olivette

The 28th iteration of the St. Louis Jewish Film Festival opens March 12 at Marcus Des Peres Cinema in Des Peres, and Rabbi Brad Horwitz, for one, couldn’t be more grateful that movie lovers will actually be able to go to the theater this year, rather than be able only stream the films at home, as was the case during the first three years of the pandemic. Yes, it was convenient, Horwitz notes, but there was that certain ‘something, an indefinable mojo, missing that’s so special about the communal experience. The crowd laughs, and cries, together. “We’re not a streaming service,” Horwitz says. “We’re a community builder.” As the J’s chief Jewish engagement officer, Horwitz knows a little something about that—it’s been his job for 17 years at the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur. “I keep the J in the JCC,” Horwitz emphasizes. “We’re making an impact in sharing Jewish culture with the Jewish community, as well as the wider community.” In short, you don’t have to be Jewish to find something you’ll love at the J! He’s responsible for programs and efforts as varied as the New Jewish Theatre, the J’s annual book sale and a mission called Song Leader Boot Camp, a program that invites varied leaders from all over the country—rabbis, cantors, teachers, camp leaders—to better create enthusiastic, welcoming environments for singers at every level of experience or talent. And, of course, he heads up the annual film fest. This year’s 14 selections are the end result of many dedicated volunteers watching dozens upon dozens of films, culling from them and agreeing, or agreeing to disagree, about the ones audiences will watch. A film lover himself, the rabbi says he knows enough about each film “to be dangerous.” A resident of Olivette, he’s grateful for Cinema St. Louis’ sponsorship of this year’s fest, which ranges from comedies and dramas to documentaries and a first-hand account of Nazi Germany’s Final Solution. Several films focus on music: There’s a film about composer and maestro Leonard Bernstein, a very complicated man. Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song is a definitive exploration of singer-songwriter Cohen as seen through the prism of his internationally renowned hymn, “Hallelujah.” Not only focused on the extraordinary Canadian folk singer with the gravelly voice, this feature-length documentary weaves together several creative strands: The somewhat inscrutable composition itself against a backdrop of the beloved songwriter and his times. Norman Jewison’s epic film Fiddler on the Roof gets an affectionate behind-the-scenes accounting, which Horwitz says is a fabulous ‘making of’ experience. Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen, March 16 at 7 p.m., brings the film fest to a close. “This is all about feeling good … healing the soul. I hope people take advantage of the experience. Go all in!” the rabbi exhorts; well, suggests. Updated information, film lineup and details, trailers, ticket prices (and packages) are available at stljewishfilmfestival.org, so visit early, visit often. & male western lowland gorillas recently traded spaces! Jontu of Saint Louis Zoo and Zachary of Brookfield Zoo in Chicago swapped hometowns in the name of conservation and survival of this critically endangered species.