New Film Festival Debuts on North Shore in May

Article submitted by JCC of the North Shore, Marblehead

Attention, movie lovers! An International Jewish Film Festival is launching on the North Shore this May with award-winning, inspirational movies and speakers. The films feature comedy, action, intrigue, romance and history. The Film Festival is presented by the JCC of the North Shore and Jewish Journal.

“We’re excited to bring these award-winning movies to the North Shore,” said JCCNS Executive Dir. Marty Schneer. “There are political thrillers, coming-of-age stories, incredible real-life dramas and more.” The movies come from Israel, France, Netherlands, Czech Republic and the U.S.

Most of the films will be shown at Warwick Place in Marblehead. Opening and closings nights are at the Salem Visitor’s Center.

Here’s the line-up:

The Jewish Cardinal (France) This film tells the true story of Jean-Marie Lustiger, the son of Polish-Jewish immigrants who maintained his cultural identity as a Jew even after converting to Catholicism and joining the priesthood.  

On Opening Night, join a discussion with Father David Michael, who facilitates relationships between the Boston Archdiocese and other communities of faith.

Thursday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, May 13, 1:30 p.m.

When Comedy Went to School (USA) Why are there so many Jewish comedians? This movie answers the question with an entertaining portrait of the country’s greatest generation of comics. The film follows the birth of modern stand-up comedy, which began in the Catskill Mountains. 

Friday, May 9, 1:30 p.m.

Bethlehem (Israel) This film tells the story of the complex relationship between an Israeli Secret Service officer and his teenage Palestinian informant. It is a raw portrayal of characters torn apart by competing loyalties and impossible moral dilemmas. Join Rabbi Baruch HaLevi for a discussion after the 8:30pm showing. 

Saturday, May 10, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

For a Woman (France) The unexpected return of a brother, who supposedly perished during World War II, rattles the lives of a Jewish tailor and his bride. For a Woman is a beautifully-crafted historical drama that goes back and forth between the immediate postwar period and 1980s France. 

Sunday, May 11, 7:30 p.m.

The Zigzag Kid (Netherlands) A funny and action-packed adventure about an almost 13-year-old boy name Nono and his world of confusions, fears and fantasies. The Zigzag Kid uses humor to explore the fundamental question of good vs. evil. 

Monday, May 12, 7:30 p.m.

Matter of Size (Israel) A comedy like nothing you’ve seen before, A Matter of Size is a hilarious and heart-warming tale about four overweight guys who learn to love themselves through the Japanese sport of sumo wrestling.

Wednesday, May 14, 7:30 p.m.

Nicky’s Family (Czech Republic)

Discover this true story of “Britain’s Schindler,” Sir Nicholas Winton, in the award-winning film Nicky’s Family. The movie tells the nearly forgotten story of the Englishman who organized the rescue of 669 Czech and Slovak children just before the outbreak of World War II.  Stay for a discussion with Eva Paddock, rescued by Winton in 1939. 

Tuesday, May 15, 7:30 p.m.

For Film Festival events at Warwick Place, tickets also give you 10 percent off meals at Palmer’s Restaurant before or after the movie. 

For more information and tickets, go to JCCNS.ORG or contact Karen Bar-Or at 781-476-9902 kbar-or@jccns.com.