Festival set for April 28-May 12 thrillers, documentaries, dramas and more
Those planning to attend Kansas City’s 2018 Jewish Film Festival (KCJFF) are in for a real treat.
Of the eight films in this year’s festival, six are accompanied by special events or programs taking the moviegoer’s experience to a new level.
Now in its 18th year, the festival lineup includes films from Israel and around the globe exploring a variety of subject matter dealing with special needs, family reconciliation, escaping the Holocaust, survival and redemption. All films touch upon Jewish ideas and values in some respect.
The Arts & Culture Department of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J) produces the festival that opens Saturday evening, April 28, and continues through Saturday, May 12. All the films will be screened in The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at the Jewish Community Campus.
A Festival pass, that includes admission to all eight films and several of the special events associated with them, is only $80 — a 15 percent savings over the purchase of individual tickets for each film. Individual tickets are available for $12. Most special programs associated with films are included in the ticket price.
The festival lineup and bonus events are:
• “My Hero Brother” (PG-13) — Saturday, April 28 (8 p.m.) — An Israeli documentary that follows a group of remarkable young people with Down Syndrome as they embark on a trek through the Himalayas with their siblings. Bonus Program: The Down Syndrome Guild is sponsoring this film, with a discussion following the movie.
• “Fanny’s Journey” (PG 13) — Sunday, April 29 (2 p.m.) — Based on a true story of 13-year-old Fanny and her younger sisters, the film follows as they travel from their home in France, to Italy, where their lives are thrown into turmoil as they escape the Nazi invasion (French with English sub-titles). Bonus Program: Staff from The Midwest Center for Holocaust Education will conduct a talkback session following the film.
• “Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me” (PG) — Sunday, April 29 (5 p.m.) — Sammy Davis Jr. faced many obstacles, being Jewish, Cuban and African American. His pursuit of the American Dream was complex. This film features amazing footage of Davis’ career, and a star-studded roster of interviewees who share their stories about the legendary song-and-dance man. Bonus Program: World-renowned Kansas City Tap Dancer and all-around entertainer, Lonnie McFadden, will entertain and educate attendees following the film.
• “Shalom Bollywood” (PG) — Wednesday, May 2 (7 p.m.) — This documentary film reveals the story of the 2,000-year-old Indian Jewish community and its formative place in shaping the world’s largest film industry. This film is filled with music and dance, showcasing Jewish superstars. Bonus Program: A sampling of kosher Indian cuisine will be offered before the film (as a separate purchase).
• “Shelter” (R) — Saturday, May 5 (8 p.m.) — A Mossad agent heads to Germany to protect a beautiful Lebanese informant who betrayed a top Hezbollah leader set on exacting revenge. The two form an unexpected bond but their fates may be out of their control. The Israel Spirit Committee is sponsoring this film.
• “Riphagen: The Untouchable” (R) — Wednesday, May 9 (7 p.m.) — This is a gripping and intense wartime thriller about a real gangster and war profiteer, Dries Riphagen, who betrayed countless Jews in Amsterdam during World War II.
• “Who’s Gonna Love Me Now” (PG-13) — Thursday, May 10 (7 p.m.) — This moving portrait of 21-year-old Saar Maoz, an HIV-positive gay man, focuses on his “out” life as a member of London’s Gay Chorus and his desire to reconnect with his Orthodox family in Israel that knows little of his other life. Bonus Program: An ensemble from the Heartland Men’s Chorus will perform before the film.
• “The Wedding Plan” (PG) — Saturday, May 12 (8 p.m.) — When her fiancé dumps Michal on the eve of their wedding, she refuses to cancel the wedding arrangements. Instead, as the clock ticks down, she enlists the help of matchmakers, goes on disastrous blind dates and finds an unexpected connection. Michal puts everything on the line to find happiness. Bonus Program: Lisa Carson from Natalie M Bridal will showcase bridal wear prior to the film; following the movie sweet treats will be provided for attendees.
For more details about the festival and to view film trailers, visit www.kcjff.org.
