Welcome to the 29th annual Film Festival. The Denver Jewish Film Festival Selection Committee is thrilled to present this year’s selection entirely on-site in our beautiful and intimate Elaine Wolf Theatre.
Thank you to our hard-working Program Director at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, Tim Campbell, for his efforts in organizing our search for the exciting, high-quality films we are so proud to show you. Tim’s work is assisted by a strong supporting cast of the following people, without whom it would be impossible to put on the festival: Marissa Swanson, Dan Rib, Shawna Colville, Kevin McVeigh, and Stephanie Herm.
To create the festival, Tim works with volunteer “pre-screeners,” who are the first eyes on potential films and provide Tim with reviews. From there, Tim, decides what films are passed to our Selection Committee. This hard-working group of nine volunteers reviews between 80-100 films to determine the highest quality ones, while ensuring the selection is a well-rounded assortment of narratives, documentaries, and shorts for your viewing.
This year, we reflect upon the monstrous crimes Hamas committed against Israel on October 7. We feel a special responsibility to bring you film that addresses this atrocity and its aftermath on Israel, particularly families of the victims.
However, our festival is not limited to addressing the October 7 horror. We will also showcase films that educate, uplift, and are thought-provoking, with a smattering of humorous films and those highlighting a lighter side of life.
Film is a passion shared by myself, our committee, and the Program Director. It reflects our society to mirror both the good and the bad, and sometimes even offer solutions. We will be sharing films that make you think and evoke strong emotions. Our goal is to entertain, educate, and stimulate discussion and thought-provoking ideas.
We trust that this year’s return to exclusively showing festival films in our theaters will recement feelings of camaraderie between patrons. It is one of our greatest delights to see people connecting with friends old and new.
Thank you to those who have helped sponsor our films. The financial support you provide allows us to bring you a high-quality festival, in our goal of returning back to pre-COVID attendance and beyond.
We treasure the relationship we have with our returning patrons, while also welcoming new festival goers. This year offers supplemental programming such as talk backs from directors, producers, and members of the community. These add context to films and provide a more meaningful experience for you.
Adieu, for now. Let the cameras roll as we embark on journeys that only film can provide.
Mark H. Boscoe Chair of the Denver Jewish Film Festival Selection Committee
Supported by
Thursday, January 23
6:00 PM
Festival Overview
Opening Night Reception
7:30 PM
Running on Sand
Friday, January 24
10:30 AM First to Stand
1:00 PM Like a Man
1:00 PM
Telling Nonie
Saturday, January 25
Shabbat Shalom, we are taking a rest day!
Sunday, January 26
10:00 AM Haute Couture
12:15 PM This is My Mother
2:30 PM Everything’s Kosher 4:30 PM I Dance, But My Heart is Crying
STANDUP COMEDY WORKSHOP
6:00 PM Festo! Festo! DJFF Style: Klezmer, Balkan, and world music concert
7:30 PM Stella: a Life Monday, January 27 4:00 PM Here Lived
6:30 PM DU’s Fred & Audrey Friedman Marcus Holocaust LectureThe Return from the Other Planet
THURSDAYS, MARCH 6 - APRIL 24
Festival Overview
Tuesday, January 28
4:30 PM For the Living
7:30 PM Home
Wednesday, January 29
DJFF Shorts Package –5 films – 80 mins
5:00 PM Arie and I Changing Things
5:00 PM Neseh
5:00 PM Over My Dead Body
5:00 PM The Eighth Day
5:00 PM The Source of All Beauty
7:30 PM We Will Dance Again
Thursday, January 30
4:30 PM Bliss (Hemda)
7:00 PM Yaniv 10:00 PM Game Night
Friday, January 31 10:00 AM Bardejov 12:30 PM The Red Shoe 12:30 PM Bewariërs (Custaryans)
Saturday, February 1
5:30 PM Bad Shabbos
7:30 PM Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Sunday, February 2 10:00 AM
Taking Care Sponsored by: Ascent Living Communities, Hilltop Reserve, & Rosemark at Mayfair Park followed by reception and talk back. 12:00 PM
Moses Ezekial: Portrait of a Lost Artist 1:30 PM Lion of Zion 1:30 PM Arugam Bay 4:15 PM Torah Tropical 5:45 PM Food options for purchase following film 7:15 PM Centered: Joe Lieberman 8:30 PM Closing Ceremony
KEY
Italic = Film Titles Non-italic = Program Blue Box = Shown Together
Opening Night Reception
Running on Sand VIP Tier tickets include:
• Hors d’oeuvres
• Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic beverages available
Thursday, January 23 6:00 PM
Running on Sand
Drama
Sponsored by the Strear Family Foundation
Thursday, January 23 7:30 PM
Aumari, a young Eritrean refugee living in Israel, is about to be deported back to his home country. After a spontaneous escape attempt at the airport, he is mistaken for a Nigerian striker, who is supposed to arrive at the same time. Aumari seizes the opportunity and benefits for his change of identity as the new key acquisitions for the team of ‘Maccabi Netanya’. Despite the absence of any soccer talent, Aumari is able to cover-up and heal the divisions of his struggling team, while a tender romantic bond with the charmingly unconventional daughter of the team owner is growing.
Director: Adar Shafran 2023 / Israel / 104 min Hebrew, English
Directors: Irene Lilienheim
Angelico, Abbey Neidik
2023 / Canada / 75 min
English
First to Stand Documentary
Friday, January 24 10:30 AM January 24
Irwin Cotler and his team fight for justice and human rights, women’s rights and media freedom in the cases and causes of Raif Badawi, Amal Clooney, Shaparak Shajarizadeh, Anatoly Sharansky, and Bill Browder.
Double Feature
Director: Shaya Chesner
2023 / Israel / 14 min
Arabic, Hebrew
Telling Nonie
Documentary
THE NEXT TWO FILMS WILL BE SHOWN TOGETHER
Like a Man
Narrative Short
Friday, January 24 1:00 PM
Rugged and macho Ronen (40), takes his excited and innocent 13-yearold son Aviv on a Bar-Mitzvah hike to a lake in northern Israel. In spite of his attempts to present himself as the ideal masculine figure, Ronen’s vulnerabilities and fears are blatantly exposed during an encounter with three Israeli Arabs, who have arrived at the same spot for a day of hiking and leisure.
Friday, January 24 1:00 PM
Tormented by his role in a 1950s Gaza assassination, an introspective elderly Israeli agent seeks redemption by disclosing guilt and seeking reconciliation. At 88, Geizi Tsafrir reflects on his time with Israel’s security agency Shin Bet and the July ‘56 killing, executed with an explosive device, of an Egyptian lieutenant colonel responsible for cross-border attacks. Reuniting with former operatives, unsettling revelations drive him to action. He travels to Los Angeles to meet Nonie Darwish, the daughter of his target, with the hope of easing his troubled conscience. This winner of the Haifa International Film Festival’s Best Israeli Documentary explores intricate emotions, history’s complexities, and the bumpy path toward mutual understanding and forgiveness.
Director: Paz Schwartz, Uriel Sinai
2023 / Israel, USA / 51 min English, Hebrew
January 26
Director: Sylvie Ohayon
2021 / France / 100 min
French
This is My Mother
Drama, Comedy
Haute
Couture
Drama, Comedy
Sunday, January 26 10:00 AM
Esther is at the end of her career as Head Seamstress at Dior Avenue Montaigne workshop. One day, she gets her handbag stolen in the metro by a 20 year old woman, Jade. Instead of calling the police she decides to take care of Jade.
Sunday, January 26 12:15 PM
Pierre is a successful 33-year-old florist whose life takes a turn when his mother, Judith, shows up after two years without seeing each other. Judith is whimsical, excessive, and suffers from bipolar disorder; she has escaped from her clinic. While Pierre’s only thought is to bring her back urgently and resume his normal life, nothing goes as planned. Their unexpected reunion--both explosive, funny, and moving--will transform Pierre and Judith forever.
Director: Julien Carpentier 2023 / France / 105 min
French
Director: Adam Fried
2023 / Germany, USA / 80 Min English
Everything’s Kosher
Documentary
Sponsored by Marci Penner
Sunday, January 26 2:30 PM
Adam, a divorced, Jewish father originally from Chicago, embarks on a journey to fulfill a promise to his only daughter never to abandon her. Living in a small, German town steeped in the shadows of Antisemitism and Nazi history, Adam attempts to open a Jewish deli, to establish a link to his upbringing and try to find comfort and connection in his town.
I Dance, But My Heart is Crying
Documentary
Sunday, January 26 4:30 PM
The music documentary “Ich tanze, aber mein Herz weint” (I dance, but my heart is crying) resurrects music that was considered lost for more than seventy years and makes it shine in new splendor.
Festo! Festo! DJFF Style
Thursday, January 30 6:00 PM
Two bands from Festo! Festo! will be joining us in the Social Hall from 6:00 to 7:15 PM. Free to DJFF attendees.
Director: Christoph Weinert 2024 / Germany / 90 Min English
Director: Kilian Riedhof
2024 / Germany, Austria, Switzerland, UK / 121 Min German, English
Stella: A Life Drama
Sunday, January 26 7:30 PM January 26
Stella Goldschlag grows up in Berlin during the Nazi regime. She dreams of a career as a jazz singer, but is forced to go into hiding with her parents in 1944, and her life turns into an hopeless tragedy.
Director: Jane Wells 2023 / Netherlands / 82 Min
English
The Return from the Other Planet
Here Lived
Documentary
Sponsored by Gary and Marsha Blum
Monday, January 27 4:00 PM
Stone by stone: HERE LIVED is the story of hidden children, murdered parents, generational trauma, and one artist’s singular vision for healing.
Monday, January 27 6:30 PM
Fred & Audrey Friedman Marcus Holocaust Lecture
Sponsored by University of Denver
This is an award-winning Israeli documentary released 2023. The film deals with a survivor author and the LSD treatments he underwent to heal from extreme trauma.
The Marcus Lecture was created in 2003 in memory of Fred Marcus, a Jewish educator who was born in Berlin and spent the war years in Shanghai as a refugee from Nazi Germany. Fred served as a member of the Speakers Bureau of the Holocaust Awareness Institute for many years, educating students and members of churches and synagogues about the Holocaust.
When 250 cyclists mount their bikes outside the universal symbol of absolute evil (Auschwitz-Birkenau) and pedal a WWII liberation path across the Polish countryside, every mile reveals that our entire species too has spent centuries on its own liberation path from Dehumanization towards Empathy and--in 2024--we may be traveling down the most dangerous stretch of all.
In this explosive true-crime drama, a newly married young man’s ambition to open a computer store in his ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem neighborhood begets a shocking clash of tradition versus modernity. Devout yeshiva student Yair tries to support his family with a new business, introducing outside technology into the cloistered community. Despite efforts to adhere to strict Haredi rules, he faces vehement opposition from the locals, leading to rising tensions, the threat of violence, and marital strain, culminating in a decisive showdown.
Directors: Marc Bennett, Tim Roper 2024 / USA / 117 Min
Director: Benny Fredman 2023 / Israel / 111 Min Hebrew / Yiddish
DJFF Shorts Package • 5 films – 80 mins
Director: Ori Shmueli
2024 / Israel / 16 Min Hebrew
Neseh
Drama - Short
Sponsored by Mark Goldstien
Arie and I Changing Things
Drama - Short Sponsored by Mark Goldstien
Wednesday, January 29
Ori persuades his grandfather, Arie, to make a film together, but Arie tries to convince Ori to be socially active instead through past storiesthat shed light on Arie himself
Wednesday, January 29 5:00 PM
Mickey’s son is getting married today – at the winery that he himself has owned and cherished for decades. For 24 years Mickey has preserved a special barrel of wine to open for this occasion. But minutes before the ceremony, the rabbi who is the kosher supervisor at the winery witnesses a non-Jew touching the wine, thus rendering it “Neseh” – forbidden to all Jews. Mickey wants to serve the wine anyway (who’s to know?), but the supervisor is going to make damn sure it doesn’t leave the cellar.
Director: Shmuel Elmaleh 2023 / Israel / 11 Min Hebrew
January 29
Director: Meital Cohen Navarro
2024 / USA / 25 Min
English, Persian
The Eighth Day
Comedy - Short
Sponsored by Mark Goldstien
Over My Dead Body
Drama - Short
Sponsored by Mark Goldstien
Wednesday, January 29
When a young Jewish Persian-American woman tells her parents that her fiancé is Muslim, they make her choose between him and them.
Wednesday, January 29
Noah and Jonah are gay Jewish husbands and new parents to a baby boy. When Noah and Jonah’s parents arrive at their home expecting a traditional bris for their grandson, Noah and Jonah are forced to reveal that they had something very different in mind for their son: no circumcision.
Director: Jonah Weinstein
2023 / USA / 12 Min English
January 29
DJFF Shorts Package continued...
Director: Rachel Lévy
2023 / Israel / 20 Min Hebrew
We Will Dance Again
Documentary
The Source of All Beauty
Drama - Short
Sponsored by Mark Goldstien
Wednesday, January 29
Yaeli, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish young woman, carries a terrible secret that may destroy all her chances of future happiness. David, a brilliant and eligible yeshiva student, seems interested in meeting Yaeli, but her father, in an attempt to protect her from pain and humiliation, refuses to give his permission for the two young people to meet.
Sponsored by Hon. James and Paula Breese
Wednesday, January 29 7:30 PM
A minute-by-minute retelling of the Supernova Music Festival Massacre, which took place on October 7, 2023.
Director: Yariv Mozer 2024 / Israel, USA, UK / 90 Mins Hebrew, English
Bliss (Hemda) Drama
Thursday, January 30 4:30 PM
Sassi and Efi are hard workers, struggling with the debt left by Sasai’s son before he left for Brussels. Though there is quite an age gap between them, their love and humor keep them from life’s weariness and despair. When two youngsters - Omri, Sassi’s hormonal and kindhearted grandson, and David, Efi’s former student - appear in their lives, their carefully kept routine breaks, and the couple’s love is tested. Eighteen years after Aviva, My Love, Sasson Gabai and Asi Levi collaborate once again with director Shemi Zarhin to showcase their unique talents. Sassi and Efi’s love story is both funny and touching. It illuminates in its unique way issues of relationships, family, and loyalty and sends a painful but also warm and optimistic look at the social realities of today.
Yaniv
Drama, Comedy
Thursday, January 30 7:00 PM
After funding is cut for the school musical, a high school teacher resolves to earn it back by cheating at an underground card game run by the Hasidic Jewish community.
Game Night
Access to this event comes with the purchase of a ticket to Yaniv
Thursday, January 30 8:30 PM
Following Yaniv we will have a game night in the Phillips Social Hall until 10:30 PM!
• Tables for Yaniv, Blackjack, Mahjong and board games
• Light drinks and snacks to be served.
• Special young adult Yaniv tournament to be announced!
Director: Shemi Zarhin 2024 / Israel / 125 Mins Hebrew
Director: Amnon Carmi 2024 / USA / 90 Mins English
Bardejov
Drama
Friday, January 31 10:00 AM January 31
The story of small town Jewish leader Rafuel Lowy, who found an ingenious way to save Bardejov’s Jewish population from being sent to Auschwitz during World War Two.
Director: Danny A Abeckaser 2023 / USA / 90 Mins
English / Hebrew / Polish
Double Feature
Director: K. Lorrel Manning
2023 / USA / 15 Mins
English
NEXT TWO FILMS WILL BE SHOWN TOGETHER
The Red Shoe
Drama – Short
Friday, January 31 12:30 PM
Forced to leave their families behind, Jewish teenagers Fanye and Rivkah flee their hometown during the Nazi invasion. Being chased through the woods by an armed Nazi soldier, they are forced to make life-and-death decisions.
Bewariërs (Custaryans)
Documentary
Sponsored by Diane Waldman
Friday, January 31 12:30 PM
In the 70-minute documentary Custaryans, three stories are told about Jewish possessions stored during the Second World War, their Jewish owners and their non-Jewish protectors.
An engaged interfaith couple are about to have their parents meet for the first time over a Shabbat dinner when an accidental death gets in the way.
Saturday, February 1 7:30 PM
Includes a Candy Bar Experience with Extra Special Candy Options for Sale
This whimsical tale, starring the unforgettable Gene Wilder as the eccentric Willy Wonka, invites you to explore a world where rivers flow with chocolate, candy grows on trees, and imagination knows no bounds.
Follow young Charlie Bucket and four other lucky golden ticket winners as they venture into Wonka’s factory, a place brimming with wonders—and surprises. From OompaLoompas to edible gardens, every corner of the factory is a feast for the eyes and a journey of discovery. But beware: not every child will make it to the end of the tour.
With its iconic songs like “Pure Imagination” and a heartwarming story about kindness, honesty, and the power of dreams, this film is a sweet treat for the whole family. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic on the big screen!
Director: Mel Stuart 2024 / USA / 100 Mins English
Tickets
Director: James Keach
2024 / USA / 38 min English
Taking Care
Sponsored by: Ascent Living Communities, Hilltop Reserve, & Rosemark at Mayfair Park
Sunday, February 2 10:00 AM
Directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker James Keach, Taking Care is a 38-minute documentary following the journey of acclaimed filmmakers Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen as they navigate the complexities and heartbreak of Lauren’s mother’s advancing Alzheimer’s disease. Through humor, heart, and an unwavering commitment to change, Taking Care imparts a message of hope, resilience, and the profound impact individuals can have when they seek solutions to society’s greatest challenges.
After the documentary, please stay for a lively panel discussion with Alzheimer’s experts and enjoy a light brunch reception.
Moses Ezekiel: Portrait of a Lost Artist
Documentary
Sponsored by Paula Machlin
Sunday, February 2 12:00 PM February 2
Moses Ezekiel (1844 - 1917) was a world-famous American sculptor, who had been born and raised in a large Jewish family in Richmond, Virginia. Before becoming an artist, he was the first Jewish cadet to be enrolled at the Virginia Military Institute and was among a class of cadets who fought for the Confederacy in the 1864 Battle of New Market during the U.S. Civil War. This documentary film tells Ezekiel’s story, while also focusing on the modern-day debate over the presence of Confederate statues and monuments in the United States, including those made by Ezekiel.
Director: Steven Pressman 2024 / USA / 50 Mins English
Double Feature
Director: Mike Musikanto
2024 / USA / 32 Mins
English
Arugam Bay
Drama
THE NEXT TWO FILMS WILL BE SHOWN TOGETHER
Lion of Zion
Documentary
Sunday, February 2 1:30 PM
Yuri Foreman, the only world champion boxer from Israel, believes that balancing faith and fortitude can lead to greatness. After losing his title in 2010, he studied Judaism to understand the connection between his boxing pursuits and his spiritual quests. In 2014, he was ordained as a Rabbi. Despite being past his prime, Yuri is not done with the ring and strives to make history by becoming the first Rabbi Boxing Champion of the World.
Sunday, February 2 1:30 PM
In this touching and inspiring film, three Israeli surfers set out on a soul-searching journey to the magical southeast coast of Sri Lanka after completing their military service, seeking solace and closure after the tragic loss of a friend during a mission in Beirut. As they navigate their way through the tropical paradise of Arugam Bay, they encounter locals embracing a serene, unhurried life, and even forge connections with Iranian surfers. This transformative adventure puts the unbreakable bonds of their friendship to the test, as long-suppressed emotions and buried traumas resurface. With an outstanding ensemble cast featuring Joy Rieger (“June Zero”, “Image of Victory”), Yadin Gelman (“Victory”), and Maor Schwitzer (“Shtisel”) in starring roles, Arugam Bay is a heart-healing odyssey that promises to captivate audiences.
Director: Marco Carmel
2023 / Sri Lanka, Israel / 97 Mins Hebrew, English, Sinhala
2024 / Columbia / 100 mins
Spanish
Torah Tropical Documentary
Colombian documentary Torah Tropical follows the peculiar phenomenon of Latin American Evangelical Christians converting to Orthodox Judaism and reveals Zionism’s troubling relationship with race and the idea of a Promised Land.
Food options for purchase following film
Sunday, February 2 4:15 PM
Sunday, February 2 5:45 PM
Join us for a flavorful dinner break option right outside the MACC doors! Take a break, then join us for our amazing closing film!
Centered: Joe Lieberman
Documentary
Sponsored by Vicki Trachten Schwartz & Andrea Hyatt & Israel Investment Advisors
Sunday, February 2 7:15 PM
Joe Lieberman, the first Jewish person to be a Vice-Presidential candidate on a major party ticket in the US, is celebrated for putting principles above party. This timely feature doc chronicles Lieberman’s extraordinary journey, his 40+ years of public service and the depth of his commitment to the American people. His message of moderation and bipartisanship resonates even more powerfully now underscoring the importance of unity and collaboration in politics.
Closing Ceremony
Director: Jonathan Gruber 2024 / USA / 77 mins
English
Sunday, February 2 8:30 PM February 2
After the film we will have a short talkback with the filmmakers as well as an official closing ceremony. Kosher selections (including drinks) will be available at the Closing Ceremony thanks to our generous closing film / night sponsors.
We Will Dance Again Go2Films Maya Zaltsman outreach@go2films.com
Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory Swank
Kiki Arechiga karechiga@swankmp.com
Yaniv
Menemsha Neil Friedman neilf@menemshafilms.com
S u n d a y
J a n 2 5
S a t u r d a y
H a u t e C o u t u r e 1 0 : 0 0 A M T h i s i s M y M o t h e r 1 2 : 1 5 P M
S h a b b a t S h a l o m , w e a r e t a k i n g a r e s t d a y ! N o F i l m s
J a n 2 4
F r i d a y
F i r s t t o S t a n d 1 0 : 3 0 A M
J a n 2 3
T h u r s d a y
O p e n i n g N i g h t R e c e p t i o n 6 : 0 0 P M
L i k e a M a n ; T e l l i n g N o n i e 1 : 0 0 P M
R u n n i n g o n S a n d 7 : 3 0 P M
E v e r y t h i n g ’ s K o s h e r 2 : 3 0 P M
I D a n c e , B u t M y H e a r t i s C r y i n g 4 : 3 0 P M
F e s t o ! F e s t o ! 6 : 0 0 P M
S t e l l a : A L i f e 7 : 3 0 P M
F e b 2
S u n d a y
T a k i n g C a r e 1 0 : 0 0 A M M o s e s E z e k i a l : P o r t r a i t o f a L o s t A r t i s t 1 2 : 0 0 P M L i o n o f Z i o n ; A r u g a m B a y 1 : 3 0 P M
T o r a h T r o p i c a l 4 : 1 5 P M
C l o s i n g C e r e m o n y 8 : 3 0 P M J a n 2 6
F e b 2
S a t u r d a y
B a d S h a b b o s 5 : 3 0 P M
J a n 3 1
F r i d a y B a r d e j o v 1 0 : 0 0 A M
J a n 3 0
T h u r s d a y
W i l l y W o n k a & t h e
C h o c o l a t e F a c t o r y 7 : 3 0 P M
T h e R e d S h o e ; B e w a r i ë r s ( C u s t a r y a n s ) 1 2 : 3 0 P M
B l i s s ( H e m d a ) 4 : 3 0 P M
Y a n i v 7 : 0 0 P M
G a m e N i g h t 1 0 : 0 0 P M
F o o d o p t i o n s f o r p u r c h a s e f o l l o w i n g f i l m 5 : 4 5 P M C e n t e r e d : J o e L i e b e r m a n 7 : 1 5 P M
2 2 5
J a n 2 9
W e d n e s d a y
D J F F S h o r t s P a c k a g e : A r i e a n d I C h a n g i n g T h i n g s ; N e s e h ;
O v e r M y D e a d B o d y ; T h e E i g h t h D a y ; T h e S o u r c e o f A l l B e a u t y 5 : 0 0 P M
J a n 2 8
T u e s d a y
F o r t h e L i v i n g 4 : 3 0 P M
J a n 2 7
M o n d a y
H o m e 7 : 3 0 P M
W e W i l l D a n c e A g a i n 7 : 3 0 P M
H e r e L i v e d 4 : 0 0 P M
F r e d & A u d r e y F r i e d m a n M a r c u s H o l o c a u s t L e c t u r eT h e R e t u r n f r o m t h e O t h e r P l a n e t 6 : 3 0 P M
Special Thanks & Community Partners
29 th Annual DJFF Sponsors
Strear Family Foundation
Andrea Hyatt
Ascent Living Communities, Hilltop Reserve, & Rosemark at Mayfair Park
Bobbi Ewelt and Patricia Lackner
Diane Waldman
Gary and Marsha Blum
Hon. James and Paula Breese
Israel Investment Advisors
Marci Penner
Mark Boscoe
Mark Goldstein
Paula Machlin
Vicki Trachten
Schwartz
Vicki Dansky
Thank you to our individual film donors for their contributions.
2025 DJFF Film Selection Committee
Gary Blum
Mark Boscoe
Paula Breese
Bobbi Ewelt
Mark Goldstein
Patricia Lackner
Paula Machlin
Marci Penner
Marissa Swanson
Diane Waldman
2025 DJFF Pre-Screener Committee
Maureen Beigel
Renee Brilliant
Elisabeth Evans
Stacey Fleishman
Linda Heller
Ginger Kennedy
Sandra Korn
Sara Kornfeld
Judi Marcus
Jonathan Miller
Amy Mills
Amy Morris
Lesley Oransky
Elaine Padilla
Jeffrey Peer
Leah Peer
Ilana Reis
Leslie Schwartz
Beth Schneider
Casey Shpall
Stephanie Shpall
Lisa Thompson
Shelly Toltz
Donald Turken
Julie Turken
Linda Weiss
Mizel Arts and Culture Center Board of Directors
David Back
Scott Blau
Sarah Bullock
Mark Goldstein
Rhea Lyons
Megan Seff
Steve Replin
Sarah Rosen
Terry Rubin
Julie Turken
JCC Denver Board of Directors
Garrett Barter
Goldie Cohen
Katie Frisch
Rebecca Gart
Kendra Goldstein
Jimmy Gulick
Paula Herzmark
Mike Kboudi
Aaron Kremer
Rachel Kurtz-Phelan
Ed Nekritz
Cantor Elizabeth Sacks
Lisa Walko
Mizel Arts and Culture Center Team
Stephanie Herm, Executive Director
Tim Campbell, Program Director
Marissa Swanson, Patron Services and Arts
Programming Coordinator
Shawna Colville, Technical Director
Kevin McVeigh, Theatre Technician
Dan Rib, Production Manager
JCC Denver Collaborators
Rachel Wool, Director of Engagement & Jewish Learning
Blair Becker, Engagement Program Manager
Daniel Siegel, Engagement Program Manager
Russell Chee, Director of Marketing and Communications
