Thank You!

Sunday, March 2

This warm family film could be renamed "The Outsiders" as it focuses on the challenges facing a boy who doesn't fit into his kibbutz close-knit society; a Russian girl with telepathic powers; her mentally challenged brother, and a boy who is trying to cope with the death of his father. All four embark on a rescue expedition to save the lives of two travelers who have disappeared in Israel's sourthern desert. Determined to find the missing couple, the friends form a heroic team that shows us that children can make a difference in the world.

Contra Costa Premiere! Enter the funny, larger-than-life world of Yiddish Theater through this moving new documentary film about Zypora Spaisman, an 85+ year-old actress who has kept alive the only Yiddish theater in America. With a passion for art, life and Yiddish, she fights to be relevant in a society that worships youth. A must see film for anyone who loves theater and has realized Yiddish is HIP!

Guest Speaker: DIrector Dan Katzir (his films-Out for Love, Be Back Shortly and Company Jasmine-have won 22 international awards in the US, Europe and Asia).

East Bay Premiere! Winner of the Sapir Prize for Best Documentary

Wolfgang Lotz was known as a wealthy, ex-Nazi soldier who raised horses and sent champagne and other expensive gifts to friends in Egyptian society. But in reality, the rusty-haired Lutz was a Jew, an Israeli citizen and a member of one of the world's premier spy organizations--the Mossad. Only recently was the full extent of his spying revealed, including his friendship with highly-placed Egyptian intelligence officers. class="normal"

Co-sponsor: Jewish Community Federation's Business & Professionals Division.

East Bay Premiere! With director Joe Cedar being named "Best Director" at the Berlin International Film Festival and the film being nominated for an American Oscar, Beaufort can indeed be called "Israel's first great war movie." Based on true events that took place in 2000, this feature film explores the heart breaking and unenviable mission of a small Israeli unit stationed at Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Amidst increasingly deadly enemy attacks, the unit's 22-year-old commander must wrestle with the government's decision to blow up the symbolic command post just as the Israel Defense Forces leaves Lebanon. Adult content.

Co-sponsor: JCRC/East Bay Region.

Lulu, Noam and Yal­-one straight woman and two gay men-are hip, twenty-somethings who share an apartment in a chic neighborhood in Tel Aviv. They are doing their best to enjoy life and avoid politics, until Noam begins to date Assraf, a Palestinian who has gone "undercover" inside Israel. Director Eytan Fox (Walk on Water, Yossi and Jagger) has created a heart-touching look at a slice of Israeli life made increasingly turbulent by regional politics. Adult content.

Co-sponsors: Jewish Community Federation's Young Leadership Division and Temple Isaiah.
Guest Speaker: Donny Inbar, SF Israel Center.

It is 1960 London, and while his fellow teens are obsessed with rock n' roll, David Wiseman is interested only in playing cricket. Unfortunately his proficiency does not match his passion for the sport. When a Jamaican ex-cricket star moves next door and agrees to tutor him, David dreams of athletic stardom. Soon, however, racial tensions explode in his neighborhood, and David's family is caught in the middle.

WITH

A short feature by Noah Lagin, a student filmmaker at NYU.
Co-sponsors: Midrasha in Tri-Valley/Tri-Cities and Jewish Community Foundation.