EDMONTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Karaoke, our Opening Night film, directed by Moshe Rosenthal
THE 27TH ANNUAL
MAY 7–18, 2023
Karaoke, our Opening Night film, directed by Moshe Rosenthal
Thank you to
our Major Sponsors
Jewish
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Federation of Edmonton
Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
Thank you
to our Title Film Sponsors
Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
Opening Night Sponsor
Catherine Miller & Len Dolgoy & Family, Francie Ratner & Mark Dolgoy & Family
Edmonton Downtown Business Association
Friends of the Galilee Panhandle
Holocaust Education Committee of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton
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Corey Johnson of Scotia Private Investment Counsel
Cynthia & Wayne Pertman
Servus Credit Union
Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Welcome from the Festival chair
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2023 hybrid Edmonton Jewish Film Festival. Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to all attending, either online or in person, or preferably both. You clearly know what’s good for you! I am also deeply grateful to each and every sponsor, advertiser and donor; it is you who make this annual celebration of Jewishoriented cinema possible. My sincerest thanks goes to the hard-working selection committee for the many hours given to movie-watching, reviewing and rating, and for the interesting deliberations that were the curating process. None of it would have mattered without the exceptional work of the Federation staff who make the festival run so professionally. Special thanks to Susan Schiffman, who pulls it all together so well. This year we present eight feature films, a broad mix of meaningful dramas along with a range of informative, entertaining documentaries, all boiled down from a field of 86 possible titles. Although a specific theme for the festival was not intended, several commonalities have emerged. Firstly, Europe is well represented, with two absorbing dramas from France and one from Austria. Secondly, several films are focused on women’s stories or have strong central female characters. And, thirdly, five of the eight features are Israeli stories, appropriate in the light of the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel this year. A main theme for me personally is the return to the theatre of live, in-person programs. Online availability was vital during the years of enforced isolation, however, it cannot truly replace the communal aspect of gathering in a theatre to share an experience with an audience. I hope you will enjoy these films as much as I have, and that you will partake of the carefully selected short subjects as well. See you at the movies!
Sam Koplowicz, EJFF Festival Chair
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Welcome
from the Jewish Federation of Edmonton
I am honoured to welcome you to the 27th Edmonton Jewish Film Festival (EJFF) on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton.
Since 1996, the EJFF has brought us together to discover, connect, engage, join in conversations, explore and reflect on stories, traditions and history, from a wide and varied Jewish world. This year’s film festival is once again being offered as a hybrid model, with some film viewings in-person and some online. Tickets are free of charge. We hope these offerings will enable a broad and diverse audience to enjoy the festival.
The Jewish Federation of Edmonton extends deepest gratitude to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, partners, and audience for making this wonderful communitywide event possible. The EJFF is the primary source of funding for Partnership 2Gether (P2G), the Jewish Federation of Edmonton’s bridge-building partnership with the communities of the Galilee panhandle in Northern Israel. This year’s proceeds will help support an Israeli/Arab youth partnership in Metulla.
A sincere thank you to the EJFF Committee, chaired by the enthusiastic and dedicated Mr. Sam Koplowicz. The committee members devote great time and effort to film selection and festival organization. Their contributions are deeply appreciated. We are also immensely grateful for the tireless dedication of our EJFF coordinator Susan Schiffman; to associate director, marketing and communications, Tammy Vineberg; and to the entire Federation staff who work hard to ensure a smooth and enjoyable festival.
We hope you enjoy the selection of this year’s films!
Rebecca Asbell, Member, Executive Committee of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton
2023 5
Edmonton Jewish Film Festival
Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Welcome from the P2G chair
Some of you may ask, “What is Partnership 2gether (P2G) again?” Simply put, it is the single most visible connection that our community has with Israel. As implied in the title, it is a partnership between a consortium of smaller Jewish communities in Canada and the Galilee Panhandle (Etzbah HaGalil).
The partnership’s mission has three major components: 1) To create a ‘Living Bridge’ (Gesher Chai) between the people of the Israeli and Canadian communities, 2) Youth and Education, and 3) Capacity Building. Each of these components has a national sub-committee that meets at least twice a year to review funding requests and opportunities.
On a visit to Israel in March 2022, Stacey and I travelled to the Galil. Our trip coincided with the first post-pandemic staging of the Terry Fox Run in Emek HaHula. Seeing the region (which I love) as well as meeting the people who adopted a Canadian hero as their own was truly incredible. Observing this partnership in action, this ‘Living Bridge’, inspired me to get involved and to do what I can to promote this vision.
My first visit as the Edmonton representative to the P2G meeting in Israel in November 2022 afforded me a chance to see projects we had funded. At this visit we also had the opportunity to meet the founders of a remarkable outreach program between Jewish and Arab youth from the area.
As an overview, the project involved the communities of Metula (Jewish) and Tuba Zangariya (Arab) who historically have lived peacefully but separately. The nature of the solitude between neighbours was striking to Stacey and I and, clearly, to the program founder Miri, who felt it important to attempt to change this situation. In May of 2022 the first gathering between the teens of both
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Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
communities took place in Metula and was followed up by a visit of the teens from Metula to Tuba. These were small steps in the process of creating bonds and greater understanding of each other’s lives and cultures and considering recent tensions is nothing short of remarkable in its success. The highlight of the P2G meeting for me was seeing, first-hand, the courage and kindness of the incredible women in both communities who took the risk of extending a hand of friendship to the other to facilitate these groups. The hope is to continue this program but there are costs associated with it that will require ongoing funding (e.g. transportation and activities/supplies).
Before concluding, I would like to acknowledge, with great appreciation, how the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival, its sponsors, advertisers, and donors continue to support the P2G initiative. The proceeds of this rich cultural event continue to assist projects within our partnership region and the beneficiary of this year’s EJFF will be the renewal of support for the Jewish/Arab youth exchange program described above, fostering relationships to humanize each group’s little-known neighbours and build bridges for a brighter future for everyone in the Metula region.
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Erin Wright, Chair of the P2G Committee of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Jews have always been story-tellers. Never mind the limitations of generations and geography; Jewish communities have connected over centuries and continents through the power of narrative. No wonder so many Jews were pioneers of the movie industry. No wonder the compulsion to tell Jewish stories on film remains as strong as ever. The Edmonton Jewish Film Festival plays such an important role in celebrating and sharing the diversity of the Jewish experience with the whole city. In a time of rising anti-Semitism around the world, this festival, which invites all of Edmonton to enjoy Jewish stories, is more important than ever. Mazel tov to everyone who makes the festival possible.
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The Honourable Paula Simons Independent Alberta Senator
Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
As Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 27th Annual Edmonton Jewish Film Festival.
My riding, and the City of Edmonton as a whole, have long been home to communities rich in diversity and culture. Since 1996, the EJFF has helped play a major role in supporting this heritage through film. Film offers the ability to create and educate, to explore both ourselves and those around us. In sharing stories of Jewish experience from around the world, I hope attendees are able to immerse themselves in the culture, stories, and history of the Jewish people, finding meaning, commonality, and understanding.
I want to thank all involved in organizing this event. To the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, to all volunteers, and most importantly, to all attendees: Your dedication is crucial to fostering this festival’s legacy of success!
Matt Jeneroux MP Edmonton Riverbend
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Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Dear Film Enthusiast,
As the Member of Parliament for Edmonton West, I am honoured to extend a warm welcome to the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival in its 27th year of promoting Jewish cinema.
From opening night to the closing film, I know that festival-goers will be entertained by the showcase of this year's diverse mix of films. The comedies, dramas, and documentaries representing the fictional and non- fictional portrayal of Jewish themes and identity will engage, challenge, and inspire all of us.
The Edmonton Jewish Film Festival continues to engage its audiences with its celebration of Jewish heritage and culture and promote an appreciation for the diversity of the Jewish community and offer a unique opportunity to experience the Jewish world through film.
Thank you to the festival organizers, sponsors, and volunteers who contribute to making this cinematic experience a success. Mazal tov!
Sincerely,
Kelly McCauley Member of Parliament, Edmonton West
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Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
Message from the Leader of the Official Opposition
Congratulations on the 27th Annual Edmonton Jewish Film Festival. This festival has been a staple in Edmonton for decades, and I’m thrilled to see it return in its full glory with access to films in person and virtually from the comfort of your home.
Film has been the vessel for the most important storytelling. It encourages us to empathize more and gives us a window into the experiences of others.
Jewish culture and storytelling have made significant contributions in Alberta to the arts by providing rich and diverse narratives that reflect the human experience, explore social issues, and inspire creativity.
I hope you all find time to enjoy the films presented by the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival.
On behalf of our entire Alberta NDP caucus, I wish you a very successful Film Festival; enjoy the show, everyone!
Rachel Notley Leader, Alberta’s NDP Caucus
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Jewish Federation of Edmonton
It’s an honour to welcome you to the amazing Edmonton Jewish Film Festival (EJFF).
For 27 years, this festival has given us the opportunity to come together to celebrate the rich Jewish cultural heritage through an impressive lineup of Jewish-themed cinema from around the world.
EJFF gives us all the opportunity to explore Jewish experiences and learn about joys, and challenges through visual storytelling.
I want to thank the organizers of the EJFF for their dedication to making this event possible.
I hope you enjoy the festival, connect with the community and leave feeling inspired and enriched by this unique cinematic experience.
Sarah Hoffman
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Message from Sarah Hoffman, MLA for Edmonton-Glenora and Alberta NDP Deputy Leader
Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
A Message From MLA David Shepherd
It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 27th annual Edmonton Jewish Film Festival.
Film has always been one of my favorite forms of storytelling – a complex art that mixes the raw emotive power of acting with visual artistry and sound design to create a whole much greater than the sum of its parts. Few media have such a range of possibilities to explore the human story and, in so doing, speak directly to our minds and hearts.
The EJFF celebrates the use of this art by Jewish artists to tell the diverse stories of a community with a deep history across the globe. The many facets of a remarkable story of enduring resilience in the face of centuries of persecution, prejudice and oppression and the complexity, beauty and vibrancy of the culture and identity Jewish people have fought to preserve and continue to explore and evolve.
It’s a rich tapestry in which there is much for all to consider, learn from and enjoy and at a time when we are seeing the resurgence of overt anti-semitism, it’s more important than ever that we do.
So thank you to everyone who for 27 years has given their time and energy each year to make this festival possible. May this year’s festival and each edition to come be even better than the last. Mazal tov!
David Shepherd MLA, Edmonton-City Centre13
Jewish Federation of Edmonton
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Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 27th Edmonton Jewish Film Festival.
As a strong personal advocate of the arts, I am thrilled that EJFF continues to provide an exemplary level of accessibility to Jewish-themed cinema for all Edmontonians. I wish to express my gratitude to The Jewish Federation of Edmonton for their continued hard work and dedication to the community.
On behalf of The City of Edmonton and my colleagues on City Council, I send warm wishes for pleasant screenings!
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Jewish Federation of Edmonton
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Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Thank you
to our Festival Committee
The Edmonton Jewish Film Festival appreciates the hard work of our dedicated Committee!
Sam Koplowicz, Festival Chair
Lauren Baram
Karen Farkas
Neil Grahn
Joe Hartfeil
Karen Hering
Valda Levin
Joel Magalnick
Jared Paull
Cynthia Pertman
Laura Schechter
Sari Schiff
Dasha Skamlova
Pauline Uretsky
Theresa Wynnyk
Stacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO, Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Susan Schiffman, Festival Coordinator
Tammy Vineberg, Marketing and Communications
Mischa Robuliak, Administrative Support
We are very grateful to these talented individuals for putting so much time and so much heart and soul into this festival. Without them it simply could not happen.
Thanks also to the members of the P2G Committee and to Earl Parker Committee members Mark Dolgoy, Len Dolgoy, and Neil Grahn.
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The Earl Parker Award for Jewish Film 2023
Please join us on Opening Night, Sunday, May 7, to share in the exciting announcement of this year’s winner.
The Earl Parker Award is a prize of $1,500, given annually by the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival, to advance Jewish themes in film and video. The prize is named in honour of Earl Parker, an Edmonton lawyer who was known for his love of Jewish culture.
Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023 19
Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Thank you
to our 2023 Sponsors & Supporters
Major Festival Sponsors
Edmonton Arts Council
Edmonton Community Foundation
Edmonton Public Library
Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Opening Night Sponsor
Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
Film Sponsors
Catherine Miller & Len Dolgoy & Family, Francie Ratner & Mark
Dolgoy & Family
Edmonton Downtown Business Association
Friends of the Galilee Panhandle
Holocaust Education Committee of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Corey Johnson of Scotia Private Investment Counsel
Cynthia & Wayne Pertman
Servus Credit Union
Short Sponsors
Edmonton Screen Industries Office
Friends of the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival
National Council of Jewish Women of Canada
SK Events
Pauline Uretsky & Family, Karen & Abe Hering & Family
The EJFF extends thanks to all whose names do not appear because we received their donations after the program was completed.
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Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
Special Events Sponsors
NorthwestFest Producers
Lemore Alima & Grant Vogel
Debbie Anson
Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association
Mor Barzel & Gary Wolch
Karen Farkas & Clyde Hurtig
Judy & Benaron Gleiberman
Roberta & Norm Hanson
Valda Levin
Lena & Victor Linetsky
Lynn & Stephen Mandel
Michele & Josh Miller
Maggie & John Mitchell
Francie & Jon Nobleman
Jean & Aaron Oshry
Carol & Ron Ritch
Sari Schiff & Abe Peliowski
Elexis & Eric Schloss
Riva & Howard Shein
Debby & Marshall Shoctor
Anita Sky & Howard Davidow
Debbie & Howie Sniderman
Natalie & Ken Soroka
Stacey & Erin Wright
Associate Producers
Anonymous Donor
Lauren Baram & Lawrence Rodnunsky
Susan Baram
Eleanor & Sydney Bercov
Marcia Bercov
Jack Chetner
Michelle Dinner
Penny & Phil Hardin
Lesley Jacobson
Susan & Leon Kagan
Miriam & Jerry Katz
Sam Koplowicz
Yossi Ovics
Reeva Parker
Colleen & Michael Paull
Lauren Gayle Pearson
Elaine & Ram Romanovsky
Susan Schiffman & Chris Pestre
Rowena, Jack & Daryl Schwartzberg
Perry Segal
Miriam Sheckter
Kayla Shoctor
Sue & Alvin Winestock
Connie & Danny Zalmanowitz
Donors and Supporters
Florie & David Axler
Susan & Glen Binnington
Karen Breitman
Tema Frank
Sandra Goldsmith
Gillian & Billie Horwitz
Rayna Lew
Deb Lieberman
Anna Linetsky
Poster Tech
Yonatan Reshef
Sherlock Holmes Pub
Tavola Zenari
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Jewish Federation of Edmonton
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Sunday, May 7 » At the Stanley A. Milner Library
ROSE • 2:45 p.m.
Sponsors’ Reception • 5:30 p.m.
Opening Night Celebration: KARAOKE • 7 p.m.
Director Moshe Rosenthal will do a Q&A on Zoom following the film.
Monday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 9 » Online
EXODUS 91
BrownWhite (short)
Wednesday, May 10 » At Metro Cinema
ONLY IN THEATRES • 4 p.m.
THE CONSPIRACY • 7 p.m.
Partner event with NorthwestFest
Thursday, May 11 and Friday, May 12 » Online
SCHÄCHTEN
The Inspection (short)
All tickets are free! Online films will be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on their screening dates. Register online at jewishedmonton.org.
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Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Sunday, May 14 » Online
CINEMA SABAYA
Anne (short)
Monday, May 15 » At the Stanley A. Milner Library
UPHEAVAL: THE JOURNEY OF MENACHEM BEGIN • 7 p.m.
Tuesday, May 16 and Wednesday, May 17 » Online ON THIS HAPPY NOTE
Deep Blue (short)
The Record (short)
Thursday, May 18 » At the Stanley A. Milner Library
FAREWELL MR HAFFMANN • 7 p.m.
Dessert reception • 9 p.m.
All tickets are free! Online films will be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on their screening dates. Register online at jewishedmonton.org.
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Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Sunday, May 7 • 2:45 p.m.
Rose
France, 2021
Drama
Director: Aurélie Saada
French with English subtitles
102 minutes
Rose, a 78-year-old Parisian, has just lost her beloved husband. When her grief gives way to a powerful impulse to live her life, making her realize that she can still redefine herself as a woman, the whole balance of the family is upset. Stars legendary French actress Françoise Fabian.
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At the Stanley A. Milner Library
ADMIT NE ADMIT NE
Sponsored by Edmonton Downtown Business Association
Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
Sunday, May 7 • 7 p.m.
Opening Night!
Karaoke
Israel, 2022
Dramedy
Director: Moshe Rosenthal
Hebrew with English subtitles
100 minutes
The bitter sweet story of an ordinary middle-class couple in the suburbs of Tel Aviv who live a relatively bored existence—he’s quiet, she’s a thwarted free spirit—until their lives are upended by a charismatic playboy named Itzik (played by Israeli star Lior Ashkenazi) who moves into the building’s penthouse.
Q&A
Director Moshe Rosenthal will do a Q&A on Zoom, after the film. Zoom available only to in-theatre audience.
At the Stanley A. Milner Library
Sponsored by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
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ADMIT NE ADMIT NE
Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Monday & Tuesday, May 8 & 9
Exodus 91
Israel, 2022
Docudrama
Director: Micah Smith
Hebrew, Amharic, English with English Subtitles
90 minutes
This hybrid docudrama follows Israeli diplomat, Asher Naim, on a seemingly insurmountable mission to bring 15,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel. As Asher learns more about these African Jews, he finds himself between worlds and facing a crisis of faith in himself and his country. The film follows the behindthe-scenes politics leading up to Operation Solomon—the two-day airlift in May 1991 pulled off in climactic chaos of the Ethiopian Civil War.
Available for viewing online
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Sponsored by Corey Johnson of Scotia Private Investment Counsel
Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
Monday & Tuesday, May 8 & 9
BrownWhite » short film
Israel, 2022
Short documentary
Director: Ruchama Ehrenhalt
English and Hebrew with English subtitles
10 minutes
From the perspective of Israeli biracial kids, BrownWhite explores how skin color influences the develop.m.ent of identity. Weaving their lived experiences with findings from academic research, the film reveals these kids’ dilemmas around identity in a world that’s more complicated than brown or white.
Available for viewing online
Sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women of Canada
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Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Wednesday, May 10 • 4 p.m.
Only in Theatres
In partnership with NorthwestFest
USA, 2022
Documentary
Director: Raphael Sbarge
English
94 minutes
Laemmle Theaters, the beloved art house cinema chain in Los Angeles, has an astonishing legacy, with ties to the origins of Hollywood. This is a story about a third-generation family business and its determination to survive.
At Metro Cinema, Garneau Theatre
Special Event Sponsor: NorthwestFest
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ADMIT NE ADMIT NE
The Conspiracy
In partnership with NorthwestFest
USA, 2022 Documentary
Director: Maxim Pozdorovkin
Wednesday, May 10 • 7 p.m.
English and French with English subtitles
92 minutes
It’s an insidious, centuries-old conspiracy theory that continues to rear its ugly head today: Jews have a secret international plot to control the world. How do such preposterous ideas get started, and why do they flourish? Filmmaker Maxim Pozdorovkin orchestrates bold, striking animation and talented voice artists to walk us through almost 250 years of antisemitic ideology, focusing on how times of uncertainty give rise to anxieties in marginalized populations, and how three Jewish family dynasties came to bear the brunt of irrational scapegoating.
At Metro Cinema, Garneau Theatre
Special Event Sponsor: NorthwestFest
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2023
Festival
ADMIT NE ADMIT NE
Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Thursday & Friday, May 11 & 12
Schächten
Austria, 2022
Drama
Director: Thomas Roth
German with English subtitles
105 minutes
In the late 1960s, when a young Jewish businessman witnesses the failed prosecution of a Nazi concentration camp commandant who tortured his parents, he resolves to take the law into his own hands.
Q&A
Director Thomas Roth will conduct a Q&A on Zoom on Friday, May 12, at noon.
Available for viewing online
Sponsored by the Holocaust Education Committee of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton
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Thursday & Friday, May 11 & 12
The Inspection » short film
France, 2021
Short drama
French with English subtitles
16 minutes
Directors: Frédéric Bas, Caroline Brami
The Inspection is a story about what can and cannot be told to children. A school teacher receives a visit from an educational inspector, who is trying to react to the parents’ complaints. It turns out the teacher spends too much time telling children about the horrible events of the 20th century, in particular about the Holocaust—all in contradiction to the logically drawn school curriculum. She is deeply convinced that while one cannot talk too much about the genocide of the European Jews, it is way too easy not to say enough, not to warn and not to explain.
Available for viewing online
Sponsored by Friends of the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival
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Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Sunday, May 14
Cinema Sabaya
Israel, 2021
Drama
Director: Orit Fouks Rotem
Arabic, Hebrew with English subtitles
91 minutes
Eight women, Arab and Jewish, take part in a video workshop hosted by Rona, a young filmmaker. With each camera take, the group dynamic forces the women to challenge their beliefs as they get to know one other.
Available for viewing online
Sponsored by Servus Credit Union
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Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
Sunday, May 14
Anne » short film
USA, 2022
Short drama
Director: Desiree Abeyta
English
10 minutes
Two actresses, a White actress and a Black actress, have made it to the final callbacks for the role of a lifetime: to play Anne Frank in an upcoming staged production. But as the topic of colour-blind casting makes its way into the audition room, the controversial question emerges: who is best suited to portray Anne Frank?
Available for viewing online
Sponsored by Pauline Uretsky & Family, Karen & Abe Hering & Family
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Monday, May 15 • 7 p.m.
Upheaval: The Journey of Menachem Begin
USA, 2020
Documentary
Director: Jonathan Gruber
Hebrew, English and Arabic
87 minutes
Imprisoned by the Soviets. Orphaned by the Holocaust. Elected Prime Minister. Crowned peacemaker by the Nobel Prize Committee. Haunted by the Lebanon War. Menachem Begin was a pillar of the State of Israel and a tireless fighter for the Jewish people. He was, at the same time, a controversial leader. His life is a nuanced and complicated canvas that tells the story of key events in the history of modern Israel and its relationship to its Middle East neighbours. With evocative imagery, rarely seen archival materials, and revealing interviews with those who knew him, Upheaval portrays the life and essence of this brilliant, tough, complex, loving, and proud man who never compromised when the survival of Israel and the Jewish people were at stake.
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Jewish Federation of Edmonton
At the Stanley A. Milner Library
ADMIT NE ADMIT NE
Catherine Miller & Len Dolgoy & Family, Francie Ratner & Mark Dolgoy & Family
Tuesday & Wednesday, May 16 & 17
On This Happy Note
Israel, 2021
Documentary
Director: Tamar Tal Anati
Hebrew with English subtitles
65 minutes
Anat Gov, one of the most influential playwrights in Israeli theatre, is preparing for her death. She asks Arik Kneller, a theatrical agent, to be the executor of her will. Arik struggles to accept the humour and serenity with which she faces her upcoming end. Anat, consciously accepting her nearing end, wishes to leave a spiritual legacy: there can be a happy ending. Almost a decade after her death, her loved ones try to fill the void left by her words with their own. Through excerpts from her plays and footage of her family and political world, a new script is written: one in which the line between the play and reality is blurred.
Sponsored by Friends of the Galilee Panhandle
35 Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
for viewing online
Available
Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Tuesday & Wednesday, May 16 & 17
Deep Blue » short film
Israel, 2020
Short drama
Director: Itamar Schwartz
Hebrew with English subtitles
10 minutes
While mourning the death of his wife, Zvi tries to operate the washing machine without success.
Available for viewing online
Sponsored by sk events
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Tuesday & Wednesday, May 16 & 17
The Record » short film
Switzerland, 2022
Animated short
Director: Jonathan Laskar
French with English subtitles
9 minutes
A traveller gives an antiques dealer a magic vinyl record: “It reads your mind and plays your lost memories”. Obsessed by this endless record, the antiques dealer listens to it again and again.
Available for viewing online
Sponsored by the Edmonton Screen Industries Office
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Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
Jewish Federation of Edmonton
Thursday, May 18 • 7 p.m.
Farewell Mr. Haffmann
France, 2022
Drama
Director: Fred Cavayé
French with English subtitles
115 minutes
Paris 1941. François Mercier is an ordinary man whose only goal is to start a family with Blanche, the woman he loves. François works for Mr. Haffmann, a talented Jewish jeweller. Under the German occupation, the employer and employee are forced to strike a deal which, over the following months, will upend the fate of all concerned. French screen legend Daniel Auteuil stars in this taught and stylish psychological thriller.
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At the Stanley A. Milner Library
ADMIT NE ADMIT NE
Sponsored by Cynthia and Wayne Pertman
Edmonton Jewish Film Festival 2023
All festival long!
Klezmer Kitchen Party
Canada, 2022
Documentary
Producer: KlezKanada
English and French
58 minutes
Winner of the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival Earl Parker Award for Jewish Film, 2022
Klezmer Kitchen Party was created as part of KlezKanada’s 2022 digital festival. Kitchen parties are an iconic tradition of the Canadian folk music scene, especially in Quebec and Newfoundland. The kitchen party conjures a welcoming scene of good food, good cheer, and good tunes. This party brings Klezmer musicians to join other musicians around the kitchen table, for the first time to share Klezmer, Quebecois, Newfoundland, and Irish tunes in a Quebec kitchen. The digital component of KlezKanada, introduced during the pandemic, brought music and fun into peoples’ homes encouraging them to join in the joys of kitchen party traditions from the safety of their own kitchens. Grab a glass and a nosh and do the same.
Available for viewing online
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Jewish Federation of Edmonton
All festival long!
The Four Children
Canada, 2023
Short Drama
English
Director: Malka Martz-Oberlander
Winner of the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival Earl Parker Award for Jewish Film, 2021
Zoe, a Jewish teen writing a paper for school, discusses with her Bubbe, Rivkah, what it is to be a Jew right now and how difficult it is to grapple with the actions of the current Israeli government. This project is one chapter of a larger film that the filmmaker would like to produce one day.
Available for viewing online
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FROM TED POWER AND YOUR FRIENDS AT FROM TED POWER AND YOUR FRIENDS AT MAZEL TOV TO THE EDMONTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL FOR 27 YEARS OF CELEBRATING JEWISH CULTURE, IDENTITY, RELIGION AND HISTORY THROUGH FILM 780-429-7007 WWW.TRACEAPPS.COM 780-429-7007 WWW.TRACEAPPS.COM
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