NEW FEATURES Sunday, July 9 3:20PM | MFC 3 Saturday, July 15 3:40PM | MFC 2
Eastern U.S. Premiere
ISRAELISM USA 2022 - DCP - 84 minutes, in English Directors: Eric Axelman, Sam Eilertsen Producers: Daniel J. Chalfen, Eric Axelman With: Simone Zimmerman, Cornel West, Noam Chomsky, Abe Foxman, Noura Erakat, Jeremy Ben-Ami Print Courtesy: Eric Axelman The role of Israel in American Jewish identity is challenged when Simone Zimmerman and Eitan join an awakening within the community after they witness Israel’s brutal treatment of the Palestinian people first-hand. Heartbroken and enraged at the older generation of American Jews who raised them to defend the State of Israel at all costs, they join a struggle not just for Palestinian rights but also within the Jewish community, pitted against those engaged with a mass mobilization who ensure that young American Jews remain pro-Israel. Their journey reflects a sweeping grassroots change within the community that will have major implications on how an ancient religion is evolving, and on America’s deep yet controversial relationship with Israel. Featuring Noam Chomsky, Cornel West, Peter Beinart, Noura Erakat, Abe Foxman, and Lara Friedman. —NB, TL, JP, BW Sponsored by Karen Kusiak
Friday, July 14 6:40PM | MFC 2 Sunday, July 16 3PM | MFC 1
Maine Premiere
JULES USA 2023 - DCP - 90 minutes, in English Director: Marc Turtletaub Screenplay: Gavin Steckler Producers: Michael B. Clark, Andy Daly, Deborah Liebling, Alex Turtletaub, Marc Turtletaub Cast: Ben Kingsley, Harriet Sansom Harris, Jane Curtin, Zoe Winters, Anna George, Donald Paul Print Courtesy: Bleecker Street Films Milton (Ben Kingsley) is an aging retiree living alone in a small American town. His life is pretty small, and his memory seems to be getting even smaller. So when he reluctantly tells neighbors Joyce (Jane Curtin) and Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris) that a spaceship has landed in his backyard and he’s feeding its alien pilot, they don’t believe it…’til they see it. Marc Turtletaub’s (Gods Behaving Badly) new film is an offbeat, lowkey pleasure, and a great vehicle for Kingsley, who underplays so well we forget he was once Gandhi and now are sure he’s just…Milton. —KE Sponsored by Ross Metzman
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Maine International Film Festival 2023 MIFF.ORG