JCMI Presents the 24th Consecutive Original Jewish Film Festival

After almost a quarter century of showing the best in Jewish themed films, JCMI is proud to be the creator and host of the first Jewish Film Festival in Southwest Florida. The JCMI Jewish Film Festival was founded in 2001 in memory of Sidney R. Hoffman, a devoted JCMI member who avidly supported showing the best of the old Yiddish Films of the golden era of Jewish films made in the 1930s. Our films have always been well received and, in our 24th season, we continue the trend of the movies that you will want to see.

Our movies are shown in our synagogue on Sunday afternoons and are followed by a reception of hot and cold foods to allow patrons to have a bite to eat and discuss the films with others.

We’ve attempted to feature a great and varied selection of films.

“The Catskills” – Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. The history, the glamour, the fun and the talents on display. If you grew up in the Northeast, you knew of The Catskills; you knew of Jeanie Grossinger; and you knew where summer camp for adults was located. Whether you thought of it as a place where you wished you could be or you called it the Borscht Belt, The Catskills was a special place where Jewish people gathered year after year, summer after summer.

This is your last chance to be there, to feel the joy, the pleasure, the laughter, the food and the friends that were The Catskills. Come and rejoice in a place and time that will never be again. This is your invitation to come to The Catskills one last time.

“The Goldman Case” – Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.

A true 1970s story that took place in France, captivating people, Jews and non-Jews alike. This film is currently in major theaters in the United States, but we have the exclusive showing in our synagogue. This film has been the recipient of almost universal praise and is currently being shown in New York, Boston and major cities throughout the U.S. As one reviewer said, “‘The Goldman Case’ is a film where many characters generally try to keep their composure, some failing miserably. Leading this charge is Goldman, played with shitstarting vigor by Worthalter (recently awarded Best Actor at this year’s Cesar Awards for his performance).” This highly emotional film was highlighted at the Cannes Film Festival.

“Paul Newman: Behind Blue Eyes” – Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m.

Who among us doesn’t know Paul Newman? Here is your chance to meet him “in person.” You will see his wellknown blue eyes as well as his talent for playing many different roles and never accepting being a “male sex symbol.” Newman identified as Jewish, his father was Jewish, but his mother was not. While Newman said he was Jewish, he rarely attended a Temple. Why? His answer was intriguing — he called himself Jewish, because it’s hard to be one. Come meet the multi-talented Paul Newman.

“America” – Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m.

This movie takes place in Israel when a man from Chicago returns to Tel Aviv. It is an interesting movie involving love, conflicts and the complexities that arise from personal feelings. We will experience these conflicts and wonder how we would behave. This film has gathered many awards including Best Actress (Oshrat Ingedashet), Jerusalem Film Festival; Best Narrative Film, Bend Film Festival; Audience Award, Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival; and Critics Jury Prize, Miami Jewish Film Festival. This is a film to see and talk about.

Please join us. Consider being a Patron and get the best seats. Everyone is welcome. All films will be shown at Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island. For more information, see our ad within, visit the JCMI website at jcmimusic.com, or contact the JCMI office at 239-642-0800. We urge you to come to the movies and enjoy our reception after each movie, which is included in the ticket price.

We are deeply grateful for the financial support of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, which enables us to bring the finest Jewish films to our community.