One of the oldest Jewish film festivals in the nation, and one of the oldest film festivals in the state, kicks off next Thursday and runs through Jan. 22.
More than 3,000 people are expected to attend the 26th annual Tucson International Jewish Film Festival, which has grown in attendance by more than 45 percent over the past five seasons — a fact that organizers find validating.
“We say we choose films with Jewish content and universal themes. There’s something there for anybody,” said Lynn Davis, outgoing director of arts and culture at the Tucson Jewish Community Center.
As in past years, she said, this year’s lineup will provide a beautiful window on humanity and a glimpse of the diversity of Jewish life around the globe.
Following the popularity of a screening teamed with a luncheon and fashion show last year, organizers have planned a deli lunch to accompany “The Pickle Recipe” on Jan. 13. The festival will close with a “wrap” party and multi-cultural Israeli buffet before the documentary “The Search for Israeli Cuisine.”
While the opening night will be held at the Loft Cinema, the rest of the films will screen in the Jewish Community Center’s ballroom, which features closed-loop hearing-assist technology.
The viewing experience gets even better, she said, thanks to a new projector that throws an image that is more than three-fold brighter than the previous projector. That means the subtitles will be easier to read because they can be placed higher on the screen with image quality and brightness she described as “comparable to any commercial digital movie experience in Arizona — brilliant, sharp high-definition projection.”
Here’s the lineup:
“The Price of Sugar” (Hoe duur was de suiker)
Opening night at the Loft Cinema
7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12
(2013, Netherlands/Germany/South Africa, 120 min., Dutch & Sranan Tongo with subtitles)
The story of two sisters in 18th century Suriname: one who is a house slave to the other. Mini-Mini wants nothing more than to make her sister Sarith happy until love gives her a life-changing opportunity. Made possible by the Bob Polinsky Memorial Media Arts Fund.
“The Pickle Recipe”
Noon Friday, Jan. 13, lunch; 1:30 p.m. film.
(2016, USA, 97 min., English)
Joey, a down-on-his-luck DJ, plots to steal his grandmother’s top-secret recipe to save his daughter’s bat mitzvah.
Arrive at noon for a deli lunch before the film. $24 general, $15 with season pass.
“For the Love of Spock”
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14.
(2016, USA, 111 min., English)
This out-of-this-world documentary explores the origin of one of television’s most beloved characters. Directed by Leonard Nimoy’s son, Adam, the film captures the essence of what Spock has meant to generations of fans. Featuring interviews from Star Trek cast members, past and present.
“Moos”
1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15.
(2016, Netherlands, 91 min., Dutch with subtitles)
Fun, quirky and inspiring, Moos is determined to follow her dreams of theater school, despite the obstacles tossed up by her meddlesome family.
“Suited”
3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15,
(2016, USA, 77 min., English)
Bindle and Keep is a small tailoring company in Brooklyn that’s making big strides in the LGBTQ community. “Suited” provides an insight into how gender is defined in society today. Owners Rae and Daniel only care about one thing: making their clients feel confident.
All proceeds benefit Camp Born This Way.
“Ellis”
7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15.
(2015, USA, 15 min., English)
In this short film, French artist and “photograffeur” JR examines the early days of Ellis Island through the eyes of a fictional immigrant, portrayed by Robert De Niro.
Shows with:
“Drawing against Oblivion” (Zeichnen gegen das Vergessen)
(2015, Austria/Germany/Poland, 67 minutes, German with subtitles)
Using charcoal, artist Manfred Bockelmann recreates the faces of child victims of the Holocaust in order to honor and preserve their memories.
“Artistic Responses to the Holocaust: A conversation” follows. Co-presented by Tucson Symphony Orchestra
“Apples from the Desert” (Tapoukhim min ha’midbar)
1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16.
(2014, Israel, 96 min., Hebrew with subtitles)
Frustrated by the constraints of her life, Rebecca runs away from home and the restricting conditions that living there entails. “Apples From the Desert” shows that families must sometimes confront one another’s beliefs in times of conflict.
“Morgenthau”
3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16.
(2013, USA, 141 min., English)
The Morgenthau family has been in the forefront of the 20th century’s biggest movements, serving under FDR, combatting genocide and serving the public for more than 30 years.
“Joe’s Violin”
7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16.
(2016, USA, 24 min., English)
A Holocaust survivor donates his cherished instrument to an inner-city school, where a 12-year-old girl gives it new life.
Shows with:
“Surviving Skokie”
(2016, USA/Poland, 66 min., English)
Neo-Nazi thugs threaten to march in the Illinois neighborhoods where hundreds of Holocaust survivors have settled. This inspiring true story tells of a community that stood up against the specter of hate. Presented by Sarah Iden and Marc Herman in memory of Lola and Marvin Herman.
“Time to Say Goodbye” (Simon sagt ‘auf Wiedersehen’ zu seiner Vorhaut)
5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17.
(2015, Germany, 84 min., German with subtitles)
Being 12 has its challenges, especially for Maximilian. He’s in love with his rabbi, his parents are newly separated and a possible circumcision may occur because of his father’s religious beliefs. This adorable coming of age story is also laugh-out-loud funny.
“On the Map”
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17.
(2017, USA, 85 min., English)
Maccabi Elite’s historic 1977 win over the Soviet basketball team in the European Champions Cup solidified Israel’s position in sports and in the world. Taking place a few years after the massacre in Munich, this improbable victory helped boost an entire country’s morale. Featuring interviews with Tal Brody, Bill Walton and others. Presented by Mary & Barry Ganapol.
“Wounded Land” (Eretz ptzua)
5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18.
(2015, Israel, 80 min., Hebrew & Arabic with subtitles)
This taut Israeli thriller pits longtime police partners against one another. Kobi’s moral and professional values are tested when he is forced to keep a terror suspect alive for questioning.
“The Third Half” (Treto pulvureme)
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18.
(2012, Republic of Macedonia/Czech Republic/USA, 113 min., Macedonian/German/Ladino with subtitles)
Sports have a funny way of coinciding with historic moments. Based on a true story, “The Third Half” demonstrates Macedonia’s passion for football during World War II. As the Nazis advance, the team rises up with their country behind them.
Presented by Fay Green and Family.
“The People vs. Fritz Bauer” (Der Staat gegen Fritz Bauer)
5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19.
(2015, German, 105 min., German/English/Yiddish with subtitles)
A thriller about the German district attorney who discovers evidence of Adolf Eichmann’s whereabouts. Based on true events, Fritz Bauer brings this largely unknown criminal case to life.
“Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?” (Mi yohav otti akhshav?)
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19.
(2016, Israel/UK, 85 min., Hebrew & English with subtitles)
After learning that he is HIV positive, Saar must re-examine his life and relationships. “Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?” provides an insight into life with HIV and highlights the importance of family and community. Featuring a cameo appearance by Reveille Men’s Chorus.
Presented by J Pride.
“Fermin: Glorias del Tango”
1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20
(2014, Argentina, 117 min., Spanish with subtitles)
A man suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder communicates his feelings and emotions to his psychiatrist via the lyrics of tango songs. A strong doctor/patient bond is formed that affects both of their lives for the better.
“My Hero Brother”
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21.
(2016, Israel/India, 78 min., Hebrew with subtitles)
Pairs of siblings, each having a member with Down syndrome, embark on an extreme journey through the Himalayas. This heartwarming documentary about overcoming challenges and discovering what it means to love unconditionally.
With filmmaker Yonatan Nir in attendance.
Presented by the Weintraub Israel Center.
Closing night
“The Search for Israeli Cuisine”
6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22.
(2016, USA, 120 min., English)
Screening includes a closing night “wrap” party and multicultural Israeli buffet before the film.
