Going into its final week, the New York Jewish Film Festival, presented in partnership with The Jewish Museum, continues to premiere fantastic new films and welcome filmmakers and stars for in person appearances at Film Society. In fact, with the exception of 1933’s My Song Goes Round the World, there will be filmmakers in attendance for every remaining screening!
Drama and documentaries play a prominent role in the week’s schedule, covering a wide range of subjects. Daas (Saturday, Thursday), a conspiracy-laden period piece from Poland, makes its US debut on Saturday with director Adrian Panek in attendance. Simoka de Jong will also be in attendance for the U.S. premiere of The Silent Historian (Wednesday), her documentry about her grandfather, respected historian Loe de Jong, and the secrets he took to his grave. Lea and Darija (Sunday, Monday), a biopic about two famous performers whose friendship is put to the test by Nazi persecution, will also be having its U.S. premiere with director Branko Ivanda in person.
Those looking for lighter fare will enjoy the classic musical My Song Goes Round the World (Sunday, Wednesday), featuring “the Jewish Caruso,” legendary tenor Joseph Schmidt. Incessant Visions: Letters from an Architect (Tuesday, Wednesday, pictured above) is another film not to be missed. Director Duki Dror will be at the New York premiere of this piece about acclaimed architect Erich Mendelsohn.
Many of the remaining films are currently standby only, including the documentaries Dressing America: Tales From the Garment Center (Tuesday), My Australia (Saturday), and Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story (Monday), which cover three very different perspectives on jewish life and identity. The closing night ceremony, which is also standby only, features the world premiere of Welcome to Kutshers: The Last Catskills Resort (Thursday). This charming documentary chronicles the legacy of the Jewish mainstay, as well as the culture that developed around it.
For complete listings and synopses of this week’s selections, or to buy tickets, head to the festival's main page. Tickets start at just $8 for members of The Jewish Museum or Film Society of Lincoln Center.
Screenings marked “standby only” currently have no tickets available, but a standby line will form at the venue's corresponding box office prior to showtime. Some tickets may go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis.
