Charlotte Jewish Film Festival Announces Stellar 2025 Lineup

Charlotte Jewish News, January 2025

By Michelle Rusgo, LJCC Director of Art and Culture

The Charlotte Jewish Film Festival (CJFF) is marking its 21st anniversary in style with an expanded lineup of films and special events highlighting Jewish culture, history, identity, and storytelling. From Jan. 25 to Feb. 23, 2025, the festival will showcase a diverse lineup of 18 films, with screenings held at various venues across Charlotte, including the Levine Jewish Community Center (LJCC), Temple Israel, Temple Beth El, and The Independent Picture House.

This year’s celebration begins even before the official opening night with a free preview screening of “Iron Ladies” on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the LJCC. This empowering documentary tells the story of trailblazing Jewish women who overcame barriers in politics and leadership. Designed to raise awareness and build excitement for the film festival, the screening kicks off the festival by engaging Charlotte audiences with the film’s themes and its relevance to contemporary issues.

The CJFF officially kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 25, with the debut of the highly anticipated comedy, “Bad Shabbos.” The film, a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of tradition and chaos, sets the stage for this year, blending humor with cultural reflection.

Directed by Daniel Robbins, who is scheduled to attend the opening night screening, “Bad Shabbos” follows an interfaith couple’s attempt to host a picture-perfect Shabbat dinner. Packed with mishaps and poignant moments, the movie has been hailed as a fresh take on family dynamics and sets the tone for a festival that celebrates Jewish humor and resilience. Starring Kyra Sedgwick, “Bad Shabbos” debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival where it won the Audience Award. The opening night event will take place at Temple Israel, complete with a red-carpet reception following the film.

A standout addition to this year’s lineup is “Never Alone” by acclaimed Finnish director, Klaus Härö. Härö, known for his resonant storytelling, is often hailed as the Finnish Steven Spielberg. Like Spielberg, Härö is a man of faith, known for his ability to wrap important topics in well-acted, expertly executed dramas that entertain and educate, along with moments of raw emotion. This moving drama tells the true story of refugees seeking safety in Finland during World War ll. It delves into themes of grief, friendship, and rediscovery. “Never Alone” examines how personal loss can bring people together in unexpected ways, making it a moving addition to the CJFF slate. “Never Alone” will be showcased on Sunday, Jan. 26 at Temple Israel.

Among this year’s most anticipated screenings is “Shari & Lamb Chop,” a heartfelt documentary directed by Lisa D’Apolito. The film dives into the extraordinary life and career of Shari Lewis, the legendary puppeteer whose beloved character, Lamb Chop, became a cultural icon. “Shari & Lamb Chop” captures the profound impact on generations of children while celebrating the enduring legacy of Lamb Chop’s whimsical charm. A special highlight of the screening, held at the LJCC, will be the presence of Mallory Lewis, Shari’s daughter, who will bring Lamb Chop to life for the audience following the film. Now in its 21st year, the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival continues to foster dialogue and connection. Many screenings will be accompanied by engaging discussions, Q&A sessions, and special appearances, creating opportunities for audiences to delve deeper into the themes and stories presented on the screen. From laugh-out-loud comedies like “Bad Shabbos” to moving dramas like “Never Alone,” the best of Israeli films like “Running on Sand” and “Bliss,” and heartwarming documentaries like “Shari & Lamb Chop,” this year’s CJFF promises something for everyone. Whether you are a longtime attendee or a newcomer, the festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Jewish identity through the art of film. Tickets for individual screenings are $15. To accommodate movie lovers, an early bird special all-festival pass is available for $154 until Jan. 15. After this date, the all-festival pass is available for $172. For more information and the full lineup, visit the CJFF website at charlottejewishfilm.com.