The Charlotte Jewish News- October 2025- Page 15
The Show Must Go On: Bad Shabbos Returns to Charlotte
By Michelle Rusgo, Levine JCC Director of Art and Culture
For more than two decades, the Levine JCC’ s Charlotte Jewish Film Festival has been a beloved tradition, bringing together Jews and non-Jews alike to celebrate compelling cinema and build community connections. Presented by the Levine JCC’ s Art and Culture Department, this annual festival has become a cornerstone of Charlotte’ s cultural calendar. Now, due to overwhelming demand, one of the festival’ s most celebrated films is making a triumphant return.
Bad Shabbos, the critically acclaimed comedy that swept the 2025 Charlotte Jewish Film Festival with both the Audience Favorite and Best Narrative awards, will have a special encore screening. This isn’ t just a movie night— it’ s your gateway to the upcoming 2026 festival season. the hilarity and madness of one family’ s unforgettable Shabbat.
More Than Just Entertainment
In a world that often feels heavy, Bad Shabbos offers exactly what our community needs: laughter, connection, and hope. The film’ s universal appeal was evident at the original Charlotte screening, where audience members found themselves doubled over with laughter. On Rotten Tomatoes, 86 % of critics gave the film positive reviews, and it has already grossed over $ 1.5 million globally since its theatrical release.
Your First Look at Festival 2026
Here’ s where it gets exciting: this event offers an exclusive preview of the 2026 Charlotte Jewish Film Festival, which will run its traditional schedule from January 24 through February 22, 2026. Attendees will be the first
people together, creating shared experiences that transcend backgrounds and build lasting community connections. Bad Shabbos isn’ t just a return engagement— it’ s your invitation to be part of something bigger.
Don’ t miss this opportunity to laugh together, connect with fellow film lovers, and get the inside track on the 2026 festival season. After all, in times like these, we could all use a good laugh – and maybe even a little bad Shabbos.
For more information about the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival and upcoming events, visit the Levine JCC or follow the festival on social media.
The 2026 Charlotte Jewish Film Festival will run from January 24 through February 22, with the complete slate revealed exclusively at the Bad Shabbos screening on November 15.
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A Comedy That Captivated Charlotte
What makes Bad Shabbos so special? This 84-minute comedy won the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival Audience Award before charming Charlotte audiences. The film follows David and his fiancée Meg as they prepare for their parents’ first meeting over Shabbat dinner on New York’ s Upper West Side, when an accidental death( or murder?) gets in the way. What unfolds is an entertaining, fast-paced comedy about a Sabbath dinner gone terribly awry.
The stellar ensemble cast includes Kyra Sedgwick and Cliff“ Method Man” Smith, alongside David Paymer, Milana Vayntrub( the beloved AT & T commercial actress), Jon Bass, and Catherine Curtin. Kyra Sedgwick kills( not literally!) it as the neurotic matriarch, leading an outstanding ensemble cast in what critics call a charmingly modern screwball comedy that brilliantly captures
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to see the complete film slate, which will be revealed exclusively that evening. Even better, you’ ll have the opportunity to purchase an all-festival pass, giving you VIP access before tickets go on sale to the general public on December 15, 2025.
All attendees will be automatically entered into a special raffle for a chance to win an All-Festival Pass to the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival. This exclusive pass gives the winner access to every film throughout the festival.
A Family-Friendly Experience
Recognizing that younger families often struggle to attend evening cultural events, the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival has added convenient amenities for this special screening. Babysitting is available for children ages 0-5th grade($ 25 for the first child, $ 10 for each additional), complete with pizza dinner. The Mediterranean dinner option($ 18, in addition to the $ 18 film ticket) transforms this into a complete evening out. Join the Community Tickets are $ 18 for the film, with dinner available for an additional $ 18. With limited seats
IMAGINE A LIFE OF HEALTH & SMILE WE DID...
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Dr. Tricia Rodney available in Lerner Hall compared to the 500 + who attended opening night, this intimate screening will sell out quickly.
The Levine JCC’ s Charlotte Jewish Film Festival continues to prove that great cinema brings
Dr. Kevin Berman
Bad Shabbos Screening Saturday, Nov. 15 Lerner Hall 6 p. m. YAFO dinner 6.30 p. m. Film starts 8:00 – 8:30 p. m. Q & A with film director Daniel Robbins and Levine JCC’ s Director of Art and Culture, Michelle Rusgo
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