EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON
Connect Magazine
Houston Jewish Film Festival MARCH 5-19, 2017
Celebrating 13 Years of the Best Jewish and Israeli Films
On the Map
erjcchouston.org/filmfest
Houston Jewish Film Festival | At a Glance 2 | Ticket Info and Venues
10 | For the Love of Spock
3 | Letter from the Film Chair
13 | The Settlers 14 | Weiner
FAMILY
14 | Life, Animated
4 | Guavas
DRAMA
COMEDY
4 | Fever at Dawn
6 | Moos 8 | One Week and a Day 12 | At the Circus
5 | Harmonia 7 | AKA Nadia 7 | Vice Versa
12 | Duck Soup
9 | Beyond the Mountains and Hills
15 | Mr. Predictable
10 | Fanny’s Journey
DOCUMENTARY
10 | Our Father 11 | The Women’s Balcony
7 | On the Map 8 | The Essential Link: The Story of Wilfrid Israel 10 | Presenting Princess Shaw
11 | GET CULTURED: FOR 20s & 30s Putzel
6 | SHORT FILM NIGHT SPECIAL APPEARANCES 7 | Director Dani Menkin 8 | Producer Howard Rosenman 13 | Director Shimon Dotan
THRILLER 9 | Past Life 11 | The People vs. Fritz Bauer 13 | A Grain of Truth 16 | HJFF Calendar of Events 17 | Committee Members and Staff 17 | Sponsors and Community Partners 18 | Editorial 21 | Coming Up at the J
TICKET INFORMATION
Don’t miss out! Films sell out. Buy individual tickets early to guarantee a seat. INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
FESTIVAL PASS
See page 16 for individual ticket prices.
$80 Member | $110 Public $10 off for Students and Seniors 60+ Festival and Patron Passes provide entry for films only at the J, MATCH and The Emery/Weiner School. RSVP required for opening and closing nights, On the Map, and an Evening with Howard Rosenman. Patron of the Arts and Festival Pass seats will be released 15 minutes prior to each film at the J, MATCH and The Emery/Weiner School. Make sure to arrive early to guarantee your seat.
To purchase tickets and passes, visit erjcchouston.org/filmfest Get member pricing to HJFF plus programs throughout the year!
Membership starts as low as $216/year! For more detailed information on membership categories and rates, please visit us online at erjcchouston.org/join or call 713.729.3200.
VENUES
Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Houston
Holocaust Museum Houston
Premiere Cinema 11 Galveston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH)
The Emery/Weiner School
5601 South Braeswood Houston, TX 77096 713.729.3200 erjcchouston.org/filmfest
1001 Bissonnet St. Houston, TX 77005 713.639.7515 mfah.org/films
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Morgan Family Center 5401 Caroline St. Houston, TX 77004 713.942.8000 hmh.org
3400 Main Street Houston, TX 77002 713.521.4533 matchouston.org
8902 Seawall Blvd Galveston, TX 77554 409.741.1700
9825 Stella Link Road Houston, TX 77025 832.204.5900
Harmonia
Duck Soup
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR Mazel Tov! As we celebrate our 13th year, I am so proud to be the Chairman for this, our Bar Mitzvah celebration. This year we plan to offer you our best Festival yet. My personal goal in 2017 is to expand our audience. We are so appreciative of our attendees and the Patrons of the Arts who have helped the Festival grow. This year, we hope you will invite your friends, families, work colleagues, and your neighbors to the Festival. We promise to offer the best programming available. The Festival begins with a Sneak Preview Monday, February 27, the night after the Oscars. The film, Fever at Dawn is an “hors d’oeuvre” before kick off on Sunday, March 5. The Festival is loaded with films from Israel and around the world. There are films to suit everyone’s tastes. If you are looking for inspiration, seek out On the Map, Fanny’s Journey, or Life, Animated. Do you crave suspense? See Past Life or A Grain of Truth. How about The Settlers, a documentary about one of Israel’s most divisive issues? Looking for dark comedies about modern Israeli life? Check out One Week and a Day or Beyond the Mountains and Hills. If you prefer a real horror show, Weiner is the film for you. To enhance your experience, we will feature An Evening with Howard Rosenman, the acclaimed producer of Father of the Bride. You will also be able to interact with Directors Dani Menkin (On the Map) and Shimon Dotan (The Settlers), and we have a few more surprises in store as well. 2017 marks the third year to offer the “Chair’s Choice” evening. This was an easy choice for me. At the age of 12, instead of preparing for my own Bar Mitzvah, I was discovering the Marx Brothers. I have always been acutely aware of the role humor plays in the Jewish experience. You will see the Marx Brothers’ films are still hysterical and relevant after 80 plus years. Hail Freedonia! In addition to our longstanding venue partners, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Holocaust Museum Houston, we are excited to add new locales to serve a broader audience. Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH), The Emery/Weiner School, and Premiere Cinema in Galveston will also showcase films. This celebration would not be possible without our founders, Doreen Joffe and Sharon Kagan, my Bar Mitzvah partner and Co-Chair, the energetic, irrepressible, irreplaceable Leah Gross, and the members of our Film Committee. This group screened over 100 films to bring our audience the best content available. My special thanks to the amazing Amy Rahmani, who worked tirelessly to help carry the Festival while carrying her baby girl. Finally, the Festival would not be possible without the financial support of our Patrons of the Arts, underwriters, community and corporate sponsors. We appreciate your continued commitment and dedication to the Festival. Thanks for the envelopes. I look forward to seeing you again and again at the Festival. John Dreyfus Film Committee Chair
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SNEAK PREVIEW NIGHT
Join us for Sneak Preview Night the week before the Festival opens to get a taste of what’s to come!
Fever At Dawn (Hajnali Láz)
Monday, February 27 | 7:30 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC In 1945, Holocaust Directed by Peter Gardos survivor Miklos Gardos, Hungary/Israel/Sweden, 2015, 110 min was diagnosed with Hungarian with English subtitles Houston Premiere tuberculosis, sent to a Drama Swedish hospital, and given six months to live. Determined to find love, Miklos wrote letters to 117 recovering Hungarian survivors and found the woman of his dreams. Despite illness, hardships, and betrayals, the two married and had a son, film director Peter Gardos. His parents never spoke of their turbulent past. After Miklos’ death, his mother gave him the packets of letters the two had exchanged which form the basis of this moving film. Patron Sponsors: Lynn and Armand Shapiro
FAMILY SCREENING WITH SHABBATIFY
Guavas
Sunday, March 5 | 2:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Open to the Public For families with children ages 6 and older
Shabbatify brings together elementary school families for meaningful and fun-filled Shabbat and Sunday afternoons. Families will make Mishloach Manot (festive gifts for the holiday of Purim) and enjoy popcorn and other movie snacks during the film.
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Directed by Kobi Machat Billie and her parents Israel, 2015, 80 min have moved to an Hebrew with English subtitles apartment house Houston Premiere Children in a new town. Billie’s new home is populated by a group of most peculiar types, human, animal, and puppets: Pertchik, a puppet and building superintendent, Giovanni and Yardus, the hairdresser and his assistant, and Shlihta, the dog. Outside is a guava tree containing a treehouse and a hammock that the mayor’s assistant threatens to cut down. Billie is called to action and leads the social protest movement to save the tree.
OPENING NIGHT
Harmonia
Sunday, March 5 | 7:30 PM Thursday, March 16 | 5:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Photo by: Itiel Zion
Opening Night festivities begin at 6:30 PM. A contemporary adaptation of the biblical tale of Abraham (Alon Aboutboul), Sarah, and Hagar, set in the world of the Jerusalem Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor Abraham and his wife Sarah, the orchestra's harpist, cannot have children. Hagar, a beautiful, young horn player from East Jerusalem, offers to have a baby with Abraham for the couple. But the child grows estranged from Sarah. Through this ancient story, Harmonia presents a poignant metaphor to the struggle between the rival sibling religions that inhabit Jerusalem.
Directed by Ori Sivan Israel, 2016, 98 min Hebrew/Arabic with English subtitles Houston Premiere Drama
For Opening Night only: all tickets are reserved seating. Buy your ticket early to ensure seats. Patron of the Arts: Reserve your seat with jweil@erjcchouston.org or call 713.551.7219 Festival Pass holders: Reserve your seat with jross@erjcchouston.org or call 713.551.7215 Sponsored by June and Leonard Goldberg 5
Moos
Monday, March 6 | 5:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Twenty-something Directed by Job Gosschalk Moos works with Netherlands, 2016, 91 min Dutch with English subtitles her widowed Houston Premiere father in his Comedy draper’s shop in this quirky romantic comedy. It’s Erev Chanukah, and the extended family gathers to celebrate the holiday; her uncle begins the dinner by Photo by: Bram van Woudenberg praising each person at the table for his or her accomplishments—except for Moos who, despite her desire to go to acting school, has put her life on hold to care for her father. Then in walks Sam, her best buddy from childhood, returned from living in Israel.
Short Film Night Monday, March 6 | 7:30 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
An Old Score
Incognito
A Holocaust survivor sees Ingster, who had been a symphony conductor, in an Israeli supermarket. She is certain he is the vicious kapo who murdered her mother. But is he?
Buenos Aires, 1960. Two men meet for coffee. When they speak, which is seldom, it is in a code only they understand. Neither man likes his companion but they apparently have a shared history. Their identities?
The Little Dictator
An Average Story
Directed by Naor Meningher Israel, 2016, 21 min
Directed by Nurith Cohn Israel, 2015, 29 min
A dull history professor and expert on totalitarian regimes, feels unappreciated by his students and domineering wife. At the 90th birthday party of his wife’s grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, he finds himself in a surreal situation in this absurdist comedy.
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Directed by Jeremiah Quinn UK, 2014, 11 min
Directed by Yaniv Segalovich Israel, 2015, 17 min
In this wry comedy, Avi is a national celebrity; he’s the most average man in Israel. His wife is ecstatic and seeks to monetize his new-found fame.
AKA Nadia
Tuesday, March 7 | 5:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Nadia leaves her East Jerusalem home, marries her PLO boyfriend and goes to live with him in London knowing she can never return home. He’s arrested; she establishes a hidden life. Finally, using papers identifying her as a Jewish woman, she returns to West Jerusalem. She marries a Jewish man, has children and enjoys a successful career when the past catches up with her. The film raises questions about identity, the consequences of past actions, the ability to accept the “other” and forgiveness.
Directed by Tova Ascher Israel/UK, 2016, 115 min Hebrew with English subtitles Houston Premiere Drama
Patron Sponsors: Helen Wils and Leonard Goldstein
On the Map
Tuesday, March 7 | 7:30 PM Director Dani Menkin in Attendance March 7 Friday, March 10 | 1:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
Directed by Dani Menkin Israel, 2016, 85 min English, Hebrew with English subtitles Houston Premiere Documentary
This is the story of Israel’s 1977 basketball team – the first team to bring the European Cup to Israel, just after the Yom Kippur War and the Munich Olympics. When this ragtag team of Israelis and Americans won, Israel was placed firmly on the map. With incredible footage of 1970s Israel, the film features interviews with Bill Walton, David Stern, Tal Brody and the other athletes. Told through the eyes of six American basketball players who joined Maccabi, On the Map honors Israeli heroes and mesmerizes fans of the game. Patron Sponsors: Betsy and Ed Schreiber & Joanne and Bruce Levy
Additional Screenings of On the Map
Galveston Screening Sunday, March 5 | 2:00 PM
Shabbat Lunch and a Movie for Adults 60+
Film Screening : Friday March 10 | 1:00 PM Shabbat Lunch: Friday March 10 | 12:00 PM $9 Member | $14 Public | Price includes film and lunch
Presented with Congregation Beth Jacob and Congregation B’nai Israel 8902 Seawall Blvd | Galveston, TX 77554 FREE with a canned good
RSVP required by Tuesday, March 7 to Cathy Podell at 713.595.8181.
Vice Versa
Wednesday, March 8 | 5:00 PM Saturday, March 18 | 6:30 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
Directed by Amichai Greenberg Israel, 2015, 62 min Hebrew with English subtitles Houston Premiere Drama
Can we go back in time and fix the present? How do we repent? Maimonides says there are four actions necessary for repentance: discard the sin, repent, confess, and commit not to do the sin again. Yohai is a Yeshiva student rabbi charged with counseling Ayelet, an 18-year-old dying of cancer. The two enter into a relationship unsanctioned by the Yeshiva and Ayelet’s family. But who must repent in this love story that moves beyond the expectations of family, faith and society? 7
An Evening with Howard Rosenman Wednesday, March 8 | 7:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
Hollywood Film Producer, Howard Rosenman shares stories from his career and how Judaism has impacted his journey. Rosenman produced Father of the Bride, The Family Man, and Brave Miss World (HJFF 2014). Rosenman’s films have won two Peabody Awards, an Academy Award and top honors at the Sundance, Berlin and Cannes Film Festivals. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised on Long Island, Howard is the son of seventh generation Israelis from Jerusalem. In 1967, he took a leave from medical school to serve as an extern medic in the Six Day War as a part of the Israeli Defense Forces.
The Essential Link: The Story of Wilfrid Israel Thursday, March 9 | 5:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
He was friends with Albert Einstein and Mahatma Ghandi. He was wealthy, Directed by Yonatan Nir Israel, 2016, 82 min having inherited the most prominent Hebrew, English, German with department store in Berlin. Until English subtitles Houston Premiere recently, he was an enigma and largely Documentary forgotten. Now we know he inspired the Kindertransport, financed a children’s settlement in Palestine, provided safe passage for Jewish refugees, and helped his 700 Jewish employees emigrate. The filmmaker takes us on an adventure as he searches for the mysterious hero, and for the reasons he disappeared from history.
One Week and a Day (Shavua Ve Yom)
Thursday, March 9 | 7:30 PM Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston This film, which had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, is a comedy about the way a couple Directed by Asaph Polonsky copes with the death of their son. When Israel, 2016, 93 min Eyal and his wife finish the week of shiva Hebrew with English subtitles Houston Premiere for their son, he enlists his young Comedy neighbor to join him in smoking his son’s medical marijuana. This stoned, odd duo sets out into the world, and Eyal begins to see the things in his life still worth living for. A nuanced perspective on loss that is humorous, touching, and above all else, life-affirming. The film won five awards at the Jerusalem Film Festival, including Best Israeli Feature. Patron Sponsors: Paula and Irving Pozmantier 8
Beyond the Mountains and Hills* (Me’ever Laharim Vehagvaot) Saturday, March 11 | 6:00 PM Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Greenbaums are a seemingly normal family: Directed by Eran Kolirin the father, retired after 27 Belgium/Germany/Israel, 2016, 92 min Hebrew with English subtitles years in the Israeli army; Houston Premiere the mother, a high school Drama teacher; the daughter, a rebellious teenager whose anti-military protests put her in dangerous territory; and the son, seemingly a normal teenage boy until a crisis hits. Slowly, their lives begin to unravel out of frustration, mid-life crises, teenage angst, and disillusionment. “We’re good people, aren’t we?” the father inquires. But are they?
Past Life*
Saturday, March 11 | 8:00 PM Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Based on the wartime diaries of Holocaust survivor Dr. Baruch Milch, his daughters Sephi and Nana, the former a classical composer Directed by Avi Nesher and the latter an investigative Israel/Poland, 2016, 110 min journalist, attempt to investiHebrew, English, German, Polish with English subtitles gate the mystery of their Houston Premiere father’s wartime experiences Thriller in Poland. Sephi’s life intersects with that of German composer and conductor Thomas Zielinski, who also comes from a family of unrevealed secrets and whose mother believes Dr. Milch is a murderer. Haunting and suspenseful, Past Life is directed by Avi Nesher (The Wonders, HJFF 2014). Receive 10% off with a same day film ticket Hours: Saturday 10:00 AM–7:00 PM | Sunday 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
BE SURE TO VISIT OUR NEW VENUE THIS YEAR!
Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH) Screenings on Thursday, March 9 & Sunday, March 12
The MATCH (formerly the Independent Arts Collaborative/IAC) is a new community arts complex that provides a centralized home base in Midtown for a broad spectrum of Houston’s leading and emerging arts and cultural organizations. LOCATION MATCH is located at 3400 Main Street, across the street from the Ensemble/HCC Metro Rail Station and halfway between Houston’s Theater District and the Museum District. PARKING Mid-Main Parking Garage at 3505 Travis St. is directly to the South across Holman and open 24 hours. Parking can be paid by credit card or cash. Visit matchouston.org for more parking details. * Festival and Patron Passes are not accepted.
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Fanny’s Journey* (Le Voyage de Fanny) Sunday, March 12 | 1:00 PM Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Inspired by the memoir of Fanny Ben-Ami, the film follows a group of children led by twelve-year-old Fanny across Occupied France during WWII. Pursued by Nazis and their Photo by: Claire Nicol allies in Vichy France, betrayed by a French priest and a fellow traveler, protected by a group trying to save Jewish children, and transported by a smuggler, they attempt to make their way alone to neutral Switzerland in this harrowing, beautifully filmed portrayal of their journey.
Directed by Lola Doillon France/Belgium, 2016, 94 min French with English subtitles Houston Premiere Drama
Presenting Princess Shaw* Sunday, March 12 | 3:00 PM Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
This uplifting documentary celebrates the unlikely musical connec- Directed by Ido Haar Israel, 2015, 80 minutes tion between New Orleans-based singer Samantha Montgomery English Documentary and Israeli composer and multimedia artist Kutiman. Samantha writes and sings her own songs as Princess Shaw, posting them on her YouTube channel. Kutiman discovers her talent, and two strangers, 7,000 miles apart, begin to collaborate. The film climaxes with an exhilarating performance in Israel where Princess Shaw’s emotional performances are showcased in a beautiful expression of generosity and compassion, revealing her fight to never give up on her dreams.
For the Love of Spock Sunday, March 12 | 5:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
Directed by Adam Nimoy USA, 2016, 105 min English Documentary
Prior to becoming Mr. Spock in the Star Trek series, Leonard Nimoy had a variety of jobs: fish tank servicer, apartment building manager, and ice-cream parlor proprietor. His acting jobs never lasted for more than two weeks. In this documentary tribute to his father, Leonard’s son Adam has created a film that not only examines his father’s character as Spock, but also his entire life. Dress up as your favorite Star Trek character for free admission.
Our Father
Sunday, March 12 | 7:30 PM Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston
Directed by Meni Yaesh Israel/France, 2016, 105 min Hebrew with English subtitles Houston Premiere Drama with extreme violence
Ovadia (Moris Cohen), a nightclub bouncer, and his wife Rachel have been trying for a child for five years. Frustrated and close to giving up, Ovadia is offered a lucrative job as a debt collector, working for a dangerous local gangster. With the money he earns, the couple can afford expensive fertility treatment—but the extremely violent nature of Ovadia’s job starts to take its toll. He soon learns the way out is going to be longer and bloodier than he expected. Our Father offers a gritty, uncompromising view of Israeli life today in this moral drama. Moris Cohen’s electrifying performance won the Israeli Oscar for Best Actor. 10
* Festival and Patron Passes are not accepted.
WOMEN’S NIGHT Join us as the J celebrates women in the month of March! Make it “dinner and a movie” with your friends! Bring your dinner or buy from Laykie’s Gourmet Café at the J, and we’ll provide the Israeli wine. To reserve a table, RSVP by Thursday, March 9 to jross@erjcchouston.org or call 713.551.7215. Food can be purchased straight from the café or can be pre-ordered with Laykie: Salmon or grilled chicken on garden salad with quinoa and roasted vegetables. Both options are $15 and should be ordered in advance with Laykie: laykiesgourmet@yahoo.com or by text at 713.283.4030.
The Women’s Balcony Monday, March 13 | 7:30 PM Dinner | 6:30 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
Directed by Emil Ben Shimon Israel, 2016, 96 min Hebrew with English subtitles Houston Premiere Drama
A warm, cohesive congregation of Sephardic Jews suffers an accident during a bar mitzvah: the women’s balcony collapses, the rebbetzin is injured, and the beloved rabbi can’t cope. Enter Rabbi David, a religious fundamentalist who offers to help the congregation. But there is a price for his help. The men are captivated; however, the women are enraged and take matters into their own hands. Ultimately congregational peace is restored. A rousing, good-humored tale of women speaking truth to power, The Women’s Balcony is at once rebellious and respectful in spirit.
The People vs. Fritz Bauer*
GET CULTURED: THE J’S ARTS & CULTURE EVENTS FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 20S AND 30S
Tuesday, March 14 | 5:00 PM & 7:30 PM Holocaust Museum Houston
Exclusively for Ages 21 to Thirty-Something
(Der Staat Gegen Fritz Bauer) Putzel In 1957 Fritz Bauer, a GermanDirected by Lars Kraume Jewish prosecutor of former Germany, 2015, 105 min Nazis in the newly democratic English, German, Yiddish with English subtitles German government, is Houston Premiere presented with information Thriller regarding the whereabouts of Adolph Eichmann. He cannot bring the information to Interpol or German officialdom for fear of alerting Eichmann. At the risk of being charged for treason, Bauer contacts the Mossad. The film, a biopic which has been compared to Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies, earned Germany’s top prizes for best film, director, screenplay, supporting actor, and set design.
Wednesday, March 15 | 7:30 PM Landmark’s River Oaks Theatre | 2009 West Gray Advanced purchase recommended | Cash only at the door
For a young man, endearingly known as Putzel, life literally doesn’t go Directed by Jason Chaet USA, 2012, 88 min beyond his family’s fish store and his English community on the upper west side of Comedy Manhattan. In this heartwarming comedy, Walter’s aspirations of taking over his uncle’s shop are disrupted by the arrival of Sally (Melanie Lynskey, Two and a Half Men), who becomes romantically involved with his uncle. While Walter tries to thwart their romance in order to ensure his taking over the business, he finally starts to realize his full potential. * Festival and Patron Passes are not accepted.
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CHAIR’S CHOICE
At the Circus Duck Soup
Wednesday, March 15 | 7:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
Join us for a Marx Brothers Double Header, favorites of our Film Chair, John Dreyfus. Films shown back-to-back with a brief intermission. Come for one or both. At the Circus, the ninth Marx Brothers film, was produced by MGM studios in 1939. J. Cheever Loophole (Groucho), Tony (Chico) and Punchy (Harpo) save a circus from bankruptcy. The film includes Groucho’s classic rendition of “Lydia the Tattooed Lady”. The climax of the film is the Marx Brothers’ Directed by Edward Buzzell USA, 1939, 87 min finest. Film Daily wrote, “The mad Marxmen have never been funnier, nor have they had a English better story in which to cavort.” Supporting cast members include the unflappable Comedy Margaret Dumont and Eve Arden. Duck Soup, the fifth Marx Brothers film, is ranked as the fifth greatest comedy of all time by the American Film Institute. It is now widely considered among critics to be a masterpiece of comedy and the Marx Brothers’ finest film. Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho) as the Leader of Freedonia, enlists the help of Chicilini (Chico) and Pinky (Harpo) to declare war over Sylvania in hopes of winning the love of wealthy Mrs. Teasdale, played by Margaret Dumont. Dress up as your favorite Marx Brothers character for free admission.
Underwritten by The Maurice Amado Foundation Patron Sponsors: The Dreyfus Family 12
Directed by Leo McCarey USA, 1933, 70 min English Comedy
The Settlers
Thursday, March 16 | 7:30 PM Director Shimon Dotan in Attendance Evelyn Rubenstein JCC This is a comprehensive view of the Jewish Directed by Shimon Dotan settlers in the West Bank. The Settlers provides France/Canada/Germany/Israel 2016, 106 min a historical overview, a geopolitical study English, Hebrew, Arabic with and an intimate look at those people at the English subtitles core of the most daunting challenges facing Houston Premiere Documentary Israel and the international community today. Settlers cannot be divided into categories. Some are living in the West Bank because the real estate prices are cheap, some for religious reasons, and some for no particular religious or ideological purpose. And so the question remains: What is a settler? Patron Sponsors: Esther and Gary Polland
Join us for drinks and snacks in the Joe Frank Theatre of the Arts. Relax in between the films: stay late after Vice Versa or come early before A Grain of Truth. Lounge open 7:30 – 8:40 PM. Your film ticket or pass provides entry.
Vice Versa
Wednesday, March 8 | 5:00 PM Saturday, March 18 | 6:30 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Can we go back in time and fix the present? How do we repent? Maimonides says there are four actions Directed by Amichai Greenberg Israel, 2015, 62 min necessary for repentance: discard the sin, repent, Hebrew with English subtitles confess, and commit not to do the sin again. Yohai is a Houston Premiere Drama Yeshiva student rabbi charged with counseling Ayelet, an 18-year-old dying of cancer. The two enter into an relationship unsanctioned by the Yeshiva and Ayelet’s family. But who must repent in this love story that moves beyond the expectations of family, faith and society?
A Grain of Truth Saturday, March 18 | 8:40 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
Photo by: Tomasz Urbanek
Based on a Polish crime thriller of the same name, Directed by Borys Lankosz Teodor Szacki, a washed up prosecutor of the film Poland, 2015, 112 min noir variety, is charged with investigating gruesome English, Polish with English subtitles murders suggesting Jewish ritual slaughter of Houston Premiere Thriller animals. Seen as an outsider by the close-knit community, he faces suspicion when called in to investigate the brutal murder of a well-known social activist, her body discovered outside a former synagogue. The trail of victims grows, the killer remains elusive, and clues point to a mysterious connection with historical myths of blood libel.
Patron Sponsor:
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Weiner
Sunday, March 19 | 1:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC It’s 2013 and Anthony Weiner—still Directed by Josh Kriegman reeling from the sex scandal that ended his political career two years and Elyse Steinberg USA, 2016, 100 min earlier—is back in the spotlight as English Documentary he mounts an audacious comeback campaign for New York City mayor. But it’s not long before history repeats itself. New sexting allegations leave Weiner and his aides scrambling to contain the damage. Granted unfettered access to the candidate and his campaign, filmmakers Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg capture a jaw-dropping, behind-the-scenes look at the political machine as it breaks down. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at Sundance Film Festival.
Life, Animated
Sunday, March 19 | 4:00 PM The Emery/Weiner School | 9825 Stella Link Road
Directed by Roger Ross Williams USA, 2016, 89 min English Documentary
Based on Ron Suskind’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, this documentary follows Owen Suskind from age three, when he is diagnosed with autism, to age 23, when he learns to live on his own. At three, Owen stops speaking. His joy is watching Disney films and it is through them that he begins to reconnect with the world. Through home movies, film clips, and scenes with Owen’s family and therapists, we watch as Owen progresses from his silent world to become a spokesperson for autistic individuals. Life, Animated has been nominated for an Oscar in Best Documentary Feature. 14
CLOSING NIGHT
Mr. Predictable Sunday, March 19 | 7:30 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
Photo by: Talia Rosin
Before he went to fight in Lebanon, Adi’s father made five-year-old Adi promise to be a good, responsible boy. Adi helped his family, friends, military buddies, and wife, and they all exploited him. His life changes, however, when Adi is misdiagnosed as having terminal cancer and literally runs into his polar opposite, an uninhibited dog walker named Natalia. While an inauspicious beginning for a relationship, Adi sees the world through her eyes and chooses a new direction for his life.
Directed by Roee Florentin Israel, 2016, 103 min Hebrew with English subtitles Houston Premiere Comedy
Patron Sponsors: Ellen and Daniel Trachtenberg Sponsored by Isabelle and Eric Mayer In honor of John Dreyfus 15
Venues Legend
Houston Jewish Film Festival March 5-19, 2017
Calendar of Events
Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH)
Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, Kaplan Theatre
5601 South Braeswood Houston, TX 77096
3400 Main Street Houston, TX 77002
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Brown Auditorium Theater
Alternate Location See listing for address
1001 Bissonnet Street Houston, TX 77005
Holocaust Museum Houston, Albert and Ethel Herzstein Theater 5401 Caroline Street Houston, TX 77004
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OPENING DAY 2:00 PM On the Map FREE | Galveston
5:00 PM Moos $6 | JCC
5:00 PM AKA Nadia $6 | JCC
5:00 PM Vice Versa $6 | JCC
7:30 PM Short Film Night $9 | $14 | JCC
7:30 PM On the Map $9 | $14 | JCC Director Dani Menkin in attendance
7:00 PM An Evening with Howard Rosenman $9 | $14 | JCC
5:00 PM The Essential Link: The Story of Wilfrid Israel $6 | JCC
1:00 PM On the Map $9 | $14 | JCC With lunch and a movie for 60+
6:00 PM Beyond the Mountains and Hills $8 | $10 | MFAH
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1:00 PM Fanny’s Journey $8 | $10 | MFAH
WOMEN’S NIGHT 6:30 PM Dinner
5:00 PM The People vs. Fritz Bauer $8 | $10 | HMH
7:30 PM The Women’s Balcony $9 | $14 | JCC
7:30 PM The People vs. Fritz Bauer $8 | $10 | HMH
7:00 PM CHAIR’S CHOICE At the Circus & Duck Soup $9 | $14 | JCC
5:00 PM Harmonia $6 | JCC
2:00 PM Guavas $10 Family Ticket JCC
7:30 PM SNEAK PREVIEW NIGHT Fever at Dawn $6 | JCC
7:30 PM OPENING NIGHT Harmonia $12 | $18 | JCC
3:00 PM Presenting Princess Shaw $8 | $10 | MFAH 5:00 PM For the Love of Spock $9 | $14 | JCC 7:30 PM Our Father $9 | $14 | MATCH
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7:30 PM GET CULTURED Putzel River Oaks Theatre $10 Exclusively for Ages 21-Thirtysomething
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7:30 PM One Week and a Day $9 | $14 | MATCH
8:00 PM Past Life $8 | $10 | MFAH
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Lounge Open 7:30-8:40 PM
7:30 PM The Settlers $9 | $14 | JCC Director Shimon Dotan in attendance
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18 6:30 PM Vice Versa $10 | $15 | JCC
8:40 PM A Grain of Truth $10 | $15 | JCC Double Header Price: $16 | $24
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CLOSING DAY 1:00 PM Weiner $9 | $14 | JCC
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Every movie ticket from the J gets you 10% off at Laykie’s Gourmet Café at the J
4:00 PM Life, Animated $10 | The Emery/Weiner School
Hours During Film Festival
7:30 PM Mr. Predictable $9 | $14 | JCC
on March 5 & 19
Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Price: Member | Public Member price includes Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Member/Patron of the Arts/MFAH Film Buff/HMH Member Discounts for Students and Seniors 60+ available at time of purchase. For venue information, please see page 2.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND STAFF 2016-2017 Film Committee John Dreyfus, Chair Leah Gross, Co-Chair Doreen Joffe and Sharon Kagan, Founding Chairs Nada Chandler Joyce Cramer Beverly Fanarof Audrey Fersten
Sue Goott Jerry Greenspan Ellen Hamburg Lindy Kahn Diane Kaplan
Marisa Kelner Diane Lee Kraitman Eve Lapin Lori Lazard Joanne Levy
Marian Luntz
Miriam Pacht Stefani Twyford Megan Uzick Helen Wils
Tamara Savage
Curator, Film and Video The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Managing Director/Director of Public Programs Holocaust Museum Houston
Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Houston Debbie Kaplan President
Barbara Lindenberg
Interim Film Festival Coordinator
Joel Dinkin
Marilyn Hassid
Amy Rahmani
Executive Vice President
Assistant Executive Director
Assistant Director, Arts & Culture
Jasmine Ross
Maxine Silberstein
Jerry Lynch and Lee Snyder
Arts & Culture Assistant
Dance Director
Projectionists
SPONSORS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS Supporters
Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Patron of the Arts Media Sponsor
The Maurice Amado Foundation
Official Hotel of the ERJCC
Director
Brian Gavin Diamonds
In-Kind
Fleischer Wine: A Division of Mexcor Jenny Tavor Custom Catering
Community Partners AIPAC - American Israel Public Affairs Committee
Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest
Houston Yiddish Vinkel
Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
Hebrew Free Loan Association of Houston
Jewish Feminist Reading Group
Congregation Beth Israel Miriam Browning Jewish Learning Center
Hebrew Order of David (HOD) Galil
Jewish Family Service National Council of Jewish Women Greater Houston Section Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services
Congregation Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood
Holocaust Museum Houston
Congregation Brith Shalom
Houston Chapter of Hadassah
Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Israel
Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism
United Orthodox Synagogues of Houston
Congregation Emanu El Sisterhood Congregation Shma Koleinu
Holocaust Museum Houston Guild
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Celebrating Women! | March 2017
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Join us in March 2017 at the J for many fantastic events and activities celebrating women.
• Mother and Daughter Challah Bake
• Perl: Jewish Indie Rock Band • Girl Walks Out of a Bar with author Lisa Smith
Kate Siegel & Kim Friedman Mother, Can you Not? Thursday, March 23, 7:30 PM Merfish Teen Center Ballroom 9000 S. Rice Avenue
No one understands the delicate mother-daughter dynamic better than Kate Siegel—her own mother drove her so crazy that she decided to broadcast their hilarious conversations on Instagram. Soon, hundreds of thousands of people were following their daily text exchanges, eager to see what outrageous thing Kate’s mom would do next. Now, in Mother, Can You Not?, Kate pays tribute to the woman who invented the concept of drone parenting.
For more information or to register, visit erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen or contact Morgan Steinberg at 713.595.8170. 18
Bobbi and Vic Samuels Center for Jewish Living & Learning
2017 Spring Scholar Lecture Series The J’s popular ethics series continues this spring. What safety concerns should we have about gun ownership, if any? How is the current refugee situation affecting the Houston community? Discuss these questions and more at our 2017 Spring Scholars Series: Jewish Ethics, Local Narratives to be held at the J April 26–May 3, 2017. Each session will include a panel discussion from Jewish, local, and personal perspectives. BVSCJLL Committee Member, Nancy Pryzant Picus stated, “This year, so much of the adult education offered at the J is focused around issues that are important in Houston. The fall series about Jewish Houston was fabulous, and I expect nothing less from the Spring Scholar Series. I am truly looking forward to hearing different points of view about such timely topics as refugee absorption and gun ownership.”
We Were Strangers Too: Judaism & Refugees Wednesday, April 26 | 7:30 PM
A Loaded Issue: Judaism & Gun Ownership Sunday, April 30 | 4:00 PM
Save One Life, Save the World: Judaism & Human Trafficking Wednesday, May 3 | 7:30PM
$10 Member | $15 Public Series Pass: $25 Member | $37 Public Patrons Platinum and Above: FREE Made possible by Shirley and Sigi Horvitz
For more information, or to register, please visit erjcchouston.org/ethics or call Rabbi Jill Levy at 713.595.8156 19
P owered by Your G enerosity –
An Interview with Gary Lerner Gary Lerner grew up in Galveston. He joined the J in 1970 after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law. He and his wife, Susan, lived in Israel for one year as part of the World Union of Jewish Students, before they settled in Meyerland. He is now semi-retired from probate law and real estate, so he spends much of his time at the J. Do you have a special or earliest memory of your interaction with the J? Gary: When I moved here in 1970, I was single – it was before there was even a fitness center! I would go to work and then come to the J to play racquetball and swim. On weekends I would play softball. It was a great place to meet people and participate in physical activities. My children, Ilyse and Mason, both attended summer day camp here growing up, so I’ve been tied in to the J for over 46 years. What does a day at the J mean for you? Gary: I can be found in the Fitness Center most days. I like the interaction I have with the Fitness staff – Linda, Robin and Catherine, and I enjoy “kibbitzing” with fellow members and the friends I’ve made here. I also deliver Meals on Wheels every Friday - for many homebound seniors, receiving a daily hot meal and a friendly visit, are not common. But with Meals on Wheels, this simple act can become a cherished daily ritual in the life of a senior. There are 16 stops on my route, in which I deliver more than 18 meals to home-bound seniors, which takes roughly an hour and a half. I see people who are on oxygen, some who don’t even move from their chair – they just leave the door unlocked and I put the food on their countertop. It is essential that these recipients have some interaction with a friendly face, which makes it very rewarding.
What has been the most meaningful part of your involvement at the J? Gary: The enjoyment and use of all the facilities, classes and activities my family and I have participated in at the J, including attending countless programs during the [Annual Ann & Stephen Kaufman] Jewish Book & Arts Fair. I took classes through the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning for four years. Through that program, I had the opportunity to travel to Israel with our core group of students, led by Rabbi Eve Ben-Ora, the J’s Director of Jewish Education at the time. I very much enjoyed that experience and enriching my Jewish identity. Why do you believe the J is an important place to support? Gary: The J is an important place to support since it offers so many programs and activities for people to be involved in. There is something for everyone at the J – children, young adults, seniors, families, etc. The J is a cohesive place that brings the community together - it is THE common denominator. It is a place to learn and practice Jewish values and concepts to continue to identify with Judaism, as well as like-minded people. The essence of the J is that’s it is a great gathering place and, through the leadership of Joel Dinkin and the entire staff of the J, a very well-run organization.
To join others in powering the J Annual Fund, visit erjcchouston.org/annualfund or contact Anita Bormaster, Director of Annual Giving, at 713.595.8192. 20
Tributes
Thank You to our Generous Donors! We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our many individual, corporate and foundation donors whose generous ongoing support helps the J continue to be a vital community asset.
BOOK FAIR FUND In honor of Eve Lapin and Lisa Sheinbaum for chairing the successful 2016 Jewish Book & Arts Fair – Robin & Brad Stein
CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL
In honor of Lauren and Jeremy Blachman – Judy & Rodney Margolis Carolyn & Jay Kaplan Taryn & Dan Braun Martha & Donald Freedman Nancy & Irv Stern In honor of Debbie Kaplan – Judy & Rodney Margolis In honor of Eve and Bobby Lapin – Martha & Donald Freedman In honor of Scott McClelland – Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors
DANCE MONTH AT THE KAPLAN THEATRE In honor of Hilda Frank – Janet & Elton Lipnick
DONNA FRANKOFF JEWISH BOOK FAIR FUND In honor of Jean Rosenbaum on her birthday – From all your kids
GENERAL TRIBUTES/ANNUAL FUND
In honor of Martha Barvin on her 60th birthday – Sherry & Gerald Merfish In memory of Betty Cole – The Cole & Anker Families In honor of Leah Gross – Iris & David Littwitz In memory of Joel Levy – Ann & Stephen Kaufman Sherry & Gerald Merfish In honor of Youval Meicler – The Tabins In memory of Arnold Miller – Sherry & Gerald Merfish
GERALD RAUCH MEMORIAL FUND
In honor of Edith Lewis on her birthday – Lila Rauch In honor of Lila Rauch – Pam Susman In honor of Minnette Robinson on her birthday – Lila Rauch
GIVING TREE CAMPAIGN FUND
In memory of Sylvia Kasner – Maxine & Bubba Silberstein Judy Weil In honor of Bonnie Kasner – Jerry Wische In honor of Jackson Rockoff – Gayle & Richard Rockoff
HNI/GYMNASTICS FUND In memory of Frank Erwin – Maxine & Bubba Silberstein Judy Weil
JEWISH ARTS & CULTURE FUND
In memory of Riki Roussos – Diana Howard
Bronze statue of Evelyn Rubenstein in the JCC lobby
MARGIE ABRAMS & LOUIS GERSHEN MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND FUND
OLIVER LAPIN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIRFUND
In honor of George Gershen on his birthday – Sam & Barney Gershen
In memory of Joel Levy – Eve & Bobby Lapin In memory of Blanche Roubein – Eve & Bobby Lapin
MAXINE SILBERSTEIN DANCE FUND
RAYMOND E. PLOTKIN JCC MACCABI GAMES TENNIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In honor of Bubba Silberstein on his 80th birthday – Arlene Levy
MEALS ON WHEELS
In honor of our children and grandchildren – Linda & Joel Chess In memory of Norma Barsky – Audrey & Larry Plotkin In honor of Gudrun Danburg on her birthday, with love and best wishes for a healthy year – Thursday Morning Yoga Class In honor of Michael and Joyce Peters, for taking care of Mo – Myra Weisfeld In memory of Paula Plotkin – Audrey & Larry Plotkin In honor of our grandchildren, Benjamin, Brooke, and Bradley Lepow – Glenda & Terry Waldman
In honor of the life and memory of our son, Raymond Evan Plotkin, on his birth anniversary, 12/28/1990. We love him very much and miss him every single day – Elaine & Ronnie Plotkin
SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM FUND In honor of Viviane’s Board Membership – Steve Bunin
TENNIS CENTER
In memory of Joel Levy – Mardi, Mark & Max Kunik As of December 20, 2016
MEYERLAND SOCCER AT THE J
In honor of the Bellaire Soccer Team – Josh Leif
MIKE GROSSMAN/JUDY RICHKER MACCABI SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of Martha W. Ainsworth – Vicky & Michael Richker In memory of Jack Davidson – Vicky & Michael Richker In memory of William Epstein – Vicky & Michael Richer Congratulations to Marvy Finger upon receiving the “Builder of Kindness Award” at the grand opening of Aishel House – Vicky & Michael Richker In memory of Jay Karkowsky – Vicky & Michael Richker In memory of Joel Levy – Vicky & Michael Richker In memory of Florence Magaziner – Vicky & Michael Richker In memory of Robert Harvey Marshall – Vicky & Michael Richker Congratulations to Mark Mucasey upon receiving the “Lamplight Award” at the grand opening of Aishel House – Vicky & Michael Richker Congratulations to Benjamin Musher, M.D. upon receiving the “Physician & Friend Award” at the grand opening of Aishel House – Vicky & Michael Richker In memory of William C. Rozelle – Vicky & Michael Richker In memory of Phyllis Schaffer – Vicky & Michael Richker In memory of Robert Schwartz – Vicky & Michael Richker In memory of Fay Gordon Shoss – Vicky & Michael Richker
For corrections or to make a donation, please contact our Development Department at 713.551.7219.
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Changing Lives with Scholarships Elana Hoffman knows she wouldn’t be where she is today without her Bertha Alyce School family at the J and the help of the Irvin Kaplan Scholarship Fund. She is mom to seven-year-old Molly and four-year-old Hannah. Her children thrive at J Camps, Kid Zone and in the preschool, but their journey to the J didn’t start out that way. Six years ago Elana left her family on the East Coast to move to Houston. She worked full time, supporting a husband who was in school and gone most of the day. She needed childcare for her young daughter and turned to the J. Not long after Molly started at BAS, Elana was placed on bedrest while pregnant with Hannah. It was then she discovered the “Spirit of the J” and her “Bertha Alyce family.” She knew that at the J she could find a preschool for her daughter, but she did not realize she would find her best friends and her new place to belong, her home away from home. Parents helped with carpool, meal sharing and anything else she needed; her BAS friends became her support system. Not long after, Elana and her husband divorced. While being away from her family back east was hard, being a single mother with chronic health issues that allow you to only work part time was even harder, and added to her financial and emotional stress. Again the J came to her rescue in the form of the Irvin Kaplan Scholarship Fund. “I am just so thankful, I am not sure what I would have done,” said Elana. “I don’t know how I could have made it without the J. My children love and cherish Shabbat, they practice Tikkun Olam, they recite prayers at home and incorporate what they are learning at the J into their daily lives.” Molly has moved to elementary school and is thriving, the J helped build her confidence. Hannah is flourishing at BAS and Camp Bami. And Elana continues to lean on her J family while succeeding as a single mom. Elana, Molly and Hannah are just some of the many reasons why the Children’s Scholarship Ball benefitting the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund was created. The need for financial assistance is ever increasing and the J hopes to always be able to support families who are not able to pay. The fund was created to ensure that all children from six-week-old infants to teenagers, of all religious and ethnic backgrounds, and with different abilities, can participate in early childhood care, educational activities, special needs programs and J Camps. Each year more than 300 children receive scholarship assistance. Thanks to generous supporters, the J has proudly granted more than $11 million dollars in scholarship assistance since 1990.
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HONORING
Lauren and Jeremy Blachman H-E-B and Scott McClelland 2017 BALL CHAIRS
Abby Ackerman and Erika Kaufman 2017 AUCTION CHAIRS
Marci Gilbert and Ashley Roseman For more information, to make a contribution to pay tribute to our Honorees, or to purchase tickets visit jcchouston.org/csb or contact Judy Weil at 713.551-7219
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EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, TX 77096–3907 713.729.3200 | erjcchouston.org
Non–Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 6217 Houston, Texas
Houston Jewish Film Festival
MARCH 5-19, 2017
A Grain of Truth
Photo by: Tomasz Urbanek
erjcchouston.org/filmfest