sahar are the only remaining Palestinian residents of the Israeli section of Hebron and are used to daily ostracism. Operator (p.13)

A single mom works as a human drone operator, killing people on a daily basis in order to make a living.

Spring Chicken (p.10) Anny, a 94-year-old Holocaust survivor, loves dressing up for the Jewish holiday Purim. This year, she decides to dress up as a chicken. Torah Treasures and Curious Trash (p.16)

An 87-year-old artist/feminist Jewish thinker scavenges Jerusalem dumpsters for choice junk that she combines with wornout ritual objects rescued from synagogues and funeral homes.

Wannabe (p.13)

A neurotic Jewish teen must win over his crush by impressing her skeptical Jamaican family in 1990s New York City.

What Cheer? (p.13)

After the sudden passing of his wife, a composer (Richard Kind) tries to ignore his overwhelming grief only to be faced with a 20-piece marching band that floods his world with a boisterous, interminable song.

Castro Closing Night

The Tenth Man

For the Love of Spock

CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

WEST COAST PREMIERE

Argentina, 2016, 80 mins, Spanish w/ English subtitles Director: Daniel Burman Editor: Andrés Tambornino Cinematographer: Daniel Ortega Cast: Julieta Zylberberg, Alan Sabbagh

CASTRO CINEARTS RODA THEATRE SMITH RAFAEL

opening night | closing night

Opening Night

USA, 2016, 105 mins, English Director: Adam Nimoy Editor: Joeseph Kornbrodt Cinematographer: Kevin Layne

THURSDAY, JULY 21 SUNDAY, JULY 24 TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

6:30 PM 4:55 PM 6:30 PM 6:25 PM

Sponsored by Steven and Bunny Fayne Ariel lives in New York, far from El Once, the lively Jewish district in Buenos Aires where he grew up. When his father Usher, who runs a Jewish charity, summons him back home for help, Ariel reluctantly returns. His memories growing up involve Usher prioritizing the formation of a minyan (a quorum of 10 men needed for certain Jewish rituals) for strangers’ funerals over meaningful activities at his own school. Even now, Usher acts very much like the absent father of Ariel’s childhood, communicating only by cell phone. Yet he has a grand scheme that actually has his son’s best interests in mind. He has a laundry list of tasks for Ariel to complete, all of which involve helping to keep the charity running. Usher carefully choreographs Ariel meeting Eva (Julieta Zylberberg), a silent Orthodox beauty who Ariel is unmistakably drawn to, first through her cooking and then romantically. Director Daniel Burman (Lost Embrace, SFJFF 2004; Empty Nest, SFJFF 2009; All In, SFJFF 2012) deftly mixes the real people of El Once with actors. What ensues is a paean to the Jewish values of charity and community. The Tenth Man is a kindhearted comedy with a gentle romantic touch. It joyfully upends the old adage that you can never go home again and instead says, maybe under the right circumstances, you can. Jay Rosenblatt Director Daniel Burman in person in San Francsico Actor Julieta Zylberberg invited

CASTRO RODA THEATRE

SUNDAY, JULY 31 MONDAY, AUGUST 1

7:45 PM 8:30 PM

Sponsored by Gale Mondry and Bruce Cohen “Live long and prosper.” It’s impossible not to cherish those famous words spoken by the half-human Vulcan. Leonard Nimoy, the man behind the pointy ears, was born in 1931 in Boston’s West End to immigrant Jewish parents. After moving to Los Angeles Nimoy caught the eye of producer Gene Roddenberry who had Nimoy in mind when he was creating the Spock character for the NBC science fiction series Star Trek. The pilot episode bombed, but Roddenberry was given permission to do a second version with a whole new cast. Only Nimoy remained, and the rest is history. Through three seasons of the series and six Star Trek films, it was Spock who became the fan favorite. The coolheaded, logical Vulcan was an outsider aboard the USS Enterprise, just as Nimoy himself was an outsider as a Jew growing up in predominantly Catholic Boston. Spock’s otherness served as the very essence of what Star Trek was really all about: examining what makes us human. Featuring clips from Nimoy’s career and inspiring interviews with the Star Trek cast past and present, including William Shatner, George Takei, Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, director Adam Nimoy has crafted a loving tribute to not only his father, but also to the man we know as Mr. Spock. Joshua Moore Director Adam Nimoy in person

Closing Night Reception Mezzanine, Castro Theatre

Toast our filmmakers and guests on the mezzanine of the Castro following the West Coast Premiere of For the Love of Spock. This festive reception is the perfect close to another extended Castro run.

Opening Night Bash

Thursday, July 21, 2016 | 9:00PM Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St, San Francisco Event parking available for a fee at Jessie Street Garage | 223 Stevenson St. Opening Night at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival is always a special affair, but our double chai year promises to be even more full of life! Film and art come together at the bold and elegant Contemporary Jewish Museum, where party goers can explore the newly opened Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition, sip Hagafen wine and Lagunitas Beer, and taste featured dishes from Wise Sons, L’chaim Sushi, and many more.

take action

1 time only

next wave

jews & germany

televisionaries

people of the book

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

Centerpiece Narrative

Centerpiece Documentary

centerpiece narrative | centerpiece documentary

Natasha

NW PB

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

USA, 2016, 89 mins, English Director: Marshall Fine Editors: Josh Williams, Chuck Greenwood Cinematographer: Brennan Vance

CASTRO

TUESDAY, JULY 26 WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 FRIDAY, JULY 29 SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

6:20 PM 7:50 PM 6:25 PM 8:30 PM

In 2004, Harper’s magazine published Natasha, a first short story by a promising 31-year-old Jewish Canadian writer, David Bezmozgis. This memorable tale of a doomed teenage love between Mark, a Toronto slacker, and his troubled Russian cousin by marriage was eventually released in a collection chronicling the lives of a Latvian immigrant family, not unlike the author’s own. Bezmozgis’s debut became a cult sensation with critics drawing literary comparisons to Bernard Malamud and Philip Roth. The story was subsequently reprinted in 15 languages. After penning two more acclaimed novels, then writing and directing his first feature Victoria Day (SFJFF 2010), Bezmozgis finally brings his modern classic to the big screen in a remarkably assured adaptation that’s both highly provocative and deeply poignant. At the heart of this emotional, coming-of-age drama are the extraordinarily measured performances of Alex Ozerov as Mark and newcomer Sasha K. Gordon as the sexually precocious Natasha, the dark star who forever alters Mark’s staid, suburban existence. Fans of the writer’s original source material will not be disappointed in David Bezmozgis’s haunting narrative of forbidden love caught between the old world and the new, further proof of this talented artist’s notable command of both literature and the cinema. Thomas Logoreci Note: Mature Content. Director David Bezmozgis in person in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Berkeley

take 1 time NW next JG jews & TA 1X TV www.sfjff.org | wave 415.621.0523 action only germany

televisionaries

BAY AREA PREMIERE

Canada, 2015, 93 mins, English, Russian w/ English subtitles Director: David Bezmozgis Editor: Michelle Szemberg Cinematographer: Guy Godfree Cast: Alex Ozerov, Deanna Dezmari, Genadijs Dezmari

CASTRO CINEARTS RODA THEATRE SMITH RAFAEL

Robert Klein Still Can’t Stop His Leg

people of the book

MONDAY, JULY 25

6:30 PM

Sponsored by the Lisa and John Pritzker Family Fund Along with Richard Pryor and George Carlin, he influenced a slew of the next generation of comics. His name is Robert Klein, and he is still really funny! Klein is more than just a stand-up comedian. He is a musician, a singer, a Broadway star, a film and television actor and even a comedy teacher. A child of the 1950s who grew up in the Bronx, he rose to the pinnacle of stand-up with his unique blend of comedy and music. Director and film critic Marshall Fine follows Klein in his daily routines, and we get a privileged look at a seasoned comic improvising jokes about everyday life: grocery shopping, getting a haircut and hanging out with pals. Interviews with Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart and Bill Maher, to name a few, as well as clips from some of Klein’s seminal routines round out this delightful portrait. Klein appeared on the Tonight Show and Late Show with David Letterman more than 100 times and hosted the third Saturday Night Live, appearing in the famous cheeseburger sketch. His spot-on impression of Rodney Dangerfield and his meeting with Don Rickles are some of the many highlights of this hilarious, heartfelt and thoroughly enjoyable doc. And to top it all off, Robert Klein himself will be here for this one-time-only screening. Jay Rosenblatt Subject Robert Klein and director Marshall Fine in person

Freedom of Expression

Next Wave Spotlight TV

USA, 2016, 92 mins, English Directors: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady Editor: Enat Sidi, J.D Marlow Cinematographer: Sam Levy

SUNDAY, JULY 24 MONDAY, JULY 25 SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

1X NW

USA, 2016, 93 mins, English Director and screenwriter: Jeff Baena Editor: Ryan Brown Cinematographer: Patrice Lucien Cochet Cast: Thomas Middleditch, Adam Pally, Nick Kroll, Jenny Slate

BAY AREA PREMIERE

CASTRO CINEARTS SMITH RAFAEL

Joshy

3:15 PM 6:15 PM 2:10 PM

Sponsored by Lela and Gerry Sarnat Norman Lear, the SFJFF 2016 Freedom of Expression Award recipient, is the subject of this moving, artful chronicle of the legendary television writer, producer and activist whose taboo-smashing series set the bar for a half-century of American comedy. Lear’s first Hollywood gig was writing sketches for 1950s superstars Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. He went on to build a two-decade string of television and movie credits. But in the wake of the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement, Lear decided to satirize the divisions ripping society apart rather than provide an escape from them. The result was the groundbreaking 1971 sitcom, All in the Family, whose working-class patriarch, the lovable bigot Archie Bunker, became Lear’s trenchant platform to address topics never before shown on television. Over the next decade, other Lear creations followed: The Jeffersons ; Fernwood 2 Night ; Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. None of these efforts shied away from depicting the era’s pressing social and political issues: racism, rape, child abuse, gay rights. All were tremendously popular (the controversial abortion episode of Maude drew 65 million viewers). Then at the height of his fame, Norman Lear simply walked away. Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s doc explores the reasons why, while eliciting fond reminiscences from Jewish comic masters ranging from Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner to Jon Stewart. Screened at Sundance 2016

CASTRO

THURSDAY, JULY 28

8:30 PM

Next Wave programs are generously provided by the Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund and the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation After his engagement falls apart on the evening of his birthday, Joshy’s (Thomas Middleditch, Silicon Valley ) best buddies rally together to pull off a much-needed guys-only weekend for their grieving friend. The destination is a country house in Ojai, California, where party animal Eric (Nick Kroll, The Kroll Show ) has planned debauchery to distract everyone from the daily grind. The rest of the thirtysomething gang includes the highly neurotic Adam (Alex Ross Perry, Listen Up Philip), whose girlfriend has just dumped him and good guy Ari (Adam Pally, The Mindy Project ), a recent father and the man with the weed. Freespirited and feisty Jodi (Jenny Slate, Obvious Child ), in town to get together with her girlfriends, interrupts the sausage party and draws the bashful eye of married Ari. But as the coke is snorted and the dope is smoked, and more guests (both wanted and unwanted) show up, the guys are left to finally confront the elephant in the room: their feelings. Jeff Baena (Life After Beth, JFI WinterFest 2015) keeps the direction loose, allowing his gifted cast the freedom to keep the razor sharp dialogue flowing. Male bonding has never been more complex . . . and comically awkward. Premiered at Sundance Film Festival, 2016.

freedom of expression award | next wave spotlight

Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You

Joshua Moore

Director Jeff Baena and actor Aubrey Plaza in person

Thomas Logoreci

Director Heidi Ewing and subject Norman Lear in person in San Francisco

Next Wave Spotlight Reception Mezzanine, Castro Theatre

Freedom of Expression: Norman Lear Sunday, July 24 | 3:15 PM | Castro Theatre

Following the screening, Norman Lear will receive this year’s Freedom of Expression Award and will sit down for an on-stage conversation with former SFJFF Executive Director Peter L. Stein.

Following the Next Wave Spotlight screening of Joshy, join us on the Castro mezzanine, transformed into a swanky lounge for the evening, for a reception with director Jeff Baena and actor Aubrey Plaza from the film. Indulge in Lagunitas Beer and Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails as we toast the new frontiers of Jewish film. Admission limited to Next Wave Passholders.

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

Berkeley Big Night

Palo Alto Opening Night

big nights

The Last Laugh

On the Map

WEST COAST PREMIERE

WORLD PREMIERE

USA, 2016, 89 mins, English Director and Cinematographer: Ferne Pearlstein Editor: Ferne Pearlstein Screenwriters: Robert Edwards, Ferne Pearlstein

RODA THEATRE CASTRO

Israel, USA, 2016, 78 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director: Dani Menkin Editor: Shlomi Shalom Cinematographer: David Gurfinkel

SATURDAY, JULY 30 SUNDAY, JULY 31

7:10 PM 2:55 PM

The great comedian Carol Burnett was once quoted as saying that “comedy is tragedy plus time.” The question is how much time has to pass before it’s alright to take a tragic, even traumatizing, event and use it as a framing device for a joke? What purpose does humor serve under these circumstances? And from where does this impulse to turn tragedy into humor spring? These are weighty questions and take on even greater seriousness when put in the context of the Holocaust. Nevertheless, this is the terrain that Ferne Pearlstein (producer of When I Live My Life Over Again, SFJFF 2015), set out to explore in The Last Laugh. In the film, she weaves together interviews with Holocaust survivors who talk about the importance of laughter, even amidst the tragedy of the concentration camps, as well as conversations with comedic giants like Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and Sarah Silverman. In doing so, Pearlstein invites the viewer on a journey across a comedic landscape marked by speed bumps, caution signs and potholes big enough to swallow a clown car. Mark Valentine Director Ferne Pearlstein and subjects Renee and Klaire Firestone in person

Berkeley Big Night

Saturday, July 30 | immediately following The Last Laugh Roda Theatre at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre Immediately following The Last Laugh, make your way to the Roda’s spacious and lovely courtyard for a sumptuous spread of festive fare.

take 1 time NW next JG jews & TA 1X TV www.sfjff.org | wave 415.621.0523 action only germany

televisionaries

people of the book

CINEARTS CASTRO PIEDMONT

SATURDAY, JULY 23 SUNDAY, JULY 24 SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

6:15 PM 6:30 PM 4:40 PM

Sponsored by the Bonnie and Marty Tenenbaum Foundation Before 1980’s “Miracle on Ice,” an Israeli team’s equally unlikely victory over a Soviet basketball team was dubbed the “Miracle on Hardwood.” After winning, magnetic Israeli team captain Tal Brody, a high NBA draft pick, exclaimed in American-accented Hebrew, “We are on the map, not only in sports, but in everything!” That phrase and the Maccabi Tel Aviv team, a combination of NBA also-rans and Israeli players, rallied a nation in its David-and-Goliath pursuit of the 1977 European Championship. Director Dani Menkin (39 Pounds of Love, SFJFF 2005) remembers that this much-needed morale boost occured amid a sagging economy, only a few years after the tragic 1972 massacre in Munich and Israel’s draining Yom Kippur War. He brings together most of the members of that year’s team, some of whom are still living in Israel, including Brody and African American Aulcie Perry, who converted to Judaism while on the team. Brody’s friend, NBA great Bill Walton, and former NBA Commissioner David Stern deliver incisive commentary on the team and its significance. Israeli figures from outside the sports world, including former ambassador Michael Oren, politician Yair Lapid and former refusenik Natan Sharansky, all recall what TV commentator Alex Giladi calls “the end of Israeli sport losing with honor.” Sara L. Rubin Director Dani Menkin in person in Palo Alto and San Francisco

Film and Feast

Local Spotlight Wrestling Jerusalem

USA, 2015, 97 mins, English, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director and Photographer: Roger Sherman

WORLD PREMIERE

CASTRO CINEARTS RODA THEATRE SMITH RAFAEL

SATURDAY, JULY 23 SUNDAY, JULY 24 SATURDAY, JULY 30 FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

3:50 PM 2:15 PM 12:00 PM 4:20 PM

Film sponsored by Amy and Morton Friedkin Event sponsored by Moses and Susan Libitzky Additional support provided by ISRAEL21c What is Israeli cuisine? Michael Solomonov (Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking , 2016 James Beard Cookbook of the Year) explores a diverse

world of food drawn from more than 100 cultures. Chefs, farmers, vintners, fishermen, cheese makers and home cooks discuss their roots and show their specialties that both preserve and update traditional recipes using global inspiration. Through the 1970s most recipes were bland and ingredients mediocre. As immigrants came to Israel they brought new and traditional ideas and flavors, and people began to be more adventurous in what they ate. Jews were introduced to Arab cuisine, resulting in both a mutual appreciation and frustration of the cross-cultural culinary influences. Solomonov, born in Israel but raised in the U.S., goes to local farms and visits people’s kitchens to taste and learn about regional cooking differences. He asks what makes a meal kosher and sees how Shabbat dinners are changing. He shows how ancient agricultural methods and hightech agronomy now influence the way the world eats. Uniquely and lovingly prepared shakshuka, boreka, maqluba, the Palestinian kibbe el babour, couscous, surprising seafood dishes and a kugel that challenges expectations are just a few of the irresistible dishes shown being prepared. Solomonov’s self-deprecating sense of humor and deep knowledge of local food traditions make him the perfect guide. Warning: This movie will make you hungry! Gary Meyer

Director Roger Sherman in person in San Francisco and Palo Alto Subject Michael Solomonov in person in San Francisco

big nights

In Search of Israeli Cuisine

USA, 2016, 93 mins, English Director: Dylan Kussman Director of Photography: Nicole Whitaker Editor: Erik C. Andersen

CASTRO CINEARTS RODA THEATRE SMITH RAFAEL

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 THURSDAY, JULY 28 SUNDAY, JULY 31 SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

6:20 PM 6:30 PM 3:55 PM 4:15 PM

Sponsored by Anne Germanacos “It’s complicated.” From that honest, ironic, understated opening line of Wrestling Jerusalem through its hopeful conclusion, Aaron Davidman takes us on a whirlwind journey that captures the competing narratives swirling around the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Bay Area local Davidman embodies 17 characters whose stories reflect multiple perspectives. It’s easy to forget that you are watching one man as he moves deftly from male to female, Palestinian to Israeli, American to European. The touchstone in these shifting voices is the character Aaron, an American Jew whose desire to understand and empathize makes him an excellent tour guide. Originally a play written and performed by Davidman, Wrestling Jerusalem garnered excellent reviews and sold-out performances. Deftly directed by Dylan Kussman, the film is masterfully shot, as scenes switch seamlessly from a backstage dressing room, a live performance filmed in San Francisco and the stark evocative expanse of the desert. A simple backdrop and handful of props are all Davidman needs to conjure cafes, buses and settlements as well as the stories they contain. Regardless of your views, you will find them in this work. But, as you let the film unfold, you will recognize the humanity in each character and leave the theater much richer for the experience. Complicated? Definitely. Captivating and unforgettable? Without a doubt. Stephanie Rapp Writer/actor Aaron Davidman in person in San Francisco, Palo Alto and Berkeley

Film and Feast

Saturday, July 23 | 6:15 PM Aaxte (at the Swedish American Hall), 2174 Market St, San Francisco $90 members / $100 general public Immediately following the Castro screening of In Search of Israeli Cuisine, SFJFF36 presents an homage to Chef Solomonov’s cuisine with inspiring reinterpretations of his standout dishes by local chefs including Ryan Pollnow of Aaxte, Nick Balla and Cortney Burns of Bar Tartine, and Chef Mourad Lahlou of Mourad and Aziza at the lively Aaxte. This bold film and food pairing is a perfect fit for San Francisco’s foodie culture. Separate ticket required for entry to this event. All-Festival and Next Wave Passes do not provide admission. Space is limited.

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

Abortion: Stories Women Tell

TA 1X

US PREMIERE

BAY AREA PREMIERE

films

Aida’s Secrets

Art and Heart: The World of Isaiah Sheffer

USA, 2016, 93 mins, English Director: Tracy Droz Tragos Editors: Christopher Roldan, Monique Zavistovski, Dan Duran Cinematographers: Kamau Bilal, Judy Phu

CASTRO

FRIDAY, JULY 29

1:25 PM

Award-winning filmmaker and Missouri native Tracy Droz Tragos, director of the Sundance Grand Jury Award–winning documentary Rich Hill and Emmy-winning Be Good Smile Pretty confronts the power of Missouri’s restrictive abortion laws by sensitively telling the intimate stories of women who must surmount every obstacle to access abortion. This timely and relevant film reveals the ultimate connection between the right to choose and the right to live a fully empowered life. Lexi Leban This film is part of our Take Action Day program focused on social justice films in the spirit of the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam.

Israel, USA, Germany, 2016, 90 mins, English, Hebrew, w/ English subtitles Directors: Alon Schwarz, Shaul Schwarz Editor: Halil Efrat Cinematographers: Uriel Sinai, Shaul Schwarz, Christina Clusiau, Yonathan Weitzman Screenwriters: Halil Efrat, Alon Schwarz

CASTRO PIEDMONT

FRIDAY, JULY 22 FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

12:00 PM 2:05 PM

Family secrets and lies are revealed in this documentary detective story which begins with World War II and ends with a 21st-century reunion of long lost brothers. With the help of a genealogical search organization, Izak, an Israeli kibbutznik, finally meets the Canadian blind younger brother he did not know he had, when both are in their mid-60s. Embracing one another, they work hard to try to pry secrets loose from their tight-lipped mother Aida. Sara L. Rubin

USA, 2015, 52 mins, English Director: Catherine Tambini Editor: Lenny Friedman Cinematographer: Matt Porwoll

CINEARTS WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 3:20 PM CASTRO THURSDAY, JULY 28 1:30 PM RODA THEATRE FRIDAY, JULY 29 1:40 PM

Co-Sponsored by Anita and Marc Abramowitz Catherine Tambini’s spirited documentary celebrates the life of Isaiah Sheffer, the founding artistic director of Symphony Space and host of Selected Shorts on public radio who inspired everyone from Leonard Nimoy to Stephen Colbert. Paired with Making Morning Star. Academy Award–nominated filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar’s intimate documentary relates the creation of Morning Star, a new opera by composer Ricky Ian Gordon as he brings 11 years of ideation to life. Neha Talreja Producer Ethel Sheffer in person Preceded by Making Morning Star Directors Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar (Making Morning Star) in person in San Francisco and Berkeley

Audrie & Daisy

USA, 2016, 96 mins, English Director: Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk Editor: Don Bernier

CASTRO PIEDMONT

FRIDAY, JULY 29 FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

8:50 PM 4:10 PM

Fifteen-year-old Audrie Pott in Saratoga, California, and 14-year-old Daisy Coleman in Maryville, Missouri never met. What connects them is the sexual violence and humiliation they suffered in unrelated incidents from groups of boys who got them drunk, assaulted them and posted their actions on the internet. Thanks to probing interviews with strikingly perceptive subjects, this film provides unflinching insight into the entitlement that leads to the condoning of sexual violence. Screened at 2016 Sundance Film Festival Zoe Pollak

This film is part of our Take Action Day program focused on social justice films in the spirit of the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam. Directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk in person in San Francisco

take 1 time NW next JG jews & TA 1X TV www.sfjff.org | wave 415.621.0523 action only germany

Baba Joon

The Bentwich Syndrome

Israel, 2015, 91 mins, Hebrew, Farsi w/ English subtitles Director: Yuval Delshad Editor: Yoni Tzruya Cast: Navid Negahban, Asher Avrahami, David Diaan

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

CASTRO CINEARTS RODA THEATRE SMITH RAFAEL

SATURDAY, JULY 23 MONDAY, JULY 25 SATURDAY, JULY 30 SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

1:50 PM 8:20 PM 2:10 PM 2:05 PM

Sponsored by Diana Grand and Jon Holman Israel’s submission to the 2015 Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film surprises in many ways. For starters, the screenplay is almost entirely in Farsi, not Hebrew. The semi-autobiographical feature film debut from writer/director Yuval Delshad depicts three generations in the Morgian family, Persian immigrants from Iran to Israel eking out a living as rural turkey farmers. Sensitive performances, gentle pacing and refreshing plot twists combine to weave a richly satisfying story. Best Picture, Israeli Academy Awards Emily Kaiser Thelin

televisionaries

people of the book

Israel, 2015, 68 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director: Gur Bentwich Cinematographer: Maya Kenig

CINEARTS RODA THEATRE

MONDAY, JULY 25 FRIDAY, JULY 29

1:20 PM 11:50 AM

Humorously examining Anglo-Jewish life of the 19th and 20th centuries, directors Gur Bentwich and Maya Kenig embark on a road trip to dissect the origins of their family. An array of aunts and cousins hold court, as well as long-departed Bentwiches, who come to life through zany Monty Python-esque animation. In the end, we become Bentwichesby-proxy, crammed into the back seat of the family car, enjoying the ride. Alexis Whitham Preceded by Spring Chicken, Dir: Tamir Elterman.

Blush

Class Divide

TA NW 1X

Disturbing The Peace

films

BAY AREA PREMIERE

Israel, 2015, 85 mins, Hebrew, Arabic w/ English subtitles Director: Michal Vinik Editor: Joel Alexis Cinematographer: Shai Peleg Cast: Sivan Noam Shimon, Hadas Jade Sakori, Bar Ben Vakil

CASTRO PIEDMONT SMITH RAFAEL

SUNDAY, JULY 24 8:50 PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 8:55 PM SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 8:20 PM

Seventeen-year-old Naama is thoroughly bored with her overbearing family and uneventful suburban school days. That is until bleached-blonde bad girl Dana shows up with her flirtatious smile and a bag of weed. But while Naama is both partying hard and falling hard for Dana, her sister goes missing, and the whole family is deeply rattled. Blush is a portrait of modern Israel through the eyes of the youth who are pushing the boundaries. Alexis Whitham

TV NW

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

Israel, 2015, 2x45 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director: Oded Ruskin Screenwriter: Amit Cohen Cast: Ishai Golan, Maggie Azarzar, Angel Bonanni

CINEARTS CASTRO RODA THEATRE SMITH RAFAEL

SATURDAY, JULY 23 SATURDAY, JULY 30 SUNDAY, JULY 31 SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

CASTRO

FRIDAY, JULY 29

6:40 PM

Sponsored by Nancy Blachman and David desJardins One-hundred-fifteen steps is all that separates a public housing complex from a private school for Manhattan’s elite. Class Divide shines a light on people who live a stone’s throw apart but inhabit completely different worlds. Despite grim statistics about poverty, the film is imbued with optimism as it shares stories from both sides of the street and finds common ground in the hopes and dreams of young people and their families. Stephanie Rapp Producer Mike Farrah in person This film is part of our Take Action Day program focused on social justice films in the spirit of the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam.

Note: Mature Content.

False Flag

WEST COAST PREMIERE

USA, 2015, 75 mins, English Director: Marc Levin Editor: Ema Yamazaki Cinematographers: Mark Benjamin, Sam Cullman, Daniel Levin

8:30 PM 6:50 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Co-Sponsored by Susan and Jay Mall and by Sheri Cohen and Charles Green Not since Prisoners of War has there been such a provocative, nail-biting espionage thriller on Israeli TV. In False Flag five Israeli citizens wake up one morning to discover that they are suspects in the kidnapping of the Iranian minister of defense. The five become wanted and news coverage turns their world upside down. Their attempts to deny involvement are in vain. Even their loved ones question, could they be guilty? Lexi Leban Writer/Creator Amit Cohen in person in San Francisco and Berkeley

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

Hungary, Israel, Sweden, 2015, 110 mins, Hungarian w/ English subtitles Director: Peter Gardos Editor: Ádám Fiers Cinematographer: László Seregi Screenwriter: Zsuzsa Bíró Cast: Gila Almagor, Milán Schruff, Péter Scherer

TUESDAY, JULY 26 THURSDAY, JULY 28 FRIDAY, JULY 29

8:55 PM 3:45 PM 9:00 PM

Generous Support for this program provided by The Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation. Co-Sponsored by Dan Granoff A Swedish refugee camp doctor gives Holocaust survivor Miklós six months to live. But the young man refuses to die before meeting the love of his life. He sends letters to 117 Hungarian women in sex-segregated rehabilitation camps throughout Sweden. The response of 19-year old Lilli captures his heart and his imagination. Péter Gárdos’s romantic drama, based upon his novel of his parents’ post-Holocaust courtship creates indelible images of heartbreak and hope. Sara L. Rubin Actor Milán Schruff in person

USA, Israel, Palestine, 2016, 82 mins, Arabic, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Directors: Stephen Apkon, Andrew Young Cinematographer: Andrew Young

CASTRO RODA THEATRE

TUESDAY, JULY 26 MONDAY, AUGUST 1

11:45 AM 1:15 PM

Co-Sponsored by Janet Schneider and Andrew Kahn and by Rosanne and Al Levitt This inspiring documentary finds a spirit of compassion and empathy in an unexpected place: among combatants from both sides of the Israeli/Palestinian divide. Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters come together to form Combatants for Peace, a nonviolent group that uses dialogue, theater and art to try to end the conflict. Disturbing the Peace doesn’t shy away from harsh realities and, somehow, still leaves you inspired. Tamar Fox Director Stephen Apkon in person Preceded by Hitchhikers, Dir: Yair Agmon

The Freedom to Marry

Fever At Dawn

CASTRO CINEARTS RODA THEATRE

WEST COAST PREMIERE

USA, 2016, 86 mins, English Director: Eddie Rosenstein Editor: Pilar Rico Cinematographers: Bob Richman, Claudia Raschke

CASTRO FRIDAY, JULY 29 3:50 PM RODA THEATRE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 8:35 PM

What’s the definition of a mensch? After watching this inspiring documentary, you’ll have a two-word answer: Evan Wolfson. Founder of the advocacy group Freedom to Marry and the acknowledged “godfather” of the marriage equality movement, Wolfson’s 30-year struggle to bring about justice for millions of gays and lesbians is the heart of this fascinating history that retraces the circuitous path towards legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States. Peter L. Stein This film is part of our Take Action Day program focused on social justice films in the spirit of the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam. Director Eddie Rosenstein and Producer Jenni Olson in person

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

A German Life

Germans and Jews

A Grain of Truth

films US PREMIERE

Austria, 2016, 113 mins, German w/ English subtitles Directors: Christian Krönes, Olaf Muller, Roland Schrotthofer, Florian Weigensamer Editor: Christian Kermer Cinematographer: Frank Vught

CASTRO CINEARTS PIEDMONT

SUNDAY, JULY 24 MONDAY, JULY 25 SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

12:15 PM 3:15 PM 2:15 PM

From 1942 until the end of the war, Brunhilde Pomsel worked as a stenographer for Joseph Goebbels, the infamous Nazi minister of propaganda. Now 104 years old, she is the last living witness to have seen the machinations of Nazi power from the inside. With her face in close-up, she recounts her past with lucidity and forces us to ask the timely question, “What would I have done in this situation?” Jay Rosenblatt

Note: Mature Content. Directors Christian Krönes and Florian Weigensamer in person in San Francisco and Palo Alto Extended Q&A at Congregation Sha’ar Zahav.

CASTRO CINEARTS RODA THEATRE

SATURDAY, JULY 23* 12:00 PM THURSDAY, JULY 28 12:00 PM TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 4:40 PM

Sponsored by the Laszlo N. Tauber Philanthropic Fund This thoughtful documentary is a subtle examination of the history of Germany’s postwar Jewish population and of the fraught and fragile relations between Jews and non-Jews. Structured around a dinner party attended by Germans and Jews—some of whom were born in Germany, some who are “Germans by choice”—the film negotiates sensitive questions of memory, guilt, identity and redemption with grace and aplomb while giving access to both sides of a crucial historical dialogue.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

Poland, 2015, 106 mins, Polish w/ English subtitles Director: Borys Lankosz Editor: Wojciech Anuszczyk Cinematographer: Lucas Bielan Cast: Robert Wieckiewicz, Aleksandra Hamkalo, Magdalena Walach

CASTRO PIEDMONT

MONDAY, JULY 25 FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

In this riveting thriller, a woman in a small Polish village is murdered with a knife used for Jewish ritual slaughter. Prosecutor Teodor Szacki (Robert Więckiewicz, Little Rose, SFJFF 2010) is called in on the case and soon uncovers a town full of deeply rooted anti-Semitism. Based on a best-selling crime novel, this gripping film, which feels like a Polish version of Seven, will keep you glued to your seat until the last frame. Tamar Fox

Seth Barron

*SJM: Single Jewish Mom Free Screening

Hummus! The Movie

WORLD PREMIERE

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

CINEARTS CASTRO RODA THEATRE

CINEARTS CASTRO PIEDMONT

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 12:50 PM THURSDAY, JULY 28 4:10 PM FRIDAY, JULY 29 4:05 PM

Director Katharina Waisburd in person in Palo Alto and San Francisco

Argentina, 2015, 78 mins, Spanish w/ English subtitles Director: Gabriel Lichtmann Editor: Agustin Rolandelli Cinematographer: Nicolás Trovato Cast: Martin Slipak, Javier Drolas, Inés Palombo

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 6:00 PM THURSDAY, JULY 28 6:30 PM SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 8:45 PM

Co-Sponsored by Robert and Judy Aptekar Take a classic Woody Allen–style antihero, add Alfred Hitchcock–level intrigue and a strong dose of Argentine sex appeal, and you have this comic, poignant and smart feature. Director Gabriel Lichtmann shows the complicated family relations of Lucas, a young Buenos Aires Jewish lawyer and a mystery buff (he even has a dog named Sherlock) as he solves the mystery of who conned him out of a down payment on a house. Emily Kaiser Thelin

Preceded by The Mute’s House, Dir: Tamar Kay, sponsored by Terry and Carol Hutner Winograd, MD take 1 time NW next JG jews & TA 1X TV www.sfjff.org | wave 415.621.0523 action only germany

1:40 PM 8:50 PM

Co-Sponsored by Sharman Spector-Angel and Gary Angel

How to Win Enemies

In Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo, Israelis and Palestinians work alongside one another to tend to the zoo’s elephants, crocodiles and rhinos. Inevitably, tensions within and across animal species reflect themselves in the mostly goodnatured, always edgy interactions between employees, who lead regular tours of Muslim and Jewish schoolchildren through the zoo’s grounds. Katharina Waisburd’s keen eye results in an unforgettable lens into the current conflict in the Holy Land. Zoe Pollak

USA, 2015, 76 mins, English, German w/ English subtitles Directors: Janina Quint and Tal Recanati Editor: Michael Culyba Cinematographers: Adolfo Doring, Amanda Zackem

Holy Zoo

Germany, 2016, 60 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director: Katharina Waisburd Editor: Ina Tangermann Cinematographer: Tilman Holzhauer Screenwriter: Denise Neustadt

BAY AREA PREMIERE

televisionaries

people of the book

USA, Israel, 2015, 70 mins, English, Hebrew Director: Oren Rosenfeld Cinematographers:Hanna Abu Saada and Yuval Sayag Editor: Raphael Aboulafia

CINEARTS CASTRO PIEDMONT

SATURDAY, JULY 23 SUNDAY, JULY 24* FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

12:30 PM 10:30 AM 12:15 PM

Where can you find the best hummus in the world? From Suheila, a single Muslim woman who is known for her legendary hummus, to Jalil, a Christian Arab hipster in Ramle who runs his father’s hummus joint, to Eliyahu, a born-again Orthodox Jew who owns a hummus restaurant chain, this fun and fascinating film about the highly competitive hummus restaurant business in Israel shows how powerful this chickpea spread can be. Tamar Fox *SJM: Single Jewish Mom Free Screening

Indignation

Jews in Shorts

Keep Quiet

USA, 2016, 110 mins, English Director: James Schamus Editor: Andrew Marcus Cinematographer: Chris Blauvelt Cast: Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon, Tracy Letts

Documentary, 83 mins. Bacon and God’s Wrath - Dir. Sol Friedman A Home Movie - Dir. Caroline Pick Joe’s Violin - Dir. Kahane Cooperman I, Dalio (or Rules of the Game)- Dir. Mark Rappaport

WEST COAST PREMIERE

SMITH RAFAEL

CASTRO PIEDMONT

PB 1X

films

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

6:30 PM

Sponsored by Nancy and Stephen Grand The award-winning writer and producer James Schamus (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain) crafts a poignant and faithful adaptation of Philip Roth’s Indignation as his directorial debut. Hailed by Roth himself as the best film adaptation of his work, Indignation is a moving portrait of Marcus Messner, the son of a kosher butcher who sets off for college in 1950’s Ohio and finds his atheist self at odds with its Christian midwestern culture. Screened at 2016 Sundance Film Festival Lexi Leban

Bacon and God’s Wrath: Sundance Jury Award, Best Short Documentary. A Home Movie sponsored by Patricia and Richard Gibbs. Joe’s Violin sponsored by David Jadeson. I, Dalio (or The Rules of the Game) sponsored by Fern Tiger and Michael Pyatok Narrative, 91 mins. Wannabe - Dir. Matthew Manson Operator - Dir. Ben Hakim And Then, Violence - Dir. Jordan Goldnadel What Cheer? - Dir. Michael Slavens Hounds - Dir. Omer Tobi

CASTRO PIEDMONT

Director James Schamus in person

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 1:50 PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 12:20 PM

THURSDAY, JULY 28 11:30 AM SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 4:25 PM

UK, Hungary, 2016, 97 mins, English, Hungarian w/ English subtitles Director: Sam Blair, Joseph Martin Editors: Ben Stark, Kim Gaster Cinematographer: Marton Vezkelety

CASTRO SATURDAY, JULY 30 4:40 PM RODA THEATRE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 6:30 PM

Co-Sponsored by Liki and Joe Abrams Extreme in his anti-Semitic beliefs and denial of the Holocaust, Csanád Szegedi rose up through the ranks to a leading position in Hungary’s far-right Jobbik Party, and became a member of the European Parliament. At the height of his political career, documentation surfaced showing that Szegedi’s maternal grandparents were Jewish. In a stunning about-face, Szegedi chose to explore his Jewish roots, study Judaism and make a trip to Auschwitz with Holocaust survivors. Sara L. Rubin

Wannabe sponsored by Carolyn Cavalier Rosenberg and Sanford Rosenberg. And Then, Violence sponsored by Frederick Hertz. Hounds sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel, Pacific Northwest Region

Koudelka Shooting Holy Land

Left On Purpose

Mountain

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

BAY AREA PREMIERE

Israel, Denmark, 2015, 83 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director: Yaelle Kayam Editor: Or Ben David Cinematographer: Itay Marom Screenwriter: Yaelle Kayam Cast: Shani Klein, Avshalom Pollak, Haitham Omari

Israel, Germany, Czech Rep, 2015, 72 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director and Photographer: Gilad Baram Editor: Elisa Purfürst

CASTRO RODA THEATRE

MONDAY, JULY 25 SUNDAY, JULY 31

4:00 PM 1:55 PM

Co-Sponsored by Marsha and Ralph Guggenheim and by Ron Abileah and Marlene Winograd Award-winning Magnum photographer Josef Koudelka captures within the frame of his lens how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has changed the landscape of the Holy Land. This documentary shows the man behind the camera, one who is relentless in pursuit of his craft but increasingly dismayed at seeing a land that is holy to multiple faiths disfigured by the erection of walls, barricades and security checkpoints. Mark Valentine Director Gilad Baram in person in San Francisco Preceded by The Man Who Shot Hollywood, Dir. Barry Avrich, sponsored by Richard Nagler and Sheila Sosnow

USA, 2015, 85 mins, English Directors: Justin Schein, David Mehlman Cinematographer: Justin Schein Editor: David Mehlman

CASTRO PIEDMONT

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 3:50 PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 2:25 PM

Justin Schein originally set out to make a standard documentary on former Yippie activist Mayer Vishner. But in the middle of shooting, Vishner made it clear he had a different plan. The film ends with his last political act: his exit from this world. Schein’s dilemma becomes the film’s new narrative, as he goes from documentarian to friend to one of Vishner’s last caretakers, ultimately making him complicit in the death of his subject. Winner of the Audience Award at DOC NYC Festival 2015 Neha Talreja Director Justin Schein, subjects Michael Ventura, Judy Gumbo and Andrew Hoffman in person in San Francisco

CASTRO CINEARTS PIEDMONT

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 8:55 PM THURSDAY, JULY 28 8:55 PM SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 6:45 PM

This haunting debut feature from Israeli director Yaelle Kayam explores religious themes in a tale of a young woman’s struggle to find herself. It depicts an Orthodox woman suffering in a loveless marriage, searching for companionship amidst the tombstones, pimps and prostitutes of Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives. Even as the plot turns dark, actress Shani Klein (Zero Motivation, SFJFF 2014) imbues the character Tsiva with an unforgettable tenderness. Emily Kaiser Thelin

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

A New Color: The Art of Being Edythe Boone

Mr. Gaga

One Week and a Day

films Israel, 2015, 95 mins, English, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director: Tomer Heymann Editors: Ido Mochrik, Ron Omer, Alon Greenberg Cinematographer: Itai Raziel

CASTRO RODA THEATRE

USA, 2015, 57 mins, English Director: Mo Morris Editor: Maureen Gosling Cinematographer: Peggy Peralta

SATURDAY, JULY 30* 11:30 AM SUNDAY, JULY 31 11:30 AM

Co-Sponsored by Sandee Blechman and Steven Goldberg Inspiring and tough, charismatic yet prickly, Ohad Naharin is Mr. Gaga, Israel’s rock star choreographer and the artistic director of the Batsheva Dance Company. He is the subject of this exciting new documentary from returning SFJFF favorite, Tomer Heymann. Naharin invented his own playful style of movement called Gaga and returned to Israel to create some of the most provocative and physically demanding choreography of the 21st century. Winner, Audience Award, SXSW 2016. Tien-Tien L. Jong

*SJM: Single Jewish Mom Free Screening

Co-Sponsored by Wareham Development in honor of the Berkeley FILM Foundation Bay Area artist and civil rights activist Edythe “Edy” Boone is a sprightly septuagenarian who seems only to gain energy over the years. Since she was a girl, this celebrated muralist (i.e. the San Francisco Women’s Building) has aspired “to develop a new color no one has seen in life.” Her unflagging drive and determination are captured by Berkeley filmmaker Mo Morris in this film’s every frame. Zoe Pollak This film is part of our Take Action Day program focused on social justice films in the spirit of the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam.

The Origin of Violence

The People vs. Fritz Bauer

WEST COAST PREMIERE

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

France, Germany, 2015, 110 mins, French w/ English subtitles Director: Elie Chouraqui Editor: Lorenzo Fanfani Cinematographer: Dominique Gentil Screenwriter: Elie Chouraqui Cast: Richard Berry, Stanley Weber, Cesar Chouraqui

CASTRO CINEARTS SMITH RAFAEL PIEDMONT

FRIDAY, JULY 22 TUESDAY, JULY 26 FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

6:30 PM 8:35 PM 9:20 PM 6:30 PM

Sponsored by David and Fran Meckler Nathan Fabre, a teacher in a French-German school, is working on his thesis about the French Resistance during World War II. During a research trip to Buchenwald, he finds a photo of a prisoner with an uncanny resemblance to his father. When his father ignores his queries, Nathan pursues the matter himself, and his research becomes much more than academic, complicated further by his romance with a young German woman. Sara L. Rubin

FRIDAY, JULY 29 11:00 AM THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 1:50 PM

Director Mo Morris and subject Edythe Boone in person Preceded by Arc of Justice, Dir: Helen S. Cohen and Mark Lipman. Directors Helen S. Cohen and Mark Lipman in person. Sponsored by Kol Hadash: Northern California Community for Humanistic Judaism

Director Tomer Heymann in person

CASTRO RODA THEATRE

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

take 1 time NW next JG jews & TA 1X TV www.sfjff.org | wave 415.621.0523 action only germany

Germany, 2015, 105 mins, German, English, Yiddish w/ English subtitles Director: Lars Kraume Screenwriters: Lars Kraume, Olivier Guez Cast: Burghart Klaussner, Ronald Zehrfeld, Sebastian Blomberg

CASTRO CINEARTS PIEDMONT SMITH RAFAEL

SATURDAY, JULY 23 TUESDAY, JULY 26 FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

6:30 PM 6:15 PM 6:30 PM 4:10 PM

In late 1950s, Germany attorney general Fritz Bauer (played by The White Ribbon ’s lauded Burghart Klaussner) is intent on bringing the infamous Nazi Adolf Eichmann to trial. This riveting historical thriller chronicles the hindrances and the potentially mortal dangers Bauer faces as a closeted gay Jewish lawyer working alongside men in the government who can bring criminals like Eichmann to justice but who ultimately have the power to conceal their own Nazi pasts. Screened at Berlinale 2016 Zoe Pollak

televisionaries

people of the book

Israel, 2016, 97 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director and Screenwriter: Asaph Polonsky Editor: Tali Halter Shenkar Cinematographer: Moshe Mishali Cast: Shai Avivi, Evgenia Dodina, Tomer Kapon

CASTRO

MONDAY, JULY 25

9:00 PM

Co-Sponsored by Sinai Memorial Chapel Chevra Kadisha When Eyal (Shai Avivi, Sweet Mud, SFJFF 2007) finishes the week of mourning for his late son, his wife (Evgenia Dodina, Invisible, SFJFF 2011) urges him to return to their routine but instead he chooses to get high with his young slacker neighbor. The two misfits embark on a tragicomical journey to discover that there are still things worth living for in Eyal’s life. Director Asaph Polonsky’s debut feature offers a humorous and moving depiction of grief and whatever comes next. Winner, International Critic’s Week, Cannes Film Festival 2016 Joshua Moore

Rabin in His Own Words

Israel, 2015, 100 mins, English, Hebrew, w/ English subtitles Director: Erez Laufer Editor: Erez Laufer

CASTRO CINEARTS RODA THEATRE

FRIDAY, JULY 22 4:15 PM SUNDAY, JULY 24 12:00 PM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 4:15 PM

Co-Sponsored by Orli and Zack Rinat and by Linda and Sanford Gallanter This examination of the life and times of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin is constructed largely from archival footage, photographs and interviews, from Rabin’s early days to his tragic death. Director Erez Laufer (One Day After Peace, SFJFF 2012) takes us from Rabin’s childhood, through his experience fighting in three wars, to his assassination, and reminds us of the possibility for peace that remains for those who want it. Seth Barron

Screenagers

CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

USA, 2015, 60 mins, English Director, Editor, Cinematographer: Delaney Ruston

The Settlers films

Sand Storm

Israel, 2016, 97 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director: Elite Zexer Screenwriter: Elite Zexer Editor: Ronit Porat Cinematographer: Shai Peleg Cast: Lamis Ammar, Ruba Blal-Asfour, Hitham Omari

CASTRO FRIDAY, JULY 22 CINEARTS SUNDAY, JULY 24 RODA THEATRE TUESDAY, AUGUST 2

8:55 PM 8:45 PM 8:25 PM

Sponsored by Meredith J. Goldsmith Layla, a teenager in a Bedouin village in southern Israel has a cell phone, drives a car, and has a secret boyfriend at the college she is attending. She watches from a distance as her mother accepts her father’s second wife into their family, prompting questions about her own future. This stunning first feature by Israeli director Elite Zexer sympathetically captures the struggle between tradition and modernity in the beautifully stark Negev desert landscape. Winner, World Cinema Grand Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival 2016 Lexi Leban

CASTRO

SUNDAY, JULY 31* 10:30 AM

Are your kids scrolling through life, missing out on a childhood filled with imagination and outdoor adventure? Are you multitasking on your device, half listening to your child talk about his or her day? You are not alone. In Screenagers , filmmaker Delaney Ruston examines the impact of digital devices on our lives and the fraught household negotiations taking place around them. Lexi Leban Screenagers will be followed by bagels, cream cheese and a post-film discussion on the Castro mezzanine. REBOOT will share information about technologyfree shabbat and the National Day of Unplugging as examples of intentional efforts to unplug. *SJM: Single Jewish Mom Free Screening

CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

Israel, France, Canada, Germany, 2016, 110 mins, English, Hebrew, Arabic, w/ English subtitles Director: Shimon Dotan Editor: Oron Adar Cinematographer: Philippe Bellaiche Screenwriter: Shimon Dotan

CINEARTS RODA THEATRE CASTRO SMITH RAFAEL

TUESDAY, JULY 26 SATURDAY, JULY 30 SUNDAY, JULY 31 SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

3:50 PM 4:15 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM

Sponsored by Ray Lifchez In a comprehensive and compelling retelling, award-winning Israeli filmmaker, Shimon Dotan (Smile of the Lamb, SJFFF 1986) traces with remarkable access the history of Israeli settlements in the West Bank since Israel’s decisive victory in the 1967 Six Day War. Using archival footage of the religious zealots and interviews with a diverse range of modern-day settlers, Dotan weaves together the story that entangles the destinies of Israel and the Palestinian people. Screened at Sundance Film Festival 2016 Janis Plotkin Director Shimon Dotan in person in Berkeley and San Francisco

Shtisel: Season 2

WEST COAST PREMIERE

Israel, 2016, 2 x 47 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director: Alon Zingman Screenwriter: Yehonatan Indursky Cast: Michael Aloni, Sasson Gabai, Doval’e Glickman

CASTRO CINEARTS RODA THEATRE SMITH RAFAEL

FRIDAY, JULY 22 SATURDAY, JULY 23 THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

2:05 PM 2:20 PM 4:20 PM 2:10 PM

Co-Sponsored by Susan and Russell Holdstein and by Bob Tandler and Valli Benesch Shtisel is a family melodrama that looks like Modern Family put on a kippah and went to Jerusalem.

This melodrama returns to SFJFF for its second season. The critical and commercial success combines Haredi traditions and popular television tropes. Season 2 again follows the Shtisel clan as they navigate adolescence, engagement, sibling ties and death. Whether for romantic, religious or family reasons, Shtisel appeals to fans of love across all ages. Maya Lekach Get prepped for the fest: Catch up on Shtisel: Season 1 on JFI On Demand. Watch episodes 1-3 for free and enjoy the rest of the season at an 80% discount on JFI On Demand. Use the code ShtiselforJFI.

Song of Songs

Streit’s: Matzo and the American Dream (FREE)

BAY AREA PREMIERE

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

Ukraine, 2015, 76 mins, Russian w/ English subtitles Director: Eva Neymann Screenwriter: Eva Neymann Editor: Pavel Zalesov Cinematographer: Rimvydas Leipus Cast: Milena Tsbulskaya, Yevheniy Korgan, Arina Postolova-Tihipko

CASTRO RODA THEATRE

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 12:00 PM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 2:05 PM

Ukraine, 1905. Ten-year-old Shimek tells his darling Buzya fairy tales of the faraway, imprisoned Tsarevna, as their dreams of inhabiting a larger world beyond the shtetl blend with the first stirrings of young love. An inspired adaptation of the iconic stories from Sholem Aleichem’s Tevye the Dairyman (which also served as the source material for Fiddler on the Roof ), a sense of wonder vibrates through the artfully composed Tarkovsky-like images of Hasidic village life. Tien-Tien L. Jong

USA, 2016, 83 mins, English Director: Michael Levine Editor: Michael Levine Cinematographer: Michael Levine

CASTRO CINEARTS RODA THEATRE

TUESDAY, JULY 26 THURSDAY, JULY 28 TUESDAY, AUGUST 2

2:10 PM 1:50 PM 2:40 PM

Free Matinees are generously provided by the Bernard Osher Jewish Philanthropies Foundation of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund Just as its iconic pink box has graced Passover seder tables for generations of American Jews, so, too, Streit’s matzo factory has stood for some 80 years on the Lower East Side. For many Jews, a family business has been a way to make a living and a way to ensure that the next generation could do better. This is all challenged by the need for modernity, the pressures of foreign competition and enticing real estate offers. Sara L. Rubin

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

A Tale of Love and Darkness

There are Jews Here

Thy Father’s Chair

Israel, 2015, 98 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director: Natalie Portman Screenwriter: Natalie Portman Editor: Andrew Mondshein, Hervé Schneid Cinematographer: Slawomir Idziak Cast: Natalie Portman, Makram Khoury, Shira Haas

WORLD PREMIERE

CALIFORNIA PREMIERE

CASTRO RODA THEATRE

CINEARTS CASTRO RODA THEATRE

films SATURDAY, JULY 23 8:50 PM THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 6:30 PM

Co-Sponsored by Linda and Frank Kurtz and by Sasha and Irina Kovriga Natalie Portman makes her directorial feature debut with an adaptation of Amos Oz’s internationally acclaimed autobiographical novel A Tale of Love and Darkness. Set during the birth of Israel, the film examines suffering even after salvation. At its core, Amos’s story is about his relationship with his tragic, complicated mother, portrayed by Portman. Determined to make the film in Hebrew, Portman took eight years to write the script and find funding. The result is a beautiful rendering of the bestseller. Emily Kaiser Thelin

USA, 2016, 90 mins, English Director, producer: Brad Lichtenstein Producer, co-director: Morgan Elise Johnson Editor: Matt Lauterbach Cinematographer: Jason Longo

TUESDAY, JULY 26 SATURDAY, JULY 30 MONDAY, AUGUST 1

Italy, Spain, USA, 2015, 73 mins, English Directors: Antonio Tibaldi, Alex Lora Editors: Alex Lora, Antonio Tibaldi Cinematographer: Antonio Tibaldi

1:45 PM 2:10 PM 3:40 PM

Co-Sponsored by Craig Harrison and the John and Marcia Goldman Family Foundation This quirky and poignant documentary examines the challenges of Jewish life in smalltown America. Focusing on four tiny Jewish communities, directors Brad Lichtenstein and Morgan Elise Johnson examine in intimate detail what happens to a congregation when there are scarcely enough Jews left to form a quorum for religious activities, much less to maintain a vibrant community. An unusual and intriguing look at a segment of American Jewish life that is rarely examined. Seth Barron

CASTRO PIEDMONT

MONDAY, JULY 25 SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

11:30 AM 12:00 PM

In this Jewish Grey Gardens, Avraham is a sixtysomething Orthodox Jew living in Brooklyn in his deceased parents’ family home. Avraham passes his time in his claustrophobic apartment petting his cats and sitting on a dilapidated couch among old newspapers, books, bed bugs and rotten food. When a deep cleaning crew arrives, he finally has to face his fears and confront his inability to separate himself from the past. Shevi Loewinger Preceded by Torah Treasures and Curious Trash, Dir: Paula Weiman Kelman Sponsored by Wendy Bear

Director Brad Lichtenstein in person in San Francisco and Berkeley

Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?

Uncle Howard

UK, 2015, 96 mins, English Director: Aaron Brookner Editor: Masahiro Hirakubo Cinematographers: Gregg Domenico, Andre Dobert

CASTRO RODA THEATRE

TUESDAY, JULY 26 4:10 PM THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 8:45 PM

Co-Sponsored by Carl and Gay Grunfeld and by Dan Wohlfeiler Much-admired Jewish filmmaker Howard Brookner epitomized the promise and talent of New York’s vibrant independent film scene of the 1980s, but he has been largely forgotten since his death from AIDS at age 34. In a poignant act of documentary remembrance, Howard’s nephew Aaron, who hero-worshiped his uncle as a child, goes on a treasure hunt through New York’s counterculture to reconstruct Howard’s unconventional life and pay homage to a remarkable young artist. Peter L. Stein

Israel, UK, 2016, 85 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Directors: Tomer Heymann, Barak Heymann Editor: Ron Omer Cinematographer: Itai Raziel Screenwriter: Tomer Heymann

CINEARTS CASTRO RODA THEATRE

SUNDAY, JULY 24 SATURDAY, JULY 30 SUNDAY, JULY 31

take 1 time NW next JG jews & TA 1X TV www.sfjff.org | wave 415.621.0523 action only germany

6:45 PM 9:15 PM 9:00 PM

Co-Sponsored by Birthright Israel Foundation/ Northwest Region In this honest and emotional documentary by Tomer and Barak Heymann (Close Up: Heymann Brothers , SFJFF 2008), Israeli expatriate Saar Maoz lives in London, where he’s active in the London Gay Men’s Chorus and struggling with HIV. When his Orthodox parents ask him to come back to Israel, Saar must decide where his future lies and how to make peace with his family as they struggle to accept his identity and his HIV status. Winner, Panorama Audience Award, Berlin Film Festival 2016 Tamar Fox Director Tomer Heymann in person

The Writer

televisionaries

people of the book

US PREMIERE

Israel, 2015, 71 mins, Hebrew w/ English subtitles Director: Shai Capon Screenwriter: Sayed Kashua

CINEARTS CASTRO RODA THEATRE SMITH RAFAEL

SATURDAY, JULY 23 4:30 PM SUNDAY, JULY 31 5:30 PM MONDAY, AUGUST 1 6:15 PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 12:15 PM

Co-Sponsored by Michael Bien and Jane Kahn and by Deborah Blank and made possible with a generous grant from the Fohs Foundation Critically acclaimed Israeli Arab writer Sayed Kashua (creator of hit TV series Arab Labor, SFJFF 2008–13), delivers a masterfully nuanced dramatic series about Kateb, a 40-year-old Israel Arab writer, who, like Amjad, the protagonist of Arab Labor, is living in Israel and struggling with an identity crisis. Kateb (like Kashua in real life) faces the challenge of growing creatively in Israeli society, which sometimes has preconceived notions about even its most talented Palestinian writer. Nancy K. Fishman Writer Sayed Kashua in person in San Francisco and Berkeley

tickets

Jewish Film Institute (JFI) Members General Public Seniors (65 and older) / Students w/ID

$12 $15 $14

special programs

SF Opening Night $65 Members / $75 General Public SF Opening Night – Film Only $30 Members / $35 General Public SF Closing Night $22 Members / $25 General Public Berkeley Big Night $22 Members / $25 General Public In Search of Israeli Cuisine (July 23) Film & Event $90 Members / $100 General Public All Other Special Programs $15 Members / $18 General Public* *Includes Freedom of Expression; Centerpiece Films matinees (Mon–Thurs, through 4pm) $11 Members / $13 General Public NO MORE O NLIN E TIC KET PROCE S S I NG F E E S !

opening night screening/party

Opening Night of the 36th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2016. Festivities will begin with the Opening Night Film at the Castro Theatre, followed by the Opening Night Party at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Box Office will be open at the Castro Theatre 1 hour before showtime for ticket and pass pick-up. Please allow extra time for Will Call on Opening Night. The Opening Night Party is a 21 and over event. Parking for Opening Night Party at the CJM is available for a fee at the Jessie Square Garage—Stevenson St. off 3rd between Mission/Market— See www.sfjff.org for pricing details and maps.

festival passes

All-Festival Pass $260 Members / $295 General Public Next Wave Pass (35 yrs old and younger only with ID) $35

new passes:

Palo Alto Pass Marin Pass Take Action Pass

$175 Members / $195 General Public $100 Members / $120 General Public $30 Members / $36 General Public

All Festival Pass is good for all shows at all theatres—including special programs and parties, with the exception of the In Search of Israeli Cuisine event (July 23). Next Wave Pass is good for all shows at all theaters with the exception of the In Search of Israeli Cuisine event (July 23). Take Action Pass is good for all Take Action Day screenings and panel on July 31st only. Palo Alto Pass is good only for shows at the CinéArts, Palo Alto. Marin Pass is good only for shows at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, San Rafael. Early-entrance line is reserved for pass holders. Pass holders MUST ARRIVE and be in line 20 minutes prior to show time. Passes do not guarantee seating.

tickets | staff

regular programs

discount 10-flix vouchers

JFI Members (limit 2 per member) $110 General Public $130 The 10-Flix Voucher is good for 10 regular priced tickets to any 10 programs of your choice (not good for Special Programs except Centerpiece Films). Share with family and friends, fully transferable. Great for gifts! 10-Flix Vouchers cannot guarantee tickets to sold-out shows, so redeem early to ensure ticket availability.

how can I buy tickets?

rush line Online: www.sfjff.org | Phone: 415.621.0523 | Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm Rush tickets will be available at the venue one hour prior to show time. Box Office Opens June 21 for members only. General sales begin Available rush tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. June 23, 2016. Due to high call volume, not every call can be NO DISCOUNTS APPLY. CASH ONLY. 10-Flix Vouchers not valid for answered. Please leave the Box Office a message and they will return rush tickets your call shortly. For Questions and/or information please email boxoffice@sfjff.org. For complete ticket information including full policies, pricing, delivery options, and limitations please go to www.sfjff.org/attend

staff Executive Director

Hospitality Coordinator

Program Director

Publicity & Publications Coordinator

Lexi Leban

Jay Rosenblatt Development Director

Kim Bistrong

Liz Baker

Shevi Loewinger Festival Publicists

Programmer

Karen Larsen Vince Johnson

Development Manager

Volunteer Coordinator

Marketing & Communications Manager

Interns

Joshua Moore Chelsea Burton Nate Gellman

Administrative & Development Coordinator

Adam Cuttler

Digital Media & Production Coordinator

Rob Thomas

Festival Finance Manager

Don Mahoney Bookkeeper

Amelia Paradise Festival Operations Manager

Natasha Hoover

Christa Luckenbach Logan Cheney Ryan Colburn Taylor Crutchfield Jennifer Garcia Henry Laurence Cayla Neipris Special Events Partner

Leftwich Events Specialists, Inc

2016 SFJFF Trailer

Little Moving Pictures David Terry Fine Jeremy Summer Tyler McPherron Nathan Petty Aryan Aminzadeh Ray Connolly Edward Feldman 2016 SFJFF iPhone App

Ticketing Services

Box Cubed Ben Armington Mitch Vaughn Copy Editor

Miguel Pendas Print Traffic Coordinator

Chris F. Powell

Print Traffic Assistant

Shevi Loewinger Judith Montell Ken Paul Rosenthal Emmy Scharlatt Harvey Schwartz Susan Stern Mark Valentine David Volansky Diane Wolf Noemi Zeigler

Frames Per Sound Talia DeVault Matt Ozer

Kurtis Lee Hermes Print Broker

Caroline Van Remortel

Hospitality Assistants

Pre-Screeners

#sfjff

Brian Freeman David Gutierez Texas Starr

House Manager, SF, San Rafael & Berkeley

Brad Robinson

House Manager, Palo Alto, Berkeley

Gino Caputi

Technical Director

Hal Rowland

Creative Director and Design

Donna Steger Bonnie Burt Margot Brier Audrey Daniel Barbara Davis Gail Evenari Myra Feiger Valerie Lapin Ganley Ruth Gummit Karen Holmes Vivian Kleiman Jan Krawitz Gabriele Lange Moshe Levin David Liu

#sfjff36 /SFJewishFilm

@SFJewishFilm

/SFJewishFilmFestival

@SFJewishFilm

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

castro theatre schedule

cinéarts@palo alto square

San Francisco | July 21–31 415.621.6120 429 Castro Street (at Market Street) San Francisco

THURSDAY, JULY 21

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27

6:30 PM The Tenth Man (Opening Night) 9:00 PM Opening Night Bash

12:00 PM Song of Songs 1:50 PM Jews in Shorts: Documentary 3:50 PM Left on Purpose 6:20 PM Wrestling Jerusalem (Local Spotlight) 8:55 PM Mountain

FRIDAY, JULY 22 12:00 PM Aida’s Secrets 2:05 PM Shtisel: Season 2 4:15 PM Rabin in His Own Words 6:30 PM The Origin of Violence 8:55 PM Sand Storm

SATURDAY, JULY 23 12:00 PM Germans and Jews*SJM 1:50 PM Baba Joon 3:50 PM In Search of Israeli Cuisine (Film and Feast) 6:30 PM The People vs. Fritz Bauer 8:50 PM A Tale of Love and Darkness

SUNDAY, JULY 24 10:30 AM Hummus! The Movie*SJM 12:15 PM A German Life 3:15 PM Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You (Freedom of Expression) 6:30 PM On the Map 8:50 PM Blush

MONDAY, JULY 25 11:30 AM Thy Father’s Chair preceded by Torah Treasures and Curious Trash

1:40 PM A Grain of Truth 4:00 PM Koudelka Shooting Holy Land preceded by The Man Who Shot Hollywood

6:30 PM Robert Klein Still Can’t Stop His Leg (Centerpiece Documentary) 9:00 PM One Week and a Day

TUESDAY, JULY 26 11:45 AM Disturbing the Peace

THURSDAY, JULY 28 11:30 AM Jews in Shorts: Narrative 1:30 PM Art and Heart: The World of Isaiah Sheffer preceded by Making Morning Star

4:10 PM Holy Zoo preceded by The Mute’s House

6:30 PM How to Win Enemies 8:30 PM Joshy (Next Wave Spotlight) 11:00 AM A New Color: The Art of Being Edythe Boone preceded by Arc of Justice

1:25 PM 3:50 PM 5:20 PM 6:40 PM 8:50 PM

Abortion: Stories Women Tell Freedom to Marry Take Action Day Panel (FREE) Class Divide Audrie & Daisy

SATURDAY, JULY 30 11:30 AM 2:10 PM 4:40 PM 6:50 PM 9:15 PM

Mr. Gaga*SJM There are Jews Here Keep Quiet False Flag Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?

SUNDAY, JULY 31 10:30 AM Screenagers*SJM 12:00 PM The Settlers 2:55 PM The Last Laugh 5:30 PM The Writer 7:45 PM For The Love of Spock

preceded by Hitchhikers

*SJM: Weekend Breaks for Single Moms: This program has been made possible by a generous grant from the Maxine & Jack Zarrow Family Foundation and gifts from Julie and David Levine and Jamie and Rory Weinstein, and is for the exclusive benefit of single mothers with young children. These screenings are free for Single Jewish Moms, with free childcare at nearby Eureka Valley Arts (4400 20th St)! If you qualify, please retrieve your complimentary tickets at Will Call preceding the screening (coffee and bagels provided on the Mezzanine before Saturday screenings). RSVPs and Questions can be addressed to membership@sfjff.org.

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

SATURDAY, JULY 23 12:30 PM Hummus! The Movie 2:20 PM Shtisel: Season 2 4:30 PM The Writer 6:15 PM On the Map (Palo Alto Opening) 8:30 PM False Flag

SUNDAY, JULY 24 12:00 PM Rabin in His Own Words 2:15 PM In Search of Israeli Cuisine 4:55 PM The Tenth Man 6:45 PM Who’s Gonna Love Me Now? 8:45 PM Sand Storm

MONDAY, JULY 25 1:20 PM Bentwich Syndrome

FRIDAY, JULY 29

2:10 PM Streits: Matzo and the American Dream (FREE) 4:10 PM Uncle Howard 6:20 PM Natasha (Centerpiece Narrative) 8:55 PM Fever at Dawn

Palo Alto | July 23–28 650.493.0218 3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

preceded by Spring Chicken

3:15 PM A German Life 6:15 PM Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You 8:20 PM Baba Joon

TUESDAY, JULY 26 1:45 PM 3:50 PM 6:15 PM 8:35 PM

There are Jews Here The Settlers The People vs. Fritz Bauer The Origin of Violence

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 12:50 PM Holy Zoo preceded by The Mute’s House

3:20 PM Art and Heart: The World of Isaiah Sheffer preceded by Making Morning Star

6:00 PM How to Win Enemies 7:50 PM Natasha

THURSDAY, JULY 28 12:00 PM Germans and Jews 1:50 PM Streits: Matzo and the American Dream (FREE) 3:45 PM Fever at Dawn 6:30 PM Wrestling Jerusalem 8:55 PM Mountain

sfjff36 10-Flix voucher

enjoy big nights, matinees and more at a great value

Berkeley | July 29–August 4 510.647.2900 2015 Addison Street, Berkeley

FRIDAY, JULY 29 11:50 AM Bentwich Syndrome preceded by Spring Chicken

1:40 PM Art and Heart: The World of Isaiah Sheffer preceded by Making Morning Star

4:05 PM Holy Zoo preceded by The Mute’s House

6:25 PM Natasha 9:00 PM Fever at Dawn

SATURDAY, JULY 30 12:00 PM In Search of Israeli Cuisine 2:10 PM Baba Joon 4:15 PM The Settlers 7:10 PM The Last Laugh (Berkeley Big Night)

SUNDAY, JULY 31 11:30 AM Mr. Gaga 1:55 PM Koudelka Shooting Holy Land

piedmont theatre

index

Oakland | August 5–7 510.985.1252 4186 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland

Abortion: Stories Women Tell.....................10 Aida’s Secrets .......................................10 And Then, Violence .................................13 Arc of Justice ........................................14 Art and Heart: The World of Isaiah Sheffer ....10 Audrie & Daisy .......................................10 Baba Joon .............................................10 Bacon & God’s Wrath ...............................13 The Bentwich Syndrome ...........................10 Blush ...................................................11 Class Divide ..........................................11 Disturbing The Peace ..............................11 False Flag ............................................11 Fever At Dawn .......................................11 For the Love of Spock ............................... 5 The Freedom to Marry .............................11 A German Life ........................................12 Germans and Jews ..................................12 A Grain of Truth ......................................12 Hitchhikers ...........................................11 Holy Zoo ...............................................12 A Home Movie ........................................13 Hounds ................................................13 How to Win Enemies ................................12 Hummus! The Movie ................................12 I, Dalio—or, The Rules of The Game ............13 In Search of Israeli Cuisine ........................ 9 Indignation ...........................................13 Jews in Shorts: Docs ...............................13 Jews in Shorts: Narratives ........................13 Joe’s Violin ...........................................13 Joshy ................................................... 7 Keep Quiet ............................................13 Koudelka Shooting Holy Land .....................13 The Last Laugh ....................................... 8 Left On Purpose .....................................13 Making Morning Star ...............................10 The Man Who Shot Hollywood ....................13 Mountain ..............................................13 Mr. Gaga ..............................................14 The Mute’s House ...................................12 Natasha ................................................ 6 A New Color: The Art of Being Edythe Boone ..14 Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You ..... 7 On the Map ............................................ 8 One Week and a Day ................................14 Operator ..............................................13 Origin of Violence ...................................14 The People vs. Fritz Bauer ........................14 Rabin in His Own Words ............................14 Robert Klein Still Can’t Stop His Leg ............. 6 Sand Storm ...........................................15 Screenagers ..........................................15 The Settlers ..........................................15 Shtisel: Season 2 ....................................15 Song of Songs ........................................15 Spring Chicken ......................................10 Streit’s: Matzo and the American Dream ......15 A Tale of Love and Darkness ......................16 The Tenth Man ........................................ 5 There Are Jews Here ...............................16 Thy Father’s Chair ..................................16 Torah Treasures and Curious Trash .............16 Uncle Howard ........................................16 Wannabe ..............................................13 What Cheer? .........................................13 Who’s Gonna Love Me Now? ......................16 Wrestling Jerusalem ................................ 9 The Writer ............................................16

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 12:15 PM 2:05 PM 4:10 PM 6:30 PM 8:50 PM

Hummus! The Movie Aida’s Secrets Audrie & Daisy The People vs. Fritz Bauer Grain of Truth

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 12:20 PM Jews in Shorts: Documentary 2:25 PM Left on Purpose 4:25 PM Jews in Shorts: Narrative 6:30 PM The Origin of Violence 8:55 PM Blush

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 12:00 PM Thy Father’s Chair preceded by Torah Treasures and Curious Trash

2:15 PM A German Life 4:40 PM On the Map 6:45 PM Mountain 8:45 PM How to Win Enemies

preceded by The Man Who Shot Hollywood

3:55 PM Wrestling Jerusalem 6:30 PM False Flag 9:00 PM Who’s Gonna Love Me Now

christopher b. smith rafael film center

MONDAY, AUGUST 1

San Rafael | August 5–7 415.454.1222 1118 4th Street, San Rafael

1:15 PM Disturbing the Peace preceded by Hitchhikers

3:40 PM There are Jews Here 6:15 PM The Writer 8:30 PM For the Love of Spock

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 2:40 PM Streits: Matzo and the American Dream (FREE) 4:40 PM Germans and Jews 6:30 PM The Tenth Man 8:25 PM Sand Storm

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 2:05 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:35 PM

Song of Songs Rabin in His Own Words Keep Quiet Freedom to Marry

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 1:50 PM A New Color: The Art of Being Edythe Boone preceded by Arc of Justice

4:20 PM Shtisel: Season 2 6:30 PM A Tale of Love and Darkness 8:45 PM Uncle Howard

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 2:10 PM Shtisel: Season 2 4:20 PM In Search of Israeli Cuisine 6:30 PM Indignation 9:20 PM The Origin of Violence

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 12:15 PM The Writer 2:05 PM Baba Joon 4:10 PM The People vs. Fritz Bauer 6:30 PM False Flag 8:30 PM Natasha

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 12:00 PM The Settlers 2:10 PM Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You 4:15 PM Wrestling Jerusalem 6:25 PM The Tenth Man 8:20 PM Blush

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

schedule | index

roda theatre at the berkeley repertory theatre

$500+

Recognition online; Festival catalog mailed to your home

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Early ticketing privileges and discounts on all year-round programs, including summer Festival

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4-flix

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WinterFest Passes

Invitation to private Festival receptions

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Opportunity to sponsor a short on our "Monthly Shorts" program housed in our YouTube channel

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Opportunity to sponsor a short film at the summer Festival and recognition in the Festival catalog

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Opportunity to co-sponsor a film at our annual WinterFest

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Reserved Festival seating at the Castro Theatre

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Opportunity to co-sponsor a film at the summer Festival

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Opportunity for exclusive sponsorship of a WinterFest film

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Priority admission to the summer Festival and exclusive access to VIP lounge (Castro Theatre only)

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Invitations to privately hosted events throughout the year

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Opportunity for exclusive sponsorship of a film at the summer Festival; and to host a private reception on the Castro Mezzanine

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Opportunity to sponsor a "Next Wave" event

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Invitations to member-only sneak preview screenings year-round All-Festival Passes Tickets to Opening and Closing Night films and festivities Invitation to VIP Festival Preview

$1,000+ $2,500+ $5,000+ $10,000+ $25,000+

Opportunity to sponsor a Special Event or a summer Festival Big Night film The tax-deductible portion of your gift to JFI does not include the fair market value of the benefits and goods received. Please visit jewishfilmsinstitute.org/membership for details.

www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523

JFI Founder’s Circle

$250+

Luminary

Patron

$110+

Director

Friend

$60+

Producer

Supporter Dual

$35+

membership benefits

Benefactor

Supporter Individual

Membership has its privileges. Become a member of JFI and enjoy discounts, members-only sneak previews, and invitations to special events and parties throughout the year. Receive exciting benefits such as SFJFF and WinterFest passes, film sponsorship opportunities and more. Join now and become a member of the Jewish Film Institute family! For more information and film sponsorships opportunities, visit our website at www.jfi.org

Next Wave (age 18–35)

membership levels

become a member of the jewish film institute today

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JFI On Demand: Our Stories, Your Screen

Now you can enjoy the curatorial excellence of SFJFF wherever you are— and support filmmakers working with Jewish themes—at www.jfi.org/films/jfi-ondemand. Featuring highlights from our 35 year history streamed right to your TV, computer, tablet, or phone.

JFI Monthly Online Shorts

Bite-sized, free, thought-provoking films accompanied by exclusive filmmaker Q&As, selected each month by JFI, for you. Watch them all at www.jfi.org or on the JFI YouTube channel.

JFI Filmmaker Residency

JFI provides support and consultations for our filmmakers in residence through the Ninth Street Independent Film Center’s Media Arts Incubator Program. Our 2016 filmmaker is Melinda Hess, at work on a film and multimedia project, Letter from Cloudcroft.

JFI Next Wave

Join JFI’s growing Next Wave community of 35 & under film enthusiasts exploring contemporary life through a Jewish lens. A Next Wave membership includes a Festival pass offering tremendous access to special events, film screenings, artist talks and more throughout the year (for just $35).

jewish film institute

The Jewish Film Institute inspires communities in San Francisco and around the world to expand their understanding of Jewish life through film, media and dialogue. JFI introduces communities to new stories from emerging and established filmmakers, champions freedom of expression, and showcases content that reflects Jewish experience through a contemporary lens.

Year-Round Exhibitions

In addition to SFJFF, our signature summer festival, JFI produces screening series throughout the year. With a JFI membership, be our guest at sneak previews of blockbuster and indie films alike. 2016 featured titles such as Son of Saul, Remember, Labyrinth of Lies, and Presenting Princess Shaw.

WinterFest 2016, New Mission Theater, Alamo Drafthouse

Membership has its privileges. For more info, go to: www.jfi.org/membership Be sure to subscribe to youtube.com /SFJewishFilmFestival for selected monthly short films! www.sfjff.org | 415.621.0523