Issuu

GERSHMAN

PHILADELPHIA

JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

VIRTUAL FALL FEST NOV 7-21 2O2O

Thank you to ELAINE LEVITT, ELAINE LINDY, and their families for their support through the decades.

GERSHMAN

PHILADELPHIA

JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

From the Executive Artistic Director

GPJFF40 Sponsors

Tickets and Passes

Calendar At A Glance

Fall Fest by Theme

Films

AUTONOMIES Israeli TV Series

Master Class with BoJack Horseman Creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg

Art & Activism: Jewish Visual Artists Showcase & Panel

Ariel Rivka DanceÕs UNORTHODOX Performance & Dance Workshop

Virtual Screening Guidelines

Virtual Screening FAQs

Technical Support

Who We Are

Meet the Team

Letter from Executive Managing Director

Ways to Donate

Giving Tuesday

GPJFFÕs GoFundMe Campaign

GPJFF Sponsor Ads

WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT

GPJFF FALL 2020

FROM THE EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR | Olivia Antsis

Forty years ago, Ruth and Archie Perlmutter married their love of Yiddishkeit and cinema and founded the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival (PJFF). As the Gershman Y's signature program, PJFF invited Judy Golden to serve as co-chair and selected films from the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival's debut lineup. Four decades later, Philadelphia's first film festival and the nation's second Jewish film festival has transitioned into a year-round, non-profit film institution dedicated to creating connection and community through Jewish cinema and storytelling. Using film as a vehicle for exploring Jewish values, culture, and heritage, the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival (GPJFF) has presented over 750 international films highlighting the diversity and richness of the Jewish experience worldwide. There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year for arts and culture institutions everywhere. However, with the support of passionate and loyal film lovers like you, in the past six months, film festivals, arthouse theaters, and film centers have risen to the occasion and adapted their programs to serve their communities in the age of COVID. Of course, GPJFF is no exception! Not only have we continued to bring you the best international Jewish cinema virtually: we believe we've curated one of the best lineups in the Festival's 40-year history. For its 40th anniversary season, GPJFF has planned a fully immersive and exciting Virtual Fall Fest. From November 7-21, GPJFF will showcase over two dozen virtual programs and special events, including 18 feature film Philadelphia Premieres, two shorts programs, and an episodic Israeli TV series. Other highlights include GPJFF Big Nights, films featuring Breakout and Rising Stars Shira Haas and Rachel Sennott, and an entire day dedicated to new media programming. On Sunday, November 15, enjoy binge-watching an Israeli TV series by the writers of Shtisel, a Master Class with BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg, a Jewish visual artists showcase & panel on the intersection of art and activism, and dance performance and workshop by Ariel Rivka Dance. The Festival will also highlight homegrown talent with FROM PHILADELPHIA TO THE FRONT. The locally produced documentary was selected from GPJFF's 40-year archive by Ruth Perlmutter in honor of her late husband, Archie, and Philadelphia artist, Judy Gelles. Judy, who passed away earlier this year, was a distinguished artist and a dear friend of the Festival. Additionally, a short film created by students from the Israel American Council's Eitanim group as a submission to GPJFF's 2019 Ă”My IsraelĂ• Student Short Film Competition will screen on Closing Night. GPJFF will offer many ways to connect, share stories, dialogue, and learn during Fall Fest. The only difference is now filmgoers will be able to watch incredible Jewish cinema, attend happy hours, and participate in live Q&As from the comfort of home. From experience, I can tell you that attending a virtual film festival is fun and easy once you get yourself set up. Whatever you do, don't let the fear of (a little) technology stop you from participating! Remember, we are here for you. We eagerly await your questions and don't mind taking the time to make sure that your festival experience is everything you wished it would be and more. Thank you for taking part in GPJFF history. We cherish your support and can't wait to (virtually) see you at the movies this fall!

Yours in cinema, Olivia Antsis GPJFF Executive Artistic Director

PJFF.ORG

GPJFF40 SPONSORS PRESENTING & NEW MEDIA DAY SPONSOR Elaine Lindy CHAI SOCIETY SPONSORS Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation The Lindy Family Nadine Liez-Weiner and Bart Weiner PLATINUM SPONSORS Lisa and Arthur Berkowitz Steve and Betsy Filton Phyllis and Howard Fischer Neubauer Family Foundation, Joseph and Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer Ruth Perlmutter DIAMOND SPONSORS Mickey and Barbara Black Jacob Cohen and Sarah Waxman Djerassi Foundation The Joseph and Marie Field Fund Marcy Gringlas and Joel Greenberg, Seed the Dream Foundation Edward and Susan Hoffman Amy and Richard Oller Larry and Cindy Rappoport Harriet and Larry Weiss GOLD SPONSORS David and Hallee Adelman Dean and Susanna Lachs Adler Fran Freedman Blum Nancy and David Colman Harris and Debra Devor Iris and Shlomo Drechsler Debra Felman and David Warshal Jan Felman and Harvey Schwartz Judith Finkel, Ph.D.â€” NMAJH Internship Program Debbie and Bob Fleischman Glenmede Sarita and Morris Gocial Jane and Joe Goldblum Judith and Joel Golden Dara and Seth Goldstein Libby S. Harwitz and Burton Blender Lynne and Harold Honickman Julie and Richard Jaffe Daniel and Cathy Kaufman

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Ellyn and Seth Lehr Howard Pack David and Helen Pudlin Francyn Sacks and Gerald Escovitz Patricia Saddier-Dana Sherrie R. Savett Pam and Tony Schneider Helen and Jordan Schwartz Nancy and Ben Shein Francine Tabas Nancy and Stuart Weiss Joseph Zuritsky CORPORATE EVENT SPONSORS Cooper Spirits University of Pennsylvania Cinema and Media Studies CORPORATE MITZVAH SPONSORS Abington Weight Management Center and Abington Endocrinology Associates MEDIA SPONSORS Jewish Exponent WHYY SELF-CARE SPONSOR Lush TECH SPONSOR Computer Guy SILVER SPONSORS Bolden Lipkin PC Marcia Bronstein and Eric Salmansohn Carole Landis Foundation for Social Action Michael and Ellen Singer Coleman David Fine and Fine and Staud, LLC Lisa Heller and Harry Roth Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman Mary and Stuart Kahn Susan and Leonard Klehr Michael and Debbie Pollack Richard and Beth Probinsky Nathan and Mary Relles Lyn M. Ross Saltz Mongeluzzi Barrett & Bendesky PC Trial Lawyers Julie and Jordan Savitch Rebecca and Ed Schulman Ellen Schwartz and Jeremy Siegel Stacey Spector and Ira Brind

BRONZE SPONSORS Penni and Mark Blaskey Elaine and Jim Culbertson Art and Lynne Ellis Arlene Fickler Jill and Mark Fishman Dr. Arlene Goldman Alan Grodnitzky Howard and Jane Jacobs Caryn Feuer Liss Judith Meyer Julie Meyers Caro and Bob Rock Dr. Bernard Rothman and Toby Meyer Brinker, Simpson & Co., LLC — Cathy Seiler, Partner Rita D. Siegle Peggy Wachs RUBY SPONSORS Nona Abrams and Joan Wohl Marcy and Dan Bacine Sylvia Blume Barbara and Hal Cobert Norman and Suzanne Cohn Julie Curson Eileen Dwell and Chuck Steinberg Albert and Rosa Esquenazi Terri N. Gelberg Robert Gelsher Dr. Gary and Nancy Gordon Rachel A. Gross & H.P. Baker Jan and Alan Kanoff Ruthie Levikoff Dr. Marcia Sachs Littell Markowitz and Richman / Stephen C. Richman Susan and Jim Meyer Harriet Potashnick Janet Rappoport in honor of Larry Rappoport Dr. Eva Ray Ray Reed Lynn and Bruce Robins Sue and Hal Rosenthal Jerry Silverman Sharon and Kenn Spinrad Rabbi Lynnda and Larry Targan Joan Tishgart

TICKETS & PASSES GENERAL TICKETING $15 General Admission ALL-ACCESS PASSES $180 | Piece of Cake: Week 1 All-Access Pass $180 | Second Slice: Week 2 All-Access Pass YOUNG FRIEND ALL-ACCESS PASS: $100 SPECIAL EVENT

11/15 ARIEL RIVKA DANCEÕS UNORTHODOX PERFORMANCE & DANCE WORKSHOP $15 | 7 PM EST

FREE EVENTS

11/15 I AM SMART AND EVERYONE ELSE IS WRONG: WRITING FOR TELEVISION WITH BOJACK HORSEMAN CREATOR RAPHAEL BOB-WAKSBERG MASTER CLASS 1 PM EST

11/15 ART & ACTIVISM: JEWISH VISUAL ARTISTS SHOWCASE & PANEL 4 PM EST

11/21 MY ISRAELI STORY Short Film Screening by IAC Eitanim Students 7 PM EST Refunds will be given only if a program is canceled or in the case of a documented illness or injury.

YOUNG FRIEND SPONSORS Shana Caplan Jonah Cohen Rachel Cohen Danielle Selber and Michael Slutsky Qingyang Zhou GPJFF40 DESIGNER Denise Avayou, Avayou Design

PJFF.ORG

VIRTUAL FALL FEST NOV 7-21 2O2O

OPENING WEEKEND

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

8 PM

GOLDEN VOICES | Narrative | Screening ONE NIGHT ONLY | Page 12

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 10 AM 1 PM 4 PM 7 PM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 (Kristallnacht Commemorative Screenings)

WEEK ONE 5 PM 8 PM

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 5 PM 8 PM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 5 PM 8 PM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 5 PM 8 PM

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CENTERPIECE WEEKEND 8 PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 (NEW MEDIA DAY) HONEYMOOD | Narrative | Streaming 48 Hrs | Page 25

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16

5 PM 8 PM

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17

5 PM 8 PM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

5 PM 8 PM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19

5 PM 8 PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

7 PM 8 PM

WEEK TWO

Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Accessible to PA & DE Residents Only

Accessible to PA Residents Only

Accessible to All States

PJFF.ORG

FALL FEST BY THEME C U R AT E Y O U R G PJ F F FA L L F E S T

ANTI-SEMITISM

ARTS & CULTURE

FROM PHILADELPHIA TO THE FRONT | 11/12 | 5 PM THOU SHALT NOT HATE | 11/18 | 8 PM

ON BROADWAY | 11/10 | 5 PM IN YOUR EYES, I SEE MY COUNTRY | 11/16 | 8 PM BREAKING BREAD | 11/21 | 8 PM

BREAKTHROUGH STAR: SHIRA HAAS

ASIA | 11/10 | 8 PM BROKEN MIRRORS | 11/17 | 8 PM

ISRAELI DRAMEDY

GOLDEN VOICES | 11/7 | 8 PM BORN IN JERUSALEM AND STILL ALIVE | 11/8 | 4 PM SUBLET | 11/8 | 7 PM HONEYMOOD | 11/14 | 8 PM

(Please note: Some films are in multiple categories)

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HOLOCAUST & WWII

WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT | 11/9 | 5 PM MY NAME IS SARA | 11/9 | 8 PM FROM PHILADELPHIA TO THE FRONT | 11/12 | 5 PM THE SIGN PAINTER | 11/19 | 5 PM

JEWISH DIASPORA & IMMIGRATION

FROM CAIRO TO THE CLOUD: THE WORLD OF THE CAIRO GENIZA | 11/8 | 1 PM IN YOUR EYES, I SEE MY COUNTRY | 11/16 | 8 PM

LGBTQ

MY ISRAEL (Student Short Film Competition)

SUBLET | 11/8 | 7 PM TAHARA | 11/12 | 8 PM TRANSKIDS | 11/17 | 5 PM SHIVA BABY | 11/19 | 8 PM

NEW MEDIA

AUTONOMIES | 11/15 | 10 AM MASTER CLASS WITH THE CREATOR OF BOJACK HORSEMAN | 11/15 | 1 PM ART & ACTIVISM: JEWISH VISUAL ARTIST SHOWCASE & PANEL | 11/15 | 4 PM ARIEL RIVKA DANCEÕS UNORTHODOX | 11/15 | 7 PM

MY ISRAELI STORY | 11/21 | 7 PM

RISING STAR: RACHEL SENNOTT

TAHARA | 11/12 | 8 PM SHIVA BABY | 11/19 | 8 PM

SHARED STORIES: THE INTERSECTION OF BLACK AND JEWISH EXPERIENCES IN AMERICA

JEWISH INTERNATIONAL SHORTS

THEY AINÕT READY FOR ME | 11/8 | 10 AM SHARED LEGACIES | 11/16 | 5 PM

ISRAELI SHORTS | 11/11 | 5 PM JEWISH INTERNATIONAL SHORTS | 11/18 | 5 PM

PJFF.ORG

GOLDEN VOICES SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 | 8 PM EST | ONE NIGHT ONLY VIRTUAL SCREENING Accessible to PA Residents Only

OPENING NIGHT FILM Directed by Evgeny Ruman Narrative Feature Israel | 2019 | 88 min Russian and Hebrew with English subtitles OFFICIAL SELECTION: Boston Jewish Film Festival | Haifa International Film Festival | Seattle Jewish Film Festival AWARDS: Honorable Mention Evgeny Ruman at Haifa International Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Assimilation; immigration; Israel; Israeli cinema; rom-coms; Russian cinema; Russian culture; Soviet Jewry

TREE #3 Screening with GOLDEN VOICES

Directed by Omer Ben-Shachar Narrative Short | USA | 2019 | 20 min | English and Hebrew with English subtitles This charming Student Academy Award winning short follows a vivacious Israeli immigrant boy who refuses to allow his teacherÕs shoddy casting interfere with him and his new friends performing on stage.

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PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE With a perfect mix of poignancy, levity and heart, GOLDEN VOICES offers an intimate glimpse into the experience of Soviet Jews during the single largest wave of immigration in Israel's history. GPJFF is thrilled to present alumnus director Evgeny Ruman's (Igor & the CranesÕ Journey) latest film on Opening Night of Fall Fest 2020. Upon the collapse of the Soviet Union, Raya (Maria Belkin) and Victor Frenkel (Vladimir Friedman), famed for dubbing the finest films of the 20th century for Soviet audiences, make aliyah and begin their life anew in Israel. Realizing their unique brand has no market in the holy land, they are forced to use their talents in unexpected ways, leading them to wildly absurd predicaments and an adventure of a lifetime. Nominated for four Ophir Awards (Israeli Academy Awards)

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THEY AINÕT READY FOR ME Shared Stories Encore Screening SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 | 10 AM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Brad Rothschild Documentary Feature USA | 2020 | 89 min English OFFICIAL SELECTION: New York Jewish Film Festival | San Francisco Jewish Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Black-Jewish identity; Chicago; civil rights; community activism; documentaries; fighting racial inequity; grassroots activism; justice for black lives; race relations; social justice; strong female voices; Tikkun Olam In THEY AINÕT READY FOR ME, Tamar Manasseh, founder of MASK (Mothers Against Senseless Killings) believes she can do anything! A mother and rabbinical student who dreams of becoming a rabbi someday, Tamar is not only emerging as an important voice within Chicago's black community, she is on her way to becoming a national symbol of what can be achieved as a grassroots activist. The work Tamar has been doing for over three years to reduce gun violence in one South Side Chicago neighborhood has taught her that if

you have the will, you can make a difference. From the first day of summer through Labor Day, she and her fellow MASK volunteers occupy the corner of 75th and Stuart to assure that kids in the neighborhood have a safe place to play, people have a safe place to meet, and no one is left hungry. With her magnetic, self-assured energy, Tamar credits Judaism for instilling in her this sense of civic duty. In Judaism, Tikkun Olam is demonstrated through acts of kindness, activism, and charity. In a moving moment in the film, Tamar explains that Jews see problems in the world as Òcracks,Ó and her work with MASK is born out of her desire to repair Òthe crack that is called gun violence.Ó Timely and inspirational, THEY AIN'T READY FOR ME also shows the challenges Tamar faces in her black and Jewish worlds. While she is grateful for the support she receives from the Jewish community, she does not appreciate having to validate her claim to Judaism because of her skin color.

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FROM CAIRO TO THE CLOUD: THE WORLD OF THE CAIRO GENIZA SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 | 1 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Michelle Paymar Documentary Feature Canada/USA/Egypt/France/Israel/UK 2018 | 94 min English OFFICIAL SELECTION: Atlanta Jewish Film Festival | Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival | Miami Jewish Film Festival | New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival | Washington Jewish Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Ancient relics; documentaries; Egypt; historical archives; Jewish history; Jewish diaspora; Sephardic culture; world history

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PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE In 1896, Solomon Schechter enters the sacred storeroom of an ancient synagogue in Old Cairo. The rest is Jewish history. When a vast treasure trove of documents hidden for centuries was discovered in the ÒgenizaÓ of an old Jewish synagogue in Cairo, historians suddenly gained insight into thousands of years of vibrant Jewish life in the heart of the Islamic world. From sacred manuscripts to personal correspondence with their Muslim and Christian neighbors to young children practicing the Hebrew alphabet, the Cairo Geniza contains the largest compendium of Jewish artifacts ever found. This illuminating and well-researched documentary tells the story of the worldÕs most extraordinary collection of ancient Jewish relics and their astounding odyssey into the modern world.

BORN IN JERUSALEM AND STILL ALIVE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 | 4 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Yossi Atia and David Ofek Narrative Feature Israel | 2019 | 83 min Hebrew and English with English Subtitles OFFICIAL SELECTION: Atlanta Jewish Film Festival | Boston Israeli Film Festival | Jerusalem Film Festival | Miami Jewish Film Festival AWARDS: FIPRESCI Prize at Jerusalem Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Dark comedy; father/son dramas; independent cinema; Israel; Israeli cinema; Jerusalem; rom-coms

PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Besides caring for his overly dependent father, anxiety-prone Ronen (Yossi Atia) spends his days offering free walking tours to famous terrorist attack sites in Jerusalem. Navigating PTSD himself, he discovers that his new touring gig, though unconventional, actually brings him solace. After connecting with a beautiful woman from one of his tours Ñ Asia (Lihi Kornowski), a vivacious Israeli ex-pat who studies architecture in Barcelona Ñ Ronen realizes he has a lot more work to do if their relationship is going to stand a chance. Despite its endearing premise, likable characters, and spectacular views of Jerusalem, BORN IN JERUSALEM AND STILL ALIVE is not your typical romantic comedy. Poetic and original, this award-winning film by Yossi Atia and David Ofek reminds us of the ÒRonenÓ lingering in each of us, a soul yearning to relinquish its past and embrace new beginnings.

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SUBLET SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 | 7 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Eytan Fox Narrative Feature Israel/USA | 2020 | 89 min Hebrew and English with English subtitles OFFICIAL SELECTION: Tribeca Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Etyan Fox; intergenerational stories; Israel; Israeli cinema; John Benjamin Hickey; LGBTQ cinema; rom-coms; Tel Aviv; unlikely friendships PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE By pulling earnest, first-rate performances from Tony Award winner John Benjamin Hickey (The Normal Heart) and newcomer Niv Nissim, Etyan Fox (Yossi & Jagger, The Bubble) presents two sympathetic characters audiences will love in SUBLET. Michael (Hickey) is a New York City travel writer visiting Tel Aviv to research his latest assignment. Rather than explore Tel Aviv like a tourist, he wants to see the region through a localÕs eyes. When he arrives at the apartment

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of Tomer (Nissim), Michael not only learns that heÕll be residing in one of Tel AvivÕs most coveted neighborhoods but that his temporary home is nowhere near ready for his occupancy. No sooner than Michael settles in, does it become apparent that the handsome, scrappy young filmmaker who let out his apartment has nowhere else to go. ItÕs easy for Michael to empathize. After leaving behind an estranged relationship with his husband in New York City, Michael feels a certain kinship with Tomer. As the pair gets to know one another and the age gap between them presents less of a hindrance and more of an advantage, Michael and Tomer slowly begin to let their guards down and allow for new possibilities to take root in their lives. Funny, touching, and perfectly understated, in SUBLET, Fox eschews pandering to his characterÕs weaknesses without surrendering his propensity for exploring the heartÕs sentimental gestures. The result is both heartbreaking and brilliant.

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WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT Kristallnacht Commemorative Screening MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 5 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Caroline Link Narrative Feature Germany/Switzerland | 2019 | 119 min German, Swiss German, French and English with English subtitles OFFICIAL SELECTION: Atlanta Jewish Film Festival | Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival | Jerusalem Jewish Film Festival | Miami Jewish Film Festival | New York Jewish Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Family dramas; film adaptations; films based on true stories; German cinema; Holocaust cinema; Nowhere in Africa; WWII history

PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Based on the best-selling, semi-autobiographical novel by Judith Kerr, WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT is a marvelous new film from the Academy Award-winning director of Nowhere in Africa (2001).

Jewish journalist, goes missing. When he flees to Zurich on account of his unfavorable critique of Hitler, Anna, her mother, Dorothea (Carla Juri), and older brother, Max (Marinus Hohmann), each pack a suitcase and embark on a yearslong journey to join Arthur in Switzerland, Paris, and London. Forced to leave behind her favorite pink rabbit with her beloved maid and confidant, Heimpi (Ursula Werner), Anna must find the courage to face a new life filled with challenges and uncertainty. Packed with stunning visuals and sweeping cinematography, Caroline LinkÕs engrossing adaptation of KerrÕs beloved childrenÕs book offers an intimate window into the experience of German Jewish refugees who left their country just before the war.

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In 1933, precocious and carefree nine-year-old Anna (the astounding Riva Krymalowski) sensed something amiss in Berlin when her father, Arthur Kemper (Oliver Masucci), a well-known PJFF.ORG

MY NAME IS SARA Kristallnacht Commemorative Screening MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 8 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Steven Oritt Narrative Feature USA | 2019 | 111 min English OFFICIAL SELECTION: JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival | Miami Jewish Film Festival | Toronto Jewish Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Eastern European history; epic stories; female heroines; history of class struggles; Holocaust cinema; thrillers; true stories; WWII history PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Sara Goralnik was only 11 years old when the Nazis invaded her hometown of Korets in June 1941. At the time, Korets was home to a vibrant Jewish community whose history dated back 1,000 years. Before the German invasion, Jews, Polish Catholics, and Ukrainian Eastern Orthodox Christians had peacefully cohabitated in the region for centuries. However, as part of an independent Poland, the local Ukrainian farmers did not fare well compared to the burgeoning Jewish merchant class. Exploited by the Polish nobility, starved by the Soviets during the great famine of the 1930s, and poorly educated to 18

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boot, much of the townÕs suffering Ukrainian population had nurtured a deep resentment towards their upwardly mobile Jewish neighbors by the time of the occupation. Desperate and hopeless, many welcomed their German ÒliberatorsÓ Ñ aka Nazis Ñ with open arms. It is here that SaraÕs story begins. After possibly losing her entire family in the Holocaust and barely escaping the Nazis herself, Sara (Zuzanna Surowy) borrows her Christian best friendÕs identity to seek shelter in the Ukrainian countryside. Taken in by a local farmer and his young wife, she tends to their farm and two young children in exchange for food and a place to sleep. Living a lie, Sara knows that her only chance of survival rests on her ability to pass for a local. However, she soon learns she is not the only one harboring a deep, dark secret. After discovering whatÕs been plaguing her employerÕs marriage, life at the farm becomes increasingly tricky as Sara strives to keep her true identity hidden at all costs. Based on a true story, MY NAME IS SARA is a gripping saga of courage, compassion, and defiance.

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ON BROADWAY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 | 5 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only Directed by Oren Jacoby Documentary Feature USA | 2019 | 84 min English OFFICIAL SELECTION: DOC NYC | Hamptons International Film Festival | Miami Jewish Film Festival | San Francisco Jewish Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Acting; Broadway; documentaries; musicals; New York City; New York history; theater and performing arts; theater history; theater preservation

PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Fiddler on the Roof. Death of a Salesman. Hamilton. The Phantom of the Opera. For the past two centuries, Broadway has birthed some of the most beloved musicals the world has ever known. Oren JacobyÕs delightful documentary is a meticulously crafted history lesson and a testament to the hundreds of Jewish performers, writers, playwrights, and producers who launched their careers on New York CityÕs most sought after stages.

challenging topics like the AIDS crisis and the African American experience, Tony Kushner and August Wilson may not have set out to prove that Broadway was the place where the worldÕs greatest stories come to life. However, their award-winning plays, Angels in America and Fences, will forever remain entrenched in the 20th Century American zeitgeist. A haven for cultural celebration, exploration, and examination, todayÕs Broadway is a diverse melting pot of fresh and innovative storytelling. Featuring interviews with James Corden, Alec Baldwin, Helen Mirren and more, ON BROADWAY pays homage to the epic institution that generated thousands of jobs, provided endless hours of joy, and gave rise to the unforgettable legends of stage and screen. The lights of Broadway may be off for the moment, but this intimate review of BroadwayÕs best offers theater lovers another opening, another show from the best seats in the house!

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While Broadway exists to razzle-dazzle, BroadwayÕs most cherished players seek to engage and move audiences. Confronting

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ASIA Breakthrough Star: Shira Haas TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 | 8 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Ruthy Pribar Narrative Feature Israel | 2020 | 85 min Hebrew and Russian with English Subtitles OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival | Tribeca Film Festival AWARDS: Best Actress, Best Cinematography & Nora Ephron Prize at Tribeca Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Coming-of-age films; independent cinema; Israel; Israeli cinema; mother-daughter dramas; Russian cinema; Shira Haas; tearjerkers PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Danny Boyle and William Hurt, two jury members of the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, wrote of Shira Haas: ÒHer face is a never-ending landscape in which even the tiniest expression is heartbreaking.Ó Remarking on Haas' assured performance in ASIA, it is no wonder the Israeli actor took home the festival's prestigious award for Best Actress in an International Narrative Feature earlier this season. After being cast in supporting roles in the critically acclaimed yet controversial Israeli independent features Foxtrot (2017) and Princess (2014), HaasÕ role in the Shtisel (2013 - ) propelled her career to new heights. And, while Shtisel was the vehicle that put Haas on the map, it was the talented 20

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actor's principal role in another Netflix sensation, Unorthodox, that confirmed her as GPJFF40Õs breakthrough star. In ASIA, Haas plays Vika, the daughter of a Russian immigrant single mother and nurse. To those that know them, Asia and Vika look and behave more like sisters than mother and daughter. However, as Vika enters an age when privacy and independence are inherent in developing one's identity, Vika's relationship with her mother strains. As Vika experiments with boundaries and begins to defy her mother's unique parenting style, Asia realizes that she's responsible for pushing her daughter away. Her epiphany is central to how she views her daughter's dire diagnosis and the fact that Vika will inevitably need a caregiver 247. Though Vika had been battling severe health issues for most of her life, Vika and her mother never gave up hope that she would live to realize her dreams. Asia now sees that what her daughter needs the most is the space to live her life on her terms. And an official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival, Ruthy PribarÕs beautiful debut feature is a poignant character study and rumination on motherhood, desire, and mortality.

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ISRAELI SHORTS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 | 5 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only ALL PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERES

CURL

POP 30

Directed by Shalom Hager and Sigalit Lipshitz | Israel | 2018 | 25 min | Hebrew with English subtitles

Directed by Shira Billig | Israel | 2019 | 18 min Hebrew with English subtitles

Tomer Capon, best known for his roles in acclaimed Israeli TV series like Fauda and When Heroes Fly, is remarkable as David, a Hasidic father of four, who must find a way to reconcile his faith in the wake of a tragic accident.

Hopeless romantic Mika struggles to come to terms with her boyfriend breaking up with her after she proposes marriage. Produced by JerusalemÕs MaÕaleh School of Television, Film & Arts, this delightful and stylish short is a love song to the 1980s.

DINA MALUL FIGHTS BACK Directed by Amit Saragosi and Adar Shafran Israel | 2019 | 22 min | Hebrew with English subtitles Dina, a hard-working, feisty supermarket cashier, begins a revolution among her colleagues when she decides not to charge customers for all of the items in their carts.

GREY ZONE Directed by Gal Sagy | Israel | 2020 | 10 min Hebrew with English subtitles Inappropriately groped by a stranger passing by on the street, a female jogger seeks out the man who did it to find out why.

OUR WAY BACK Directed by Moshe Rosenthal | Israel | 2018 26 min | Hebrew with English subtitles A romance set against the beautiful Israeli desert, OUR WAY BACK stars Lior Ashkenazi (Foxtrot, Footnote) as a married man whose trip with his much younger, male lover takes a dangerous turn.

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THE END OF LOVE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 | 8 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA Residents Only

Directed by Keren Ben Rafael Narrative Feature France/Israel | 2019 | 90 min French, Hebrew and English with English Subtitles OFFICIAL SELECTION: Venice International Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Dark comedies; family dramas; France; French cinema; Israel; Israeli cinema; romance films PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder. That is certainly the case for Julie (Judith Chemla, My Polish Honeymoon) and Yuval (Arieh Worthalter, Girl), a recently married Parisian couple with a gorgeous baby boy. However, everyone knows that no relationship exists without its problems. Julie and Yuval's marriage is no exception. With Julie in Paris Ñ juggling a kid, a job, and poor excuse for a social life Ñ and Yuval in Israel Ñ surrounded by old friends and family awaiting his visa renewal Ñ

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the whole long-distance thing hasn't been easy. At first, chatting day and night through Skype manages to keep the couple feeling connected. Nonetheless, once the novelty of spending every waking moment together on a laptop or phone wears off, the couple is inevitably left to ponder whether one's love for the other is strong enough to weather yet another storm. Shot entirely through Julie and Yuval's digital devices, THE END OF LOVE couldn't be more apropos for the COVID age. Directed by Keren Ben Rafael (Virgins), this thoughtful and engaging indie film not only explores the highs and lows of long-distance communication but authentically demonstrates the emotional toll of having to navigate one's life and relationships predominantly through screens.

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FROM PHILADELPHIA TO THE FRONT RuthÕs Reels & ArchieÕs Archives: From the Vaults THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 | 5 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to All States

Directed by Marianne Bernstein and Judy Gelles Documentary Short USA | 2005 | 37 min English OFFICIAL SELECTION: Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival | Miami Jewish Film Festival | New York Jewish Film Festival | San Francisco Jewish Film Festival | Washington Jewish Film Festival AWARDS: Audience Award at Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Documentaries; GPJFF alumni films; local filmmakers; Philadelphia; short films; veterans; WWII history Directed by former GPJFF Screening Committee members Marianne Bernstein and the late Judy Gelles, this artistic and affecting short documentary is the first to focus on JewishAmerican World War II veterans. Homing in on six Philadelphia WWII vets Ñ all in their 80s at the time of filming Ñ we learn about the antiSemitism Jewish-American soldiers experienced during the war and the impact the war had on the rest of their lives. In combining archival footage and images from the menÕs photo collections, Marianne and Judy share moments

of profound significance, such as Jewish soldiers celebrating Shabbat and Passover during wartime and the first Jewish service at Dachau after liberation. One of the documentaryÕs most memorable subjects, Milton Dank Ñ a noted physicist and historian who flew glider planes during the war Ñ took hundreds of photographs from the front lines. Sometimes pictures tell the story better than what words ever could. When Judy uncovered her own father-inlawÕs wealth of WWII photos and artifacts after his passing, she realized the importance of documenting the experiences of men like Sidney Gelles. These men never talked about the war and now they never would. Her discovery inspired her and Marianne to document stories like SidneyÕs in FROM PHILADELPHIA TO THE FRONT. Winner of the New Filmmakers Award at the 24th Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival in 2005.

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TAHARA Rising Star: Rachel Sennott THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 | 8 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only Directed by Olivia Peace Written by Jess Zeidman Narrative Feature USA | 2020 | 82 min English OFFICIAL SELECTION: Slamdance Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Black-Jewish representation onscreen; coming-of-age films; dark comedies; female friendships; high school movies; independent cinema; LGBTQ cinema

A day in the life of high school students, TAHARA is both a small independent film directed and written by two gifted young filmmakers and an extraordinary breakthrough in Jewish representation in cinema. Maybe you are the Carrie Lowenstein in your group of friends or maybe you have met someone just like her. The fact is if Jews of Color make up 11% of American Jewry, why do we so rarely see stories like CarrieÕs told on screen? Fortunately, this poignant, funny, and utterly of-the-moment film is ready to put questions like these to bed and make way for a new generation of forwardthinking filmmakers and storytellers.

PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Carrie Lowenstein (Madeline Grey DeFreece) and Hannah Rosen (Rachel Sennott) have been best friends since childhood. When their former Hebrew school classmate, Samantha Goldstein, unexpectedly commits suicide, the girls attend the funeral together, as well as the Òteen talkbackÓ session designed to help them process their grief through their Jewish faith. Even with their teacherÕs guidance, with so many memories to reconcile and dramas to unpack, the teens spend the afternoon just as confused, misguided, and stuck in their own heads as ever.

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HONEYMOOD SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 | 8 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

CENTERPIECE FILM Directed by Talya Lavie Narrative Feature Israel | 2020 | 90 min Hebrew with English Subtitles FOR FANS OF: Dark comedies; Israel; Israeli cinema; rom-coms; screwball comedies; Talya Lavie; Tel Aviv; wedding comedies; Zero Motivation OFFICIAL SELECTION: Tribeca Film Festival and Unofficial Selection: Berlinale PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Writer/director Talya Lavie is back at the festival with another rousingly funny Israeli crowd-pleaser! When blissful newlyweds arrive in their honeymoon suite, Eleanor (Avigail Harari) desires her wedding night to play out exactly as she had imagined Ñ grand entrance and all. Unfortunately, EleanorÕs plans for a ÒperfectÓ honeymoon are upended once learning what her now-husband (Ran Danker) received as a wedding gift from his ex-girlfriend. Furious, she

is convinced if the gift is not returned to her husbandÕs ex immediately, their marriage will be doomed from the start. Having witnessed both the coupleÕs exes flirting with one another earlier in the evening, Eleanor has a hunch where she and her resentful groom should begin their search. What starts out as a quick errand soon derails into an all-night schlep-fest through the streets of Jerusalem. Having won the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival FounderÕs Award for Best Narrative Feature, as well as the Nora Ephron Prize for her recordbreaking debut feature, Zero Motivation (2014), Lavie knows a lot is riding on the success of her sophomore effort. Luckily, if several highly enthusiastic crowds at the 2020 Berlinale are any indication of whatÕs in store for HONEYMOOD, we believe weÕll be seeing a lot more from this promising and talented director in seasons to come!

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AUTONOMIES SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 | 10 AM | Available 7 Days Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Yehonatan Indursky Narrative TV Series Israel | 2018 | 5 Episodes Hebrew and Yiddish with English Subtitles OFFICIAL SELECTION: Boston Jewish Film Festival | New York Jewish Film Festival | UK Jewish Film Festival | Washington Jewish Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Dana Ivgy; dystopic storytelling; Israel; Israeli TV; political thrillers; sci-fi; Shtisel; social justice; Tali Sharon

PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Thanks to the exposure from global streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, Israeli television has gained tremendous popularity worldwide. Fan-favorites like Fauda, Shtisel, and Unorthodox have transformed Israeli television into must-see television and Israeli TV actors into household names. AUTONOMIES, a welcome addition to IsraelÕs evolving canon of prestige television, is no exception. GPJFF is thrilled to stream the five part TV series in its entirety as part of its 40th anniversary season. 26

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From the creators of Shtisel, this gripping dystopian thriller takes place in an alternate version of present-day Israel. After a brutal civil war, the State has separated into two entities: a secular Israeli state with Tel Aviv as its capital and an ultra-Orthodox Autonomy positioned in Jerusalem. A custody battle over the granddaughter of The Rebbe of Kreinitz (Shuli Rand) Ñ a child born into a Haredi family but raised by secular parents Ñ threatens to push the two regions back into an unbridled war. Meanwhile, Broide (Assi Cohen), a wheelerdealer from the Autonomy who smuggles contraband between the two territories, puts his own life in jeopardy when he accepts a job requiring him to kidnap the little girl caught in the maelstrom. Ingeniously written and expertly acted, this timely tale exploring issues of identity, religion, and personal freedom will have you glued to the screen from start to finish.

November 15th is NEW MEDIA DAY, Sponsored by Elaine Lindy BUY TICKETS

MASTER CL ASS

I AM SMART AND EVERYONE ELSE IS WRONG: WRITING

FOR TELEVISION WITH BOJACK HORSEMAN CREATOR RAPHAEL BOB-WAKSBERG Co-Sponsored by Penn Cinema and Media Studies SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 | 1 PM Accessible to All States

In this FREE Master Class, Raphael Bob-Waksberg, creator of the hit Netflix series BoJack Horseman, shares insight into his creative process and what it takes to write an original comedy series with unforgettable characters that connect with audiences and tap into the cultural zeitgeist. From turning everyday observations into inspired ideas to transforming those very ideas into enthralling, fleshed-out stories, Raphael will use examples from his favorite BoJack moments to get you writing and on your way to conceptualizing your pilot episode! Raphael Bob-Waksberg is a writer of television shows such as BoJack Horseman (which he created), books such as his collection of short stories Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory, and bios such as this one. Moderated by Peter Decherney, Director of Penn Cinema and Media Studies, and Olivia Antsis, GPJFF Executive Artistic Director. REGISTER HERE

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ART & ACTIVISM: JEWISH VISUAL ARTISTS SHOWCASE & PANEL SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 | 4 PM Accessible to All States

ISAAC BRYNJEGARD-BIALIK

Does art have the power to inspire social change? How do artists address the political, cultural, and societal issues affecting their communities? How can artists and activists work together to affect positive change in society? In his book, Social Concern and Left Politics in Jewish American Art: 1880-1940, Matthew Baigell examines why so many generations of Jewish artistsÕ work advocated for a democratic and just society. From the wave of European Jewish immigrants settling in American cities at the turn of the 20th century to the artists working amid AmericaÕs entry into WWII, Baigell explains why such a high proportion of AmericaÕs leading artists embracing social issues were Jewish. In this virtual artist showcase and panel, four Jewish artists will share their work and discuss how their art addresses contemporary social issues like democracy, systemic racism, gender inequality, global warming, and immigration. WeÕll learn if and how the artistsÕ Jewish heritage impacted their art and discuss whether the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam has informed their perspectives on art and advocacy. Featuring artists Ayeola Omolara Kaplan, Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik, and others TBA.

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AYEOLA OMOLARA KAPLAN

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ART & ACTIVISM: JEWISH VISUAL ARTISTS SHOWCASE & PANEL

ANDI ARNOVITZ

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SIONA BENJAMIN

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VI R TUAL P R E M I E R E

ARIEL RIVKA DANCEÕS UNORTHODOX PERFORMANCE & DANCE WORKSHOP SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 | 7 PM Accessible to All States

Collaborating with composer Stefania de Kennessey to create an original score inspired by the drive and tradition of Klezmer music, the UNORTHODOX performance speaks to the juxtaposition of grungy raw realness and the simple polite version of ourselves we often portray to the world. What happens when you unzip the dress to breathe? The title is inspired by the book by Deborah Feldman (and the Emmy-nominated Netflix show starring Shira Haas) about a young woman who leaves a very strict Hassidic sect. DANCERS: Caitlyn Casson | Casie OÕKane Danita Shaheen | Hana Ginsburg Tirosh

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After the performance, join Ariel Rivka Dance for a family-friendly dance workshop! Using the fundamentals of modern dance, yoga, and creative movement, participants will be guided through a dance warm-up and movement explorations. We will explore feeling restricted and free, as well as the range of movements between holding yourself tightly together and moving loosely and openly. How can we show those feelings with a gesture? A movement? A facial expression? How does your body change when you feel those opposite feelings? Participants will learn choreography from the dance routine and reflect on how the movements express the emotions. Together, we will use dance as a storytelling medium to find our own personal creative expression.

For all ages and abilities. No experience necessary. Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD) is an all-women contemporary dance company based in New Jersey and led by Artistic and Executive Director, Ariel Grossman. ARDÕs mission is to champion female creatives through original choreography, commissioned music, and curated family and educational programming. Drawing from ArielÕs personal experiences as a Jewish woman and mother, the company shares stories that resonate with a broad audience. Through movement, ARD creates a community of vulnerability and acceptance, providing opportunities for hope and connection. ARD works within New York and New Jersey primarily. Ariel Rebecca (Rivka) Grossman founded Ariel Rivka Dance in 2008. As a native New Yorker, she trained at LaGuardia High School of Music and the Performing Arts and the Joffrey Ballet School under the direction of Gerald Arpino. She earned a B.S. in Dance and a Minor in WomenÕs Studies from Skidmore College. Ariel draws inspiration from the struggles and joys of the human experience, particularly through being a woman and mother. Through collaboration, she encourages her dancers to bring themselves to the work, molding pieces that are striking, evocative, and multi-layered.

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SHARED LEGACIES: THE AFRICAN AMERICAN-JEWISH CIVIL RIGHTS ALLIANCE Shared Stories Encore Screening MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16 | 5 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Shari Rogers Documentary Feature USA | 2020 | 95 min English OFFICIAL SELECTION: Atlanta Jewish Film Festival FOR FANS OF: African-American history; BlackJewish relations; civil rights; documentaries; Jewish history; Joachim Prinz; John Lewis; Martin Luther King, Jr.; Tikkun Olam This essential and edifying documentary chronicles the history of the Black-Jewish alliance in America. Revisiting critical points in history when Black and Jewish Americans faced hardships due to segregation and racism, the film begins with the founding of the NAACP in 1909 Ñ when Jews, Gentiles, and Black Americans initiated a Ònew abolitionist movementÓÑ and concludes with an examination of modern-day race relations. With its impressive array of storytellers and archival footage, the film explores the 34

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normalized bigotry of the Jim Crow South, the NorthÕs rampant bias in the areas of housing, employment, and education, and the civil rights era initiatives brought Black and Jewish leaders together in support of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Õs vision. Unfortunately, the bond these communities shared during the civil rights era has since strained and issues like white flight, geographic insularity, and tension between Orthodox Jews and African Americans have added a whole other level of complexity. Under our current administration, groups like the Alt-Right have strived to gain legitimacy and sow seeds of discord in our increasingly divided country. Add to that the effects of mass incarceration on communities of color and increased police brutality towards those same communities. Compounded by the fact that communities of color are currently being hit disproportionately hard by COVID-19, you have a realistic rendering of present-day America in SHARED LEGACIES.

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IN YOUR EYES, I SEE MY COUNTRY Monday, November 16 | 8 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Kamal Hachkar Documentary Feature USA | 2019 | 75 min Hebrew, French and Arabic with English subtitles OFFICIAL SELECTION: Boston Jewish Film Festival | Docaviv | Hot Docs FOR FANS OF: Arabic language; family dramas; Israeli cinema; Moroccan culture; Morocco; music documentaries; Sephardic music; travel documentaries

PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE In this compassionate and lively documentary, Jerusalem musicians Neta Elkayam and Amit Hai Cohen journey to Morocco, their grandparentsÕ native country, to discover their cultural and existential legacies. To expunge their sense of displacement, they begin their adventure by soaking in the sites and sounds of their heritage. They visit old houses where their ancestors used

to live and talk to neighbors who never left. They bear witness to a reality where Jews and Muslims live side-by-side without war. Though always grappling with their dual identities, each musical encounter along the way offers Neta and Amit a chance to self-reflect and reexamine their long-term aspirations. Back home, the band they created revisits and reimagines their common Judeo-Moroccan musical heritage and offers Israeli Jews an opportunity to learn and sing songs in Arabic. They hope that sharing their music will lead to cultural understanding and begin to heal the wounds of exile carried by their parents. With a gorgeously rich repertory of traditional songs, Kamal HackharÕs powerful follow-up to Tinghir-Jerusalem: Echoes from the Mellah (2013) is one of this seasonÕs must-see docs.

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TRANSKIDS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 | 5 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Hilla Medalia Documentary Feature Israel | 2019 | 103 min Hebrew and English with English subtitles OFFICIAL SELECTION: Miami Jewish Film Festival | Toronto Jewish Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Coming-of-age stories; documentaries; equality; family dramas; Israel; Israeli cinema; justice for trans lives; LGBTQ cinema; religion and sexuality PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE While LGBTQ issues are more widely represented on screen and in the media today than a decade ago, the fight for equality, representation, and fair treatment for these communities is far from over. Filmed over four years, in TRANSKIDS, director Hilla Medalia (Leftover Women) follows four extraordinary teenagers, each navigating the highs and lows of transitioning.

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Noam was born to a religious family in the West Bank. Though his parents accepted his transition, he still feels misunderstood sometimes. Ofri, transitioning to male, had always been thought of as a ÒtomboyÓ in school. Now he looks forward to enlisting in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). Romy, transitioning to female, is a social media influencer and aspiring model. Her father, now incarcerated, had not had the chance to see Romy before her transition. Liron, transitioning to male, determines he will extract his eggs and is currently considering enlisting in the IDF. What is it like to grow up in a body that feels like it doesnÕt belong to you? This fascinating and informative doc explores this complex question through intimate and frank conversations with the subjects and their families. For parents and siblings of transgender youth, the film may also serve as a valuable primer on the challenges faced by their loved ones before and after making their transitions.

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BROKEN MIRRORS Breakthrough Star: Shira Haas TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 | 8 PM EST | Available 48 Hours

Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Aviad Givon and Imri Matalon Narrative Feature Israel | 2018 | 104 min Hebrew with English Subtitles FOR FANS OF: Coming-of-age dramas; fatherdaughter dramas; films about forgiveness; Israel; Israeli cinema; Shira Haas PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE It is not surprising that Shira Haas earned a Best Actress nomination for her role in BROKEN MIRRORS at the Israeli Film AcademyÕs Ophir Awards. When one of the filmÕs co-directors, Imri Matalon, was interviewed by The Jewish Journal, he admitted to auditioning over 100 actresses for the role. However, upon seeing Haas, it was clear that Shira was meant to play Ariella. Calling the young actress Òa force of nature,Ó Matalon likened working with her to Òa gift for every director.Ó AriellaÕs father (Yiftach Klein) is not the type to let things go. An army commander who values discipline and order, his punishment for disobeying his strict code of conduct sometimes feels much harsher than necessary. He is particularly hard on Ariella, his elder

daughter, a typical Israeli teen who has grown more rebellious with age. However, when she demonstrates a severe lapse in judgment and accidentally puts her motherÕs life at risk, her father refrains from disciplining his daughter. Considering AriellaÕs guilt for having done what she did penalty enough, he insists that she use the moment to self-reflect and change her behavior. Of course, when Ariella, ridden with guilt and nearly deplete of self-worth, realizes her father does not intend to punish her, she runs off to look for ways to punish herself. It is easy to see why a film about the importance of forgiveness has never been more relevant or why Shira had been so drawn to AriellaÕs story. The Emmy-nominated actress told journalists that the film has always stayed with her, particularly Òthe subject of how our actions and words affect the people around us.Ó As society continues to fracture and people face an evermore divided reality, BROKEN MIRRORS may reflect our current moment better than any other film in this seasonÕs lineup.

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JEWISH INTERNATIONAL SHORTS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 | 5 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

BROKEN BIRD

MUMÕS HAIRPINS

Directed by Rachel Harrison Gordon | USA 2020 | 10 min | English

Directed by Tatyana Fedorovskaya | Germany/ Russia/Ukraine/Belarus | 2019 | 20 min | Russian with English subtitles

Official Selection of the SXSW Film Festival, this handsomely filmed coming-of-age tale follows a biracial Jewish teen who contemplates inviting her distant father to her bat mitzvah.

COMMANDMENT 613 Directed by Miriam Lewin | USA | 2020 23 min | English PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Practicing the sacred craft of Torah restoration, Rabbi Kevin Hale breathes new life into scrolls saved in Czechoslovakia during the Shoah. His exquisite scribal work has led him to work with various Jewish communities now entrusted with the scrolls, including Congregation Beth Israel in Media, PA.

KIPPA Directed by Lukas Nathrath | Germany | 2019 25 min | German with English subtitles PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE When OskarÕs classmates find out heÕs Jewish, the once popular 15-year-old discovers who his real friends are. A stark reminder of the rise in European anti-Semitism, this powerful and timely short is based on real events.

CAREGIVER: A LOVE STORY Directed by Kevin Gordon and Jessica Zitter USA | 2020 | 24 min | English PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE WhatÕs love got to do with it? In the case of Bambi and Rick, everything. A 59-year-old Jewish woman decides to forgo her cancer treatment to live out her final days in her home under her devoted husbandÕs care.

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PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE After witnessing his motherÕs murder by the Nazis, Yasha escapes his Ukrainian-Jewish shtetl with one family relic Ñ his motherÕs hairpins. With cinematography and production design evocative of Marc ChagallÕs painterly style, this hauntingly surreal short is based on a true story.

STU Directed by Jonathan Gruber | USA | 2020 20 min | English PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Featuring interviews with Joe Biden, Al Gore, and President Carter, this satisfying and endearing short explores the life of Stuart Eizenstat, the charismatic former White House Domestics Affair Advisor and U.S. Ambassador to the European Union.

THOU SHALT NOT HATE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 | 8 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Mauro Mancini Narrative Feature Italy | 2020 | 96 min Italian with English subtitles OFFICIAL SELECTION: Venice International Film Festival AWARDS: Best Actor, Alessandro Gassmann and Best Italian Film at Venice International Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Anti-fascism; films about antiSemitism; films about class struggles; Holocaust cinema; Italian cinema; Italy; thrillers

PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Simone Segre (Alessandro Gassmann) is a successful surgeon with an elegant Italian flat and no ties. Want of nothing, he lives a reasonably carefree existence, despite not having had the best relationship with his recently deceased father, a Holocaust survivor. This changes when one day, while boating, he witnesses a terrible car accident. Once on the scene, as a doctor, his instinct is to intervene and save the victimÕs life. However, when Simone

discovers a Nazi tattoo on the older manÕs chest, he cannot set aside his own prejudice. Torn between his professionÕs ethical principles and his own conscience, he ultimately leaves the man to his fate. Immediately, Simone is tormented by guilt and unable to shake his moral ambiguity. He begins an investigation into the victim and his family, eventually meeting Marica (Sara Serraiocco), his oldest daughter, Marcello (Luka Zunic), his racist teenage son, and innocent little Paolo (Lorenzo Buonora). Realizing that the family is struggling, Simone employs Marica as his housekeeper. Though genuinely wishing to lessen her financial burden, he also hopes to assuage his own remorse and ascertain whether he had made the right decision. Set in a northeastern region of Italy with deep Jewish roots and a diverse, multi-ethnic population, this gripping, award-winning film debut by Italian director Mauro Mancini is not merely a story about racial hatred and xenophobia: it is an exploration of the human soul in all its contradictions.

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THE SIGN PAINTER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 | 5 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Viesturs Kairiss Narrative Feature Latvia/Czech Republic/Lithuania | 2020 | 114 min Latvian, German, Russian and Yiddish with English subtitles FOR FANS OF: Anti-fascism; Eastern European history; family dramas; Holocaust cinema; Latvia; love triangles; romance films; WWII history

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE Ansis (Davis Suharevskis) can't help but obey orders. As a sign painter in a small Latvian town in the early 1940s, even his color palette is not of his choosing, based as it is on orders from the Nazis. When not out painting the town, he spends time frolicking with Zisele (Brigita Cmuntovรก), a wealthy merchant's feisty Jewish daughter. Though he purports to be in love, he cannot ask for her hand in marriage due to her religion. As Nazism rises throughout Europe, tensions mount in the town. Zisele, already

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in a dangerous place due to anti-Semitism, decides to join the Communist party, which some neighbors consider an overt threat to the regime. Meanwhile, Ansis meets Naiga (Agnese Cirule), the charming, yet capricious new woman in town. Before realizing it, he finds himself caught up in a love triangle set against the backdrop of the Second World War. With its stylish, vertiginous cinematography and first-rate production design, THE SIGN PAINTER is an illuminating and incisive portrait of what Eastern Europeans had endured throughout the 20th century when living under multiple governments' jurisdiction.

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SHIVA BABY Rising Star: Rachel Sennott THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 | 8 PM EST | Available 48 Hours Accessible to PA, NJ & DE Residents Only

Directed by Emma Seligman Narrative Feature USA | 2020 | 77 min English OFFICIAL SELECTION: San Francisco Jewish Film Festival | Toronto International Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Dark comedies; family comedies; female-led ensemble casts; independent cinema; Jewish humor; LGBTQ cinema; Rachel Sennott; Tahara PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Emma SeligmanÕs sharp-witted and hilarious directorial debut will assure you never look at a shiva the same way again!

is about to lose it. If only her overbearing mother and boundaryless relatives could lay off about her looking so thin, or Maya could quit quipping about her perpetual student status or inability to choose a path and stick to it. Perhaps then, Danielle would finally have time to eat a bagel or emotionally process the fact that the man she is currently sleeping with for money is talking up her parents across the hall. Biting, tender, and unapologetically fun, we're not sure if SHIVA BABY is a refreshing palette cleanser or a full-on steamy shower. Either way, we hope this isn't the last time Seligman and Sennott pair up to make us laugh and experience loads of discomfort.

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Twentysomething Danielle (GPJFF ÒRising StarÓ Rachel Sennott) is too busy keeping track of her trail of lies to check in with her old friend Maya. Fortunately, both girls will have plenty of time to catch up when they are unexpectedly reunited at a family shiva. However, with more than one unexpected reunion afoot, Danielle, who is usually well versed in keeping up appearances, PJFF.ORG

MY ISRAELI STORY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 | 7 PM EST | Available 24 Hours Accessible to All States

Directed by Sharon Cohen Animation Short USA | 2020 | 5 min English STUDENT FILMMAKERS: Sharon Cohen, Alona Dekel, Ayala Snir, Li-or Dekel. Jacob Kanner, Maya Yotam, Alon Ari Pardo, Shira Nevo, Liron Brunner, Oren Steinberger.

MY ISRAELI STORY, directed by Sharon Cohen, is a short film created by IAC Eitanim, a program for Israeli-American and Jewish-American teens. In Eitanim, students learn how to work as a team, explore challenging issues that impact Israeli and Jewish communities, and develop possible solutions. Israeli and Jewish culture is often misrepresented in American media. The lack of cultural connection Israeli Americans and Jewish Americans experience is a major problem we face in our community. As a solution, Eitanim has created a short film that demonstrates the beauty and richness of Israel and its culture. The film is also

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Eitanimﾃ不 response to GPJFFﾃ不 call for short film submissions by student filmmakers. GPJFF wanted to know more about how students relate to Israel today. Through research, students learned about Israelﾃ不 advances in technology, innovation, and the Stateﾃ不 impact on the world. The students used their findings to create this short film. They hope you enjoy it! Join us after the screening on FACEBOOK LIVE for an interview with the MY ISRAELI STORY student filmmaking team!

BREAKING BREAD SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 | 8 PM EST | Available 24 Hours Accessible to PA & DE Residents Only

CLOSING NIGHT Directed by Beth Elise Hawk Documentary Feature USA | 2020 | 86 min English and Hebrew with English Subtitles OFFICIAL SELECTION: Boston Israeli Film Festival | Miami Jewish Film Festival | Other Israel Film Festival FOR FANS OF: Arab cuisine; Arab-Jewish relations; Arabic culture; cooking; food documentaries; Haifa; Israel; Israeli cinema; Jewish cuisine; MasterChef

PHIL ADELPHIA PREMIERE Dr. Nof Atamna-Ismaeel was a 33-year-old microbiologist from an Arab town in Northern Israel when she won the top prize in the fourth season of IsraelÕs MasterChef. She went on to found the A-sham Food Festival, a celebration of Arab cuisine inspired by traditional dishes from the Levant food culture. Bringing together leading Jewish and Arab chefs to collaborate on tasty new interpretations of their ancestorsÕ old world recipes, this mouth-watering documentary honors the roots of Arabic and Israeli cuisines and their unique cultural heritage. With a common love of food and a mutual desire to marry history with the flavors of today, these innovative chefs demonstrate why politics and religion have no place in their kitchens.

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VIRTUAL SCREENING GUIDELINES To keep our patrons safe during the

Once you purchase a ticket(s), you will receive both a confirmation email and an email containing your clickable voucher codes. When you click on a voucher code, you will be taken directly to your selected film on CineSend. Once there, you can watch the filmÕs trailer, but you will not have access to watch the movie until its scheduled screening date and time. Most Fall Fest films are available to stream for 48 hours. Still, there are a few exceptions that either screen on a specific day and time (like GOLDEN VOICES), are available for 24 hours only (like BREAKING BREAD), or accessible for an extended period (like AUTONOMIES).

pandemic, GPJFF has gone VIRTUAL!

GEO-BLOCKING VIRTUAL EVENTS

Through winter/spring 2021, Fall Fest,

Please note that most, if not all, virtual films have geo-blocking restrictions. These filmsÕ distributors have imposed these restrictions to assure that other virtual film festivals across the country and abroad can expose their audiences to these films without having their attendance compromised. Typically, Fall Fest films are available to PA, NJ and DE residents (this includes students who temporarily reside in these areas for school). Currently, three Fall Fest films are open to PA residents only: GOLDEN VOICES, THE END OF LOVE, and SHIVA BABY. One movie, BREAKING BREAD, is available to PA & DE only.

Festival Plus! and other screenings and special events will take place virtually on our new digital cinema & event platforms: CineSend & Crowdcast.

GPJFF SPONSORS If you are a GPJFF40 Sponsor, you will receive a link to create your account for CineSend on Monday, October 26, 2020. Once your account is activated, you may browse through all our Fall Fest selections and begin planning your festival. You will be able to browse by date or theme. You will also have access to a short film created by local students for GPJFFÕs MY ISRAEL Student Short Film Competition. You will not have access to watch the movies until their scheduled screening dates and times.

TICKET BUYERS If you are a ticket buyer, you may browse our Fall Fest selections at PJFF.org or this digital brochure, which is linked to our website.

Special events such as our MASTER CLASS WITH THE CREATOR OF BOJACK HORSEMAN, ART & ACTIVISM: JEWISH VISUAL ARTISTS SHOWCASE & PANEL, and virtual premiere of ARIEL RIVKAÕS DANCEÕS UNORTHODOX PERFORMANCE & DANCE WORKSHOP are not geo-blocked. Anyone can access these programs by registering or purchasing a ticket. Refunds Refunds will only be given if a program is cancelled or in the case of a documented illness or injury. If you are having technical difficulties please call 215-545-4400 and a GPJFF staff member will assist you. Questions For further information or questions, contact the Box Office at 215-545-4400 (Monday-Friday, 9-5 PM)

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VIRTUAL SCREENING FAQs This season, GPJFFÕs virtual screenings are being hosted on a digital cinema platform called CineSend. If you are having trouble accessing a film on our new film festival platform, please use this page for your reference. If you are still having trouble, please email

Can I watch content on my Android Device? Yes, you can watch content using Chrome on Android 6.0 or later. Can I Chromecast content? You can Chromecast from a Chrome web browser on a PC and Mac, as well as Android devices by selecting the cast button in the bottom right-hand side of the player. Can I AirPlay to my AppleTV? You can AirPlay from most browsers if you have Apple TV by selecting the AirPlay button in the bottom right-hand side of the player.

info@pjff.org or call 215-545-4400. What happens if I forget my password? Use the password reset option on the login page to reset your password. You will need access to the email address you used to log in.

What are the system requirements? You can watch content on PCs running Windows 7+, and Intel-based Macs running OSX 10.12+. You can also watch films on Android tablets and phones using Chrome and on iPhones and iPads using Safari. What are the requirements for Windows computers? Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser. Internet Explorer is not supported.

Why does video playback stall or not play smoothly? We use adaptive bitrate streaming which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your internet speed. If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent you may experience problems during playback. If youÕre on wifi, try moving closer to your router. Why do I see a black screen if I am watching content with AirPay on my TV? You likely have ÒScreen MirroringÓ turned on in your device settings. Please turn off the screen mirroring setting and start AirPlay by selecting the AirPlay button in the bottom right-hand side of the player.

What are the requirements for Mac computers? Mac OSX 10.12 or later Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser. Can I watch content on my iPhone/iPad? Yes, you can watch content using Safari on iOS 11.2 or later. Please note that you must have ÒScreen MirroringÓ turned off for content to play.

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Tech support is available! Need help getting your PC or Mac updated for GPJFFĂ•s virtual screenings? Confused about browsers or mirroring your computer to your smart TV? No problem!

Whether you are a GPJFF40 Sponsor accessing festival films via your CineSend account or you purchased tickets for multiple films and would like to make sure you have a smooth streaming experience this November, tech help is available through GPJFF, as well as these other local businesses. For general questions, try GPJFF first at 215-545-4400.

FOR PC USERS Call, email, or stop by the Computer Guy 215-338-7500 inquiry@geekgroup.com www.geekgroup.com 430 Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19123 FOR MAC USERS Call the Apple Store and make a free appointment at the Genius Bar. Center City location: 215-861-6400 For website, click here. 1607 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 Ardmore location: 610-726-9400 For website, click here. 61 St. James Place Ardmore, PA 19003

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WHO WE ARE

GPJFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jacob Cohen Chair Debbie Fleischman Vice Chair Larry Rappoport Vice Chair Phyllis Fischer Chair Emerita Judy Golden Chair Emerita Ruth Perlmutter Chair Emerita Francine Tabas Advisory Committee Chair Sarita Gocial Secretary Barbara Black Iris Drechsler Debra Felman Betsy Filton Judy Finkel Seth Goldstein Libby S. Harwitz Edward Hoffman Julie Jaffe Cathy Kaufman Nadine Liez-Weiner Elaine Lindy Francyn Sacks Nancy Shein

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GPJFF SCREENING COMMITTEE Olivia Antsis Jessica Bayner Matt Bussy Elaine Culbertson Iris Drechsler Debra Felman Judy Finkel David Frank Libby S. Harwitz Edward Hoffman Mary Kahn Cathy Kaufman Rob Levin Nadine Liez-Weiner Caryn Feuer Liss Larry Rappoport Nathan Relles Patricia Saddier-Dana Paul Waimberg GPJFF STAFF Kristen Evans Executive Managing Director Olivia Antsis Executive Artistic Director Matt Bussy Festival Manager Ainyae Stratton Development & Administrative Coordinator â€ƒ

MEET THE TEAM

Kristen Evans Executive Managing Director A New Jersey native, Kristen Evans is the Executive Managing Director of the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival. She has been with the organization since 2007. After majoring in Graphic Design at the University of the Arts, she attended La Salle University where she focused on nonprofit administration. An avid music enthusiast and film lover, Kristen previously owned and operated JAM Musical Industries, a one-stop-shop for independent musicians that served a booking agency, recording studio, video production, and tour management. Olivia Antsis Executive Artistic Director Olivia Antsis has served as the Artistic Director of GPJFF for nearly 12 years. As the creative force behind the organization, Olivia began her career path at the Philadelphia Art Alliance where she served as the Director of Programs. After earning an MFA from the University of the Arts, she worked as the Site Editor for InLiquid.com. OliviaĂ•s Russian-Jewish roots, concern for human rights, and love of the arts helped shape her artistic vision. In addition to her work at the festival, Olivia enjoys being behind the camera. Her videos and artwork have been exhibited in galleries, film festivals, and venues throughout the world. Matt Bussy Festival Manager Matt Bussy is the Festival Manager of GPJFF and is currently converting to Judaism! He majored in Film & Media Arts at Temple University and has been obsessed with movies for as long as he can remember. Matt also works as a film studio representative for Allied Global Marketing, a full-service integrated marketing agency, assisting with advance screenings of upcoming films throughout the city for press and patrons. You can catch him attempt to cook Jewish cuisine on GPJFF YouTube series Feed Your Face Fridays! Ainyae Stratton Development and Administrative Coordinator Ainyae Stratton is an actress, creator and host who attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she majored in Communications Media with a concentration in TV/Film/Photography. She has since started three of her own shows where she produces, casts and gets to co-direct. In addition to working with the festival, Ainyae has acted in various short films, feature films and multiple conferences, with her biggest company being Hasbro. As she continues her career as an actress, you can catch her each week on her ongoing series, Monologue Monday, giving you the BEST in entertainment! Or on her childrenĂ•s read-along show, It's Storytime Anytime, where she co-hosts reading popular children's book. You can find Ainyae on all platforms under Yae Stratton. PJFF.ORG

CINEMA IS NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER! Film is a spectacularly communal art form and the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival (GPJFF) takes this celebration and building up of community seriously. Community building can seem to be an abstract concept, but at its core, it is the foundation for successful achievement towards perpetuating the GPJFF mission to educate and engage diverse Philadelphia communities, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, by presenting world-class film premieres, repertory cinema, and associated programs that are inspired by Jewish history, heritage, and values. Through community support, we have been able to continue our mission when philanthropy is increasingly vital to our success. Amid the COVID-19 crisis and all the uncertainty that has come with it, we are now more confident than ever that GPJFF provides a robust platform to connect one with another. Cinema might seem like a small thing in a time like this, but there is power in film and community. When we are abiding by social distancing rules and staying at home to protect ourselves and others, loneliness and mental health become significant factors. GPJFF films and programs provide a conduit that relieves the feeling of isolation and loneliness. Therefore, the Festival is crucial and shows just how important the mission is, not only now but always. The Festival is most grateful for the various streams of support from its board, staff, volunteers, and donors to those who attend and contribute to the communityĂ•s creative fabric. The generosity of our audience is heartwarming and our appreciation is abundant. As we see a shift with viewing habits from our audience, ticket sales make up less than the revenue needed to sustain GPJFF. We seek and rely on the generosity of the community to help the organization carry on. At this time, we ask you to consider contributing to the organization. Whether through a Fall Fest sponsorship or an added donation to your ticket purchase, you are investing in your community and an organization whose mission is deeply rooted in perpetuating Jewish stories, culture, and life. Through film, we recognize our common global existence and better understand and empathize with others as we begin to see the depth of their experiences, as well as the obstacles they may faceĂ‘ whether literal walls or psychological and cultural barriers. Great films illuminate, and, in the process, they encourage compassion. In the best cases, they can transform us. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and helping to make this 40th anniversary our most memorable and celebratory date! With gratitude, Kristen Evans Executive Managing Director

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WAYS TO DONATE Here are several different ways you can support our mission: CASH DONATIONS ¥ Donate directly through the website PJFF.org ¥ Add a donation to your ticket order ¥ Call the development office at 215-545-4400 ¥ Send in a check: Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival 1613 Walnut St, 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103

SPONSOR A FILM, SPECIAL EVENT OR PROGRAM Check out pjff.org for the latest opportunities to join the GPJFF family of sponsors. SPONSOR A FILM IN THE NAME OF YOUR COMPANY They will get the marketing perks and have an opportunity to promote their business at the screening. (We prefer checks in the mail because we donÕt have to pay any online fees that way.) STOCK DONATION Do you have appreciated stock, and would like to use it as your donation? By doing so, you wonÕt have to pay the capital gains tax, and you can claim the entire market value as a donation.

EMPLOYEE GIVING CAMPAIGNS Ask if your company has a giving plan. Sometimes they will even match your donation to a nonprofit. If so, just let them know that you would like to give to the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival. If you would like to be recognized, you can let us know via email at kevans@pjff.org. LEAVE A BEQUEST Many people like to leave a part of their Will or Estate Plan as a Legacy in their Community. If the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival has sparked your passion for films, and you want to help us to carry on this amazing tradition (40 years strong so far!), please contact us to get you the information you will need to put us in your planned giving Ñkevans@pjff.org Thanks for considering any kind of financial support for this worthy organization that is proud to serve the Greater Philadelphia region. All donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID# 23-1352242

Contact Kristen Evans at kevans@pjff.org if youÕre interested in this option. PJFF.ORG

Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to use their individual power of generosity to remain connected. It is a time to support and transform their communities and the world. It is a day when everyone comes together to give back in all forms Ă‘ acts of kindness, gifts of voice, time, talent, or treasure. All around the world, we are joining forces and leaning on each other. This generosity tells us that we will achieve the better, more just world that we seek. With so many deserving organizations out there, it is difficult to choose one that is right for you. For 40 years, GPJFF has used film as a vehicle to preserve, explore, celebrate, and enhance Jewish life and culture. Great films are storytellers who illuminate, and in the process, they encourage compassion. In the best cases, they can transform us. We exist only through the generosity of our patrons, as it is that community building that shapes our future. GPJFF graciously asks you to use your power and join the global movement of generosity and donate December 1st of this year. Your gift, no matter the size, has a lasting impact on what the Festival can deliver to the community during and even after this time. Being generous is a way to fight for the causes you care about. This year, the #GPJFFinspire Campaign goal is to raise $5,000. Mark your calendars! Dec 1st is #GivingTuesday. How will you give? Ways to Give: 1. Via the phone: 215-545-4400 2. Via the web: PJFF.org 3. Via email: Send a check to: Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival (GPJFF) 1613 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103

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GPJFF Patrons, Sponsors, Board of Directors, Advisory and Screening Committees, Special Guests, and Community Partners, the GPJFF Staff thanks you for your generosity, passion, and support! We look forward to celebrating our 40th with you! Ă‘ Matt, Kristen, Olivia, and Yae

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Here we are, turning

40 during a pandemic, but still:

THE SHOW MUST GO ON! It is a bittersweet moment for our beloved organization. While this time would otherwise be celebratory, we, like many other arts organizations, are navigating a difficult time. The Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival (GPJFF) has an urgent need for additional support due to the impact of COVID-19. For the SHOW TO GO ON, GPJFF needs YOUR help by donating today! GPJFF has launched a GoFundMe Campaign that goes through the end of November. Donating is as easy as going to this link: Though we face many challenges this season, we are still looking forward to celebrating our 40th birthday with all of you. We may not be able to meet in person, but we can still have an incredible virtual film festival experience in the comfort of our own homes! Thank for supporting Jewish stories at this crucial moment!

Whether you are a Cinephile, love Jewish culture, or have a personal connection with GPJFF, we call on YOU.

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Penn Cinema & Media Studies is a proud sponsor of the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival and wishes its community a Happy 40th Season!

cinemastudies.sas.upenn.edu

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MAZEL TOV TO THE

GERSHMAN

PHILADELPHIA

JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

ON ITS 40TH SEASON! With gratitude for bringing the gift of Jewish films into our homes during this challenging time PHYLLIS AND HOWARD FISCHER

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THE HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO

GERSHMAN

PHILADELPHIA

JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

FOR YET ANOTHER GEM OF A FILM FEST IN 2020!

Kudos from Elaine Lindy, Alan Lindy, and Frank Lindy of Lindy Communities

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GERSHMAN

PHILADELPHIA

JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

We congratulate the

Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival and

We applaud your devotion to the visual arts through the

transforming power of film.

Lynne and Harold Honickman

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215-545-4400

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TELL YOUR

FRIENDS

Buy tickets at PJFF.org or call 215-545-4400

f @GershmanPJFF Follow us on l @GershmanPJFF Like us on

@GershmanPJFF

#GPJFF40 #GPJFF

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