The 2017 New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival is now over. See photos from this year's festival here!
You can learn more about our 2017 film selections, committee, and sponsors below. THANK YOU for your interest and support!
Click here to see the film schedule by date.
NH Premiere, preceded by short film | Gala Brunch | Guest Speaker Ina Pinkney | Book Signing
Sunday, March 26, 2017, 11:30 AM
SERESC, 29 Commerce Dr., Bedford, NH
Admission: $36/person until March 20, $48.50/person after March 20.
Copies of Ina Pinkney’s acclaimed cookbook, Ina’s Kitchen: Memories and Recipes from the Breakfast Queen, will be available for purchase and signing.
Ina Pinkney is a Chicago legend of the tastiest kind. Known around town as the Breakfast Queen, she has been feeding Chicagoans for the past 33 years. Now facing the late stages of polio, Ina has decided to close the doors of her beloved breakfast nook.
A self-made chef and businesswoman, Ina is so much more. She's a community leader, a pioneer and an icon, but most importantly, she's the rare sort of person who's found a way to transform her passion into a joy that extends an entire city, and beyond. The documentary, Breakfast at Ina's gives audiences a glimpse into Ina's extraordinary life, all while chronicling the last days of the restaurant as she and her staff serve up its final meals.
English, 2015 Documentary
Director: Mercedes Kane, US
50 minutes
Winner: Audience Award, Documentary, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
"Pinkney’s magnetic personality commands attention!" - Chicago Magazine
NH Premiere | Festival Wrap Party
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 5:00 PM
Red River Theatres, Concord, NH
Admission: $15.00/person
On the Map is also showing in two other locations on April 2:
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 3:30 PM - Music Hall Loft, Portsmouth, NH
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 3:30 PM - Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College, Keene, NH
Admission: $10.00/person
ON THE MAP tells the against-all-odds story of Maccabi Tel Aviv's 1977 European Championship, which took place at a time when the Middle East was still reeling from the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the 1972 Olympic massacre at Munich, and the 1976 hijacking of an Air France flight from Tel Aviv. Through the of lens of sports, ON THE MAP presents a much broader story of how one team captured the heart of a nation amidst domestic turmoil and the global machinations of the Cold War.
The film recounts how an underdog Israeli basketball team prevailed over a series of European basketball powers, including CSKA Moscow (known in the West as Red Army), a team that repeatedly refused to compete against Israeli competitors. Moments after this highly charged and historic win, Israeli-American basketball hero Tal Brody became an indelible part of a young country's history when he famously said, Israel is ON THE MAP, not just in sport, but in everything.
Told through the eyes of six American basketball players who joined Maccabi and helped the club defeat top teams from Spain, Italy and the Soviet Union, the film features interviews with basketball icon Bill Walton (who had a unique personal connection to Brody) and former NBA Commissioner David Stern. ON THE MAP combines the pulse-pounding action of a high-stakes thriller with an incendiary political backdrop to deliver a film that will mesmerize basketball fans and captures the spirit of a nation triumphant against all odds.
ON THE MAP also features incisive interviews with, among others, Michael Oren, Israel's former Ambassador to the United States, and Natan Sharansky, a notable Israeli politician who spent years imprisoned in Soviet jails.
English, some Hebrew w/subtitles, 2016 Documentary
Director: Dani Menkin, Israel
85 Minutes
"A feel-good Cinderella story" — LA Weekly
"Sports movie at Its best” — Wall Street Journal
NH Premiere | Preceded by short film
Guest Speaker: Emily Robins Sharpe , assistant professor of English and affiliate faculty member of the departments of Women’s and Gender Studies and Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College.
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 1:00 PM - Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College, Keene, NH
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 3:00 PM - Red River Theatres, Concord, NH
Admission: $10.00/person
BASED ON A TRUE STORY. "Fanny's Journey" is an incredible tale of bravery, strength and survival, a story of a daring young girl who will stop at nothing and fear no one. In 1943, 13-year old Fanny and her younger sisters were sent from their home in France to an Italian foster home for Jewish children. When the Nazis arrive in Italy, their caretakers desperately organize the departure of the children to Switzerland. Suddenly left on their own, these 11 children will do the impossible to reach the Swiss border in order to survive.
French w/English subtitles, 2016 Drama
Director: Lola Doillon, France, Belgium
94 minutes
Recommended for teen and adults
Official Selection, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Miami Jewish Film Festival
“The perfect feel good movie” — Elle Magazine
Sponsored by
NH Premiere | Book Club Film Event | Post-film discussion with Carolyn Hollman, SNHU Professor Emerita
Thursday, March 30, 2017, 7:00 PM -
Cinemagic, Merrimack, NH
Admission: $10.00/person
In 1945, after having been freed from a concentration camp, the 25-year-old Hungarian man, Miklós is being treated at a Swedish hospital. The doctors diagnose him with a severe lung disease and tell him that he has no more than six months to live. But he refuses to give up, wants to find a wife with whom he can start a new life, and sends letters to 117 Hungarian girls who are also being treated in Sweden. One of the girls is 19-year-old Lili, who likes Miklós's letter, and they start corresponding. Based on the novel: Fever at Dawn
Special Guest: Carolyn Hollman will lead a post-film discussion and Q & A comparing the film to the book Fever at Dawn by Peter Gardos.
Carolyn Hollman holds degrees from the University of Michigan, the University of New Hampshire, and Vanderbilt University. She is Professor Emerita from Southern New Hampshire University where she was a faculty member for over 35 years.
Hungarian w/English subtitles, 2016 Drama
Director: Péter Gárdos, Hungary
110 minutes
Mature content
Official Selection, Toronto Jewish Film Festival
Trekkies and Leonard Nimoy fans are encouraged to come in costume!
Thursday, March 23, 2017, 7:00 PM – SNHU Walker Auditorium, Robert Frost Hall, Manchester, NH
Thursday, March 30, 2017, 7:00 PM - Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College, Keene, NH
Admission: $10.00/person
A one-of-a-kind documentary sure to unite trekkies worldwide, For The Love of Spock tells the life of Star Treks Mr. Spock and the actor who played him, Leonard Nimoy, for nearly fifty years.
The film's focus began as a celebration of the fifty-year anniversary of Star Trek: The Original Series, but after Leonard passed away in February 2015,his son, director Adam Nimoy, was ready to tell another story: his personal experience growing up with Leonard and Spock. Adam not only shares details on the creation, evolution, and universal impact of Mr. Spock, but also about the ups and downs of being the son of a TV icon.
For The Love Of Spock is laden with never-before-seen footage and interviews of friends, family and colleagues that include William Shatner and the original Star Trek cast, Zachary Quinto and the new crew of the Starship Enterprise, filmmaker JJ Abrams and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.
English, 2016 Documentary
Director: Adam Nimoy, US
105 minutes
“The countless devoted fans of Nimoy and his character virtually guarantee that For the Love of Spock will live long and prosper.” — Hollywood Reporter
NH Premiere | Film followed by discussion with Matt Newton, Director, NH Division of Film and Digital Media
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 12:30 PM - Red River Theatres, Concord, NH
Admission: $10.00/person
Academy Award-nominated director Daniel Raim and Executive Producer Danny DeVito (Pulp Fiction, Man on the Moon) present HAROLD AND LILLIAN: A HOLLYWOOD LOVE STORY, a fascinating and humanistic account of the romantic and creative partnership of storyboard artist Harold Michelson and film researcher Lillian Michelson, a talented couple once considered the heart of Hollywood.
Harold and Lillian worked on hundreds of iconic films during Hollywood's golden age including THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, THE APARTMENT, THE BIRDS, WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, THE GRADUATE, ROSEMARY'S BABY, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, SCARFACE, FULL METAL JACKET and more.
Although the couple was responsible for some of Hollywood's most iconic examples of visual storytelling, their contributions remain largely uncredited. Through an engaging mix of love letters, film clips and candid conversations with Harold and Lillian, Danny DeVito, Mel Brooks, Francis Coppola and others, this deeply moving documentary chronicles their remarkable relationship and two extraordinary careers spanning six decades of movie-making history.
English, 2016 Documentary
Director: Daniel Raim, US
96 Minutes
Official Selection, San Francisco Jewish Film Festival 2017
“A touching tribute to a beautiful Hollywood romance and the often overlooked artists who enhance all of our favorite films.” — Entertainment Weekly
Sociable Saturday Night Event!
NH Premiere | Wine & Cheese Social following the movie
Saturday, April 1, 2017, 8:00 PM - Red River Theatres, Concord, NH
Admission: $15.00/person
It's Hanukkah evening and everything is the way it's always been for Moos, who stayed in her hometown to take care of her father after her mother's passing. But when her longtime childhood friend Sam arrives as a surprise guest from Israel, Moos gets the jolt she needed to examine her life and the choices she's made. With Sam back, Moos realizes that she's put her life on hold to take care of others, and she needs to follow her own dreams before it's too late.
Dutch w/English subtitles, 2016 Romantic Comedy
Director: Job Gosschalk, Netherlands
91 minutes
Mature content
Official Selection, Boston Jewish Film Festival 2016
Children’s Event | Includes snack and activity
Children: Bring your favorite teddy bear to the showing!
Sunday, March 26, 2017, SERESC, 29 Commerce Dr, Bedford, NH
Join us at 2:00 PM for a Teddy Bear Picnic and crafts activity. The movie will start at 3:00 PM.
Admission: $10.00/family
This updated version of the lovable Paddington Bear stars Nicole Kidman and its not just for children!
From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and producer David Heyman (HARRY POTTER), PADDINGTON tells the story of the comic misadventures of a young Peruvian bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) who travels to the city in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone, he begins to realize that city life is not all he had imagined - until he meets the kindly Brown family who read the label around his neck that says "Please look after this bear. Thank you." and offer him a temporary haven. It looks as though his luck has changed until this rarest of bears catches the eye of a museum taxidermist.
English Comedy
Director: Paul King, UK, France
95 minutes
For children 3 and older
Nominated Best Adapted Screenplay, BAFTA, 2015
Sponsored by
NH Premiere
Sunday, March 26, 2017, 3:30 PM - SERESC, 29 Commerce Dr, Bedford, NH
Admission: $10.00/person
On the eighth of May 1972, four hijackers from the Palestinian organization "Black September" took control of Belgian Sabena Flight 571 from Brussels to Tel Aviv.
The hijacking marked the beginning of thirty nerve-wracking hours, bounding together fascinating human, military and political drama inside and outside of the plane. "Sabena Hijacking - My Version," presents a cinematic reenactment of the events weaved together with genuine archive material and exclusive interviews with three revered Israeli political leaders who were in charge of the rescue effort at the time, as well as the only surviving hijacker.
English, 2015 Docudrama
Director: Rani Saar. Israel
98 minutes
Contains violence
Audience Award for Best Documentary Film, LA
Israeli Film Festival 2015
Nominated for Best Documentary Film, Israeli Academy Awards 2015
NH Premiere
SPECIAL GUESTS: Film preceded by Guest Speaker, Deputy Consul General, Mr. Matan Zamir and Shira Yovel, Cultural Attache`, Consulate General of Israel to New England.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE: Film preceded by a special performance of the NH GAY MEN'S CHORUS
Thursday, March 30, 2017, 7:00 PM - Red River Theatres, Concord, NH
Admission: $12.50/person
Saar is an HIV positive gay man living in London, where he found refuge from the religious kibbutz where he grew up in Israel. Ever since he was diagnosed with HIV, Saar has craved his family's love, while they struggle with fears and prejudices.
Saar and the rest of the London Gay Men's Chorus provide a glorious soundtrack for this documentary about the power of forgiveness and the power that home has, no matter how far we go.
Hebrew, English, 2016 Drama
Directors: Barak Heyman and Tomer Heyman, Israel
84 minutes
Mature content
Official Selection, New York Jewish Film Festival 2017, Boston Jewish Film Festival 2016
Sponsored by
NH Premiere | March 25 showing is a Sociable Saturday Night, including Dessert Social
Saturday, March 25, 2017, 8:00 PM - Red River Theatres, Concord, NH - includes Dessert Social
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 1:00 PM – The Music Hall Loft, Portsmouth, NH
Admission: $15.00/person March 25 showing, $10.00/person April 2 showing
An accident during a bar mitzvah celebration leads to a gender rift in a devout Orthodox community in Jerusalem, in this rousing, good-hearted tale about women speaking truth to patriarchal power.
When the women's balcony in an Orthodox synagogue collapses, leaving the rabbi's wife in a coma and the rabbi in shock, the congregation falls into crisis. Charismatic young Rabbi David appears to be a savior after the accident, but slowly starts pushing his fundamentalist ways and tries to take control. This tests the women's friendships and creates an almost Lysistrata-type rift between the community's women and men.
Hebrew w/English subtitles, 2016 Comedy, Drama
Directors: Shlomit Nehama and Emil Ben-Shimon, Israel
96 minutes
Nominated for 5 Israeli Academy Awards
Number One grossing film in Israel in 2016
“Viewers will leave the theater in a joyous mood” —Variety
Linda L. Gerson Marketing,
Publicity and Sponsorship,
Co-Chair & Co-Artistic Director
Patricia Kalik
Screening and Venue
Co-Chair & Co-Artistic Director
Jeff Crocker
Chairman of the Board
Roberta Brayer
Interim Executive Director
Graphic Design
Grinley Creative
Printing
NH Print & Mail Services
Copywriting
Fran Berman
Special thanks to Tammy Dorris,
JFNH Office Assistant
Michele Bank
Elissa Barr
Mark Biletch
Mary Ellen Biletch
Laura Black
Roslyn Block
Rikki Bornstein
Roberta Brayer
Kathy Brodsky
Pam Cohen
Deborah DePasse
Pamela Englander
Ann Fabian
Martin Fabian
Darren Garnick
Susan Israel
Arlene Kershaw
Richard Kudler
Rachel Kurshan
Andy Kushner
Brandon Latham
JoAnn Meyers
Evelyn Miller
The NH Jewish Federation Film Committee of the Upper Valley Jewish Community
Tricia Feldman Owens
Barbara Ann Paster
Barrie Pasteur
Kim Pratt
Audrey Rando
Reva Rovner
Karen Rubin
Brenda Schadick
Barbara Scotch
Audrey Steinberg
Abner Taub
Mandi Werner