NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – A hit Israeli television series, profiles of Jewish authors, a spy thriller set in communist Poland, quests for family roots and identity, snapshots of Israeli society, and a priest’s discovery of his Jewish roots.
These are among highlights of the 12th annual Rutgers Jewish Film Festival, which brings to New Jersey 15 diverse, critically acclaimed international productions, as well as discussions with film directors and scholars.
Held October 27 through November 8, the screenings and special events take place at the Regal Cinema Commerce Center, 2399 Route 1 South, in North Brunswick. Sponsored by Rutgers’ Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life and made possible by the Karma Foundation, the festival includes seven New Jersey debuts and one U.S. premiere.
The movie, which won the 2011 Gerhard-Kleine prize for the best Israeli feature film at the Berlin Jewish Film festival, weaves a love story through the saga of the late 19th century dream of rebuilding a Jewish homeland.
Closing night features the Israeli documentary Torn and a guest appearance by the film’s director, Ronit Kertsner. The movie explores the question: Can one be a Catholic priest and an observant Jew at the same time?
On October 30, Dressing America: Tales from the Garment Center will have its United States debut at the festival, followed by a panel discussion with the film’s director, Joel Sucher, and others featured in the film.
American viewers will get a look at a hit Israeli television show on October 30 and Nov. 6. Srugim, billed as Israel’s Friends, follows the lives of single 30-somethings in Jerusalem.
Poet and human rights activist Marjorie Agosin joins the festival on November 6 for the New Jersey premiere of the Chilean film My Life with Carlos. On October 30 and November 5, the docudrama Eichmann’s End: Love, Betrayal, Death, set in Argentina and sponsored by David and Sylvia Steiner, will feature a discussion with Professor Jeffrey Shandler of the Department of Jewish Studies at Rutgers after the screening.
Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. Film tickets are $6 to $12 and are available online, by mail, at the Bildner Center, and at Trio Gifts, 246 Raritan Ave., Highland Park. Ticket information is available from jewishstudies.rutgers.edu or by calling the Bildner Center at 732-932-4166. Check jewishstudies.rutgers.edu for film updates and ticket availability.
The Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life connects the university with the community through public lectures, symposia, Jewish communal initiatives, cultural events, and teacher training.
Media Contact: Fredda Sacharow
732-932-7084 Ext. 610
E-mail: fsacharo@rci.rutgers.edu