The 2022 Youngstown Area Jewish Film Festival kicks off at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 6 at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown. The festival runs on select dates through Sunday, Nov. 20.
The annual film festival takes participants on a cinematic, cultural journey that depicts a broad spectrum of Jewish life. The films shown come from all over the world, providing audiences with a glimpse into the Jewish experience.
Tickets are $7 each in advance and $10 at the door. A ticket to see all eight films is $40 per individual, $60 per couple, and $75 per household. Admission to the “An American Tail” film and pizza party is $10 per person and $25 per family. Visit jccyoungstown.org… for more information and to purchase tickets.
Sponsors include The Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and the Aaron Grossman Lodge 339 of B’nai B’rith. Films will be screened at various locations in the community. Locations and descriptions appear below.
“Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life.” (2022) 1 hour, 20 minutes. Documentary. “Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life” documents Pittsburgh’s powerful community response to hate in the aftermath of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. Through the voices of survivors, family members, diverse Pittsburgh residents, and leaders, the film shows unity in a moment of crisis, resilience, and a community working together to understand what it means to be “stronger than hate.” Directed by Trish Adlesic. Features Anthony Fienberg, Audrey Glickman, Diane Rosenthal, and Stephen Weiss. The film will include a presentation by Dr. Lauren Apter Bairnsfather, executive director of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. Financial Resource Development Director Lisa Long of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation will introduce the film on behalf of the Thomases Family Endowment. Multi-Purpose Room, Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown 44504. 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 6.
“Plan A.” (2021). 1 hour, 49 minutes. Documentary. In 1945, a group of Jewish Holocaust survivors planned to poison the water system in Germany. The film tells the story of the dangerous and bold secret operation which was called “Plan A.” Doron Paz and Yoav Paz. Stars August Diehl, Sylvia Hoeks, and Michael Aloni. Multi-Purpose Room, Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown 44504. 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8.
“Latter Day Jew.” (2019). 1 hour, 25 minutes. Documentary feature film. The film follows H. Alan Scott, a gay, former Mormon/converted Jew/cancer survivor/writer-comedian, as he finds his spiritual path and prepares for his Bar Mitzvah. Contains mature language. Directed by Aliza Rosen. Stars H. Alan Scott and Judy Gold. Multi-Purpose Room, Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown 44504. 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 10.
“The Return of the Violin.” (2012). 1 hour, 5 minutes. Documentary. The film tells the story of a 1731 Stradivarius once owned by Israeli Philharmonic founder Bronislaw Huberman. The instrument, which was stolen in 1936, was rediscovered in 1985. American virtuoso Joshua Bell purchased it and plays it during his concerts. Directed by Haim Hecht. Stars Marek Belka, Joshua Bell and Haim Hecht. Includes archival footage of Bronislaw Huberman. The screening includes a presentation (via Zoom) by Cantor Rena Shapiro via Zoom and a musical performance by Luka Steeb and Liam Boyd. Multi-Purpose Room, Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown 44504. 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13.
“Run Boy Run.” (2013). 1 hour, 52 minutes. Drama. Unrated. Eight-year-old Srulik flees from the Warsaw ghetto in 1942 and attempts to survive, at first alone in the forest, and then on a farm as a Christian orphan named Jurek. Throughout his ordeal, he is in danger of losing his Jewish identity. Based on the bestseller by Uri Orlev. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., there will be an optional tour of the host location. Complimentary cookies and coffee will be served. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1410 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown. 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15.
“Dough.” (2015). 1 hour, 34 minutes. Comedy/drama. Not rated. An old Jewish baker struggles to keep his business afloat until his young Muslim apprentice drops cannabis in the dough and sends sales sky-high. Directed by John Goldschmidt. Stars Jonathan Pryce, Jerome Holder, and Phil Davis. Multi-Purpose Room, Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown 44504. 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17.
“An American Tail” (1986). 1 hour, 20 minutes. Animated adventure comedy. Rated G. A young mouse named Fievel Mousekewitz and his family emigrate from Russia to the U.S. by boat after their home is destroyed by cats. During the trip, a fierce storm throws Fievel off the ship, and he loses contact with his family. He manages to sail to New York in a bottle. There, an Irish mouse, Bridget, an Italian mouse named, Tony, and a kindly cat named Tiger help Fievel search for his loved ones. Directed by John Bluth. Stars (voices) Dom DeLuise, Christopher Plummer, and Erica Yohn. The screening includes a family pizza party. The pizza party begins at 12:30 p.m. The film starts at 1 p.m. Multi-Purpose Room, Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown 44504. 12:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20.
“Nicky’s Family” (2011). 1 hour, 36 minutes. Documentary. This documentary tells the nearly forgotten story of Nicholas Winton, who successfully organized and carried out the relocation of 669 endangered Jewish children from Czechoslovakia in 1939 and placed them with British host families. Directed by Matej Minac. Stars Ben Abeles, Denisa Augustinova and Martin Bandzak. Multi-Purpose Room, Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown 44504. 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 20.
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