Eleven award-winning movies will be featured as part of the 22nd Kansas City Jewish Film Festival (KCJFF), presented by The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at The Jewish Community Center (The J).
The three-week festival opened Sunday, July 31, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 21, with several films having multiple showings to accommodate people’s busy schedules. The 2022 festival films have received recognition at the national and international levels.
The Kansas City Jewish Film Festival provides an opportunity to encounter films by Jewish filmmakers — usually highlighting Jewish history or culture — that audiences would be unlikely to encounter in conventional theaters or on any of the various streaming platforms. KCJFF films explore issues of universal importance with a Jewish perspective. Some films are in English, while others are in foreign languages but feature subtitles.
All KCJFF films will be shown inside The White Theatre at The J, with the notable exception of a special screening of the documentary “A Common Goal” on Sunday, Aug. 14, at 2 p.m. at Children’s Mercy Park, home of Kansas City’s men’s soccer team, Sporting Kansas City.
“We’re very excited to be back in person for all of our films this year, and especially thrilled to be partnering with Sporting KC for the special screening out at Children’s Mercy Park,” said Keith Wiedenkeller, Director of Arts and Culture at The J.
The KCJFF opened Sunday, July 31, with two films. The festival began with the showing of the documentary film “Golda,” about Golda Meir, the first and only woman to serve as prime minister of Israel. This subtitled film features Meir in an intimate conversation after being interviewed on Israeli television and will also be shown on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 7 p.m.
The second opening day movie was a feature film, “The Raft,” sponsored by Cal and Marilyn Cohen. “The Raft” shares the story of three Israeli teens who build a raft to sail to Cyprus. This coming-of-age story follows their journey as they put their friendships to the test. “The Raft” will have an encore showing on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m.
The KCJFF also features Kansas City native Ed Asner in his final screen appearance in the feature film “Tiger Within.” This poignant film is the story of an unlikely friendship between a homeless teen and a Holocaust survivor. The film is sponsored by Alan Edelman and Debbie Sosland-Edelman and will be shown twice: Saturday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.
The rest of this year's KCJFF lineup includes
- “Kiss Me Kosher,” comedy: Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 13 at 8:30 p.m.
- “Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive,” comedy: Aug. 2 at 5 p.m.
- “The Red Orchestra,” documentary/drama: Aug. 3 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
- “The Good Nazi,” documentary: Aug. 8 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Howard and Vicky Mayer.
- “Plan A,” drama: Aug. 11 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 17 at 7 p.m.
- “Wet Dog,” drama, subtitled: Aug. 10 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.
- “There Is No Other Place,” documentary, subtitled: Aug. 18 at 7 p.m.
“A Common Goal” (Aug. 11 and 14) focuses on the players of the Israeli National Soccer Team, half of whom are Muslim, including the captain. The film highlights how the players navigate the complicated politics of the region while trying to guide the team through their biggest international challenge.
The special screening of “A Common Goal” at Children’s Mercy Park on Aug. 14 is presented in partnership with Sporting KC. Sporting KC Midfielder Gadi Kinda, who was a member of the Israeli Men’s National Team and a former Israel Premier League player, will speak about his experiences on the team at the conclusion of the film. Gates will open at 12 p.m. for this screening, and concessions will be available for purchase from the Ellenberg Experience Kosher Food Truck, as well as other concession stands in the park.
For previews of all the films and to buy tickets, visit KCJFF.org, or call the box office at 913-327-8054. A festival pass is $126 for all 11 films, or individual film tickets are available at $14.
