The White Theatre at The J - Jewish Community Center will present the 21st annual Kansas City Jewish Film Festival (KCJFF) in a hybrid format with both virtual and in-person options. The public can enjoy this three-week festival, August 1 to August 21, from their homes on any electronic device (i.e. mobile phone, tablet, computer or television) or anywhere with wi-fi connection.
The KCJFF provides an opportunity to encounter Jewish ideas and values by creating an open, inviting, and entertaining forum for films that explore issues of culture, identity, and history with a Jewish twist. Some films are in English, while others feature subtitles.
The 2021 festival includes nine award-winning films that have won a combined 47 national and international awards. These unique films come from all over the world, featuring Jewish filmmakers, directors, actors, and meaningful stories. Many of these films would not be seen in our area if it weren’t for the KCJFF.
“We’re so happy to once again bring stories to our audiences that enlighten, entertain and educate,” said Keith Wiedenkeller, Arts + Culture director at The J, and executive director of the KCJFF. “While these films are typically by Jewish filmmakers, featuring stories of unique relevance to the Jewish community, they inevitably explore issues of universal importance, especially during these turbulent times.”
After the success of last year’s all-virtual festival, the KCJFF is once again happy to offer all its films virtually, and three of its films in person. Once you purchase a ticket for the virtual screenings, you can enjoy the flexibility of watching these films at any time within a seven-day period from the comfort of your home. Viewing details and full film descriptions are available on the festival website at www.kcjff.org.
The KCJFF opens at 7 p.m. Aug. 1, with an in-person screening of the film “The Sturgeon Queens” at The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre.
This film, sponsored by Cal and Marilyn Cohen, is a documentary about four generations of an immigrant family on New York’s Lower East Side that operate a lox and herring emporium. The film includes interviews with celebrity guests of the store including Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, New Yorker writer and Kansas City native Calvin Trillin, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, “60 Minutes” newscaster Morley Safer and Chef Mario Batali. This film is available for viewing August 1 to 7.
The rest of this year’s KCJFF lineup includes:
“Stranger/Sister,” Aug. 2-8. On Aug. 8, there will be an in-person viewing at The White Theatre followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker and representatives of the Salaam/Shalom Sisterhood, moderated by WDAF Fox 4’s Christel Bell. Participation can be in person or via Zoom.
“Shadow Country,” Aug. 4-10
“Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance,” Aug. 6-12
“The Crossing,” Aug. 8-14
“Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz,” Aug. 10-16. Film sponsored by The Midwest Center for Holocaust Education.
“Here We Are,” Aug. 12-18
“When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit,” Aug. 14-20
“A Matter of Size,” Aug. 15-21. On Aug. 15, watch this film in person at 7 p.m. At The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J. Film sponsored by Scott and Denise Slabotsky.
Previews for each film are now available. A festival pass is $110 for all nine films or $14 per film. For more information, visit KCJFF.org.
