By Jeff Turk
As Chair of the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival’ s( CJFF) film selection committee, I appreciate the Charlotte Jewish News inviting me to highlight our lineup of outstanding films being screened this month:
“ Labor Of Love – The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold” Wed., Feb. 4 This documentary illuminates the life of Henrietta Szold, the visionary founder of Hadassah and an inspiring force of nature throughout her lifetime. The film compellingly conveys both her story and her lasting impact. Peabody Award – winning director Abby Ginzburg, the filmmaker, is scheduled to attend the screening and lead a Q & A following the film.“ Tatami” Saturday, Feb. 7 This film has been on my radar since I first read about it, and I’ m thrilled it’ s being screened at the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival. It’ s an exceptionally well-made and gripping political thriller – made even more remarkable by the fact that it is the first, and so far only, film to be codirected by an Israeli filmmaker and an Iranian filmmaker.“ Marathon Mom” Sunday, Feb. 8 This sports-related documentary film follows the journey of Beatie Deutsch, a mom of five, a professional Israeli runner, and an ultraorthodox woman as she strives to race in the Olympic Games. We are often asked to include sports-themed films, and I’ m confident this one will be exceptionally well received – unlike any sports documentary our audience has seen before. As an added treat, there is a strong possibility that Beatie Deutsch will join us live via Zoom from Israel for a post-screening conversation.“ Among Neighbors” Wed., Feb. 11 This award-winning documentary tells the story about what happened in Poland during WWII and the trauma carried by Jews and non-Jews alike revealing both love and betrayal. This film also sheds light on the current wave of antisemitism – and is even more compelling because a high-ranking Polish government official recently called for it to be banned.“ Matchmaking 2” Saturday, Feb. 14 Playful and romantic, this Israeli film is ideal for the day celebrating love. It has been a major hit in Israel and features several of the country’ s finest young actors. I’ m confident this is a film the Charlotte audience will enjoy immensely.“ Once Upon My Mother” Sunday, Feb. 15 This film is a true gem – tender, warmhearted, and laced with humor, it beautifully captures the unyielding strength, quiet resilience, and transformative power of motherhood. And even more remarkable because it is based on the true story of Roland Perez, the noted French attorney, and media personality.“ The Road Between US” Sunday, Feb. 15 This documentary, which recently won the Toronto Film Festival People’ s Choice Award, follows retired Israeli general, Noan Tilon, as he rescues his
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The Final Cut: Charlotte Jewish Film Festival Brings History, Heart, and Humanity to the Screen son, daughter-in law, and two young granddaughters from the Hamas terrorist attack on their home on Oct. 7, 2023. An exceptionally gripping and moving film, it shares the human story of courage, family, and the power of love in the face of unimaginable terror. Barry Avrich, the film’ s director, will be joining the audience for a Q & A after the screening,“ For Love of a Woman” Wed., Feb. 18 An involving, sweeping film with a rich and compelling story that offers something for everyone: history, romance, intrigue, mystery, emotional depth, and self-discovery.“ The Ring” Saturday, Feb. 21 A well-made crowd favorite, it became one of Israel’ s most popular films this past year. With Adir Miller both writing, directing, and starring – alongside the renowned Israeli actor, Joy Rieger – the film offers a richly engaging story that balances intimate emotion, historical resonance, and humor throughout.
“ The Pianist Choice” Sunday, Feb. 22 This French film presents a distinctive World War II story that still resonates today. Thoughtful and artfully told, with lovely musical interludes, it’ s a perfect choice for a Sunday afternoon.“ Ethan Bloom” Sunday, Feb. 22 This sweet, feel-good comingof-age film is full of charm and emotional warmth – a perfect choice to close our festival and send the audience out on a positive note. The film stars Joshua Malina, who visited Charlotte a few years ago for Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’ s Main Event, so it feels especially nice to“ welcome him back.” To celebrate, we are planning a special closing-night reception – tied to the film’ s bar mitzvah theme.
With this incredible lineup, let’ s go to the movies! I look forward to seeing you all there!