JCC Chicago presents the first Chicago Jewish Film festival (CJFF), "Through A Jewish Lens" on June 19th-29th, 2014, held at The Music Box Theatre, the Cinemark/Century in Evanston, and the Illinois Holocaust Museum, with other performance events at Victory Gardens in Lincoln park and at the Mayer Kaplan JCC in Skokie.
The vision behind the festival is to bring people together from diverse backgrounds who share a love for film, and an interest or connection to the multiplicity of Jewish culture. Films from around the world will be showcased, exploring Jewish identity and experience. By sharing stories through film, CJFF intends to build bridges that connect and inspire us.
"Film is a reflection of society, and we want to look back and forward, so people can further reflect on themselves, their families and communities," says David Chack, Artistic Director of CJFF, who is also adjunct professor at the Theatre School at DePaul University. "Memory is an inherent part of who we are."
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Featured films will include: "The Pin" (2013), a magical, realistic view of Holocaust survival; "Before The Revolution" (2013), the untold story of the Israeli paradise in Iran; and "A Precious Life" (2010), the story of an Israeli doctor, a Palestinian woman and a journalist seeking treatment for her baby, with journalist/filmmaker Shlomi Eldar speaking after the film, winner of the Ophir Award (Israeli Academy Award) for Best Documentary.
Since Chicago is one of the only major U.S. cities yet to produce a Jewish film festival, when approached, JCC Chicago was quick to recognize the significance of this opportunity. This underscores the JCC's commitment to building community through culture and the arts, across Chicago.
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"Judaism is not just a religion," Chack said. "It's a civilization, encompassing every aspect of life for thousands of years. I truly believe that Jewish culture is the glue that brings us all together."
Ilene Uhlmann, Director of Adult Programs at JCC Chicago added, "Beyond entertainment, the Chicago Jewish Film Festival has the capacity to inspire, enrich and inform Jewish identity for the entire community, strengthening the bonds that connect us all."
Sponsor partners for CJFF include: Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema; Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center; YIVO; Music Box Theatre; Big Tent Judaism/Jewish Outreach Institute; ShPIeL-Performing Identity Theatre; Victory Gardens Theater, Generous support provided by The Mrs. Zollie Frank Fund.
Tickets are $12/adults; $10/seniors & students, or $60 for an 8-film festival pass. For more information, visit: www.ChicagoJewishFilm.org. Or, for further details or questions, call 847-763-3507 or email: cjff@gojcc.org.
