KC’s 19th Jewish Film Festival includes comedies, documentaries, dramas and more
An image from ‘Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israelis,’ the story of Israel’s national baseball team as it competes for the first time in the World Baseball Classic in 2017.Some of the most interesting cinematic stories will dazzle the silver screen as part of the 2019 Jewish Film Festival, April 27 through May 12 at The White Theatre. The Kansas City Jewish Film Festival (KCJFF), now in its 19th year, creates an open, inviting and entertaining forum for films that explore issues of culture, identity and history through a Jewish lens.A dedicated volunteer committee chose this year’s eight films with Robin Prosini serving as chair. These films have a combined 54 wins and 33 nominations in both national and international film communities. And this year, for the first time ever, those attending the festival will have the opportunity to vote on the best film of the festival.Individual tickets for the film festival are $12, while a festival pass is $84 for all eight films, saving 15 percent. An opening reception for the festival will take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, prior to the showing of the first film; a dessert reception will follow.“I’m super excited about this year’s lineup, and am especially proud of all the thought and planning put into the Festival by our committee,” said Keith Wiedenkeller, director of Arts and Culture for The J, and de facto executive director of the Festival. Wiedenkeller went on to say, “I think our audiences will be pleased by the variety of issues presented in these excellent films and will especially enjoy all the entertaining and educational events planned around many of our screenings.”A number of the films have special events associated with them, as well.The 2019 KCJFF schedule includes:• “The Last Suit” (PG) — Saturday, April 27 (7:30 p.m.). Abraham Bursztein, an 88-year-old Jewish tailor, runs away from Buenos Aires to Poland, to find a friend who saved him from certain death at the end of World War II. After seven decades, without any contact with him, Abraham will try to find his old friend and keep his promise to return one day. (Spanish with English subtitles.) Sponsored by: Michael’s Fine Clothing.• “Raise the Roof” (PG) — Sunday April 28 (4 p.m.). Inspired by images of the magnificent wooden synagogues of 18th century Poland — the last of which were destroyed by the Nazis. Artists Rick and Laura Brown set out on a 10-year project to reconstruct a replica of the Gwozdziec synagogue and revive the 1,000-year history of Jews in Poland. Surround event: Talk back with the film’s artists after the movie.• “Shoe Laces” (PG) — Tuesday, April 30 (7:30 p.m.). In this award-winning “dramedy,” mechanic Reuven’s world is turned upside down when he reluctantly takes in Gadi, his exuberant, adult, special-needs son. Thoughtful, poignant, and unexpectedly funny, “Shoe Laces” explores the complex dynamics of parent-child relationships through the delicate lens of its hero, Gadi. Sponsored by: Sasone.• “After Auschwitz” (PG-13) — Thursday, May 2 (7:30 p.m.). A “Post-Holocaust” documentary that follows six extraordinary women, capturing what it means to move from tragedy and trauma, toward life. These women all moved to America, married and raised children, but they never truly found a place to call home. Join them on an unbelievable journey, sometimes celebratory, sometimes heart breaking, but always inspiring. Surround Event: Talk-Back session following the film with Midwest Center for Holocaust Education (MCHE) historian Dr. Shelly Cline. Sponsored by: MCHE.• “Mamboniks” (PG-13) — Saturday, May 4, and Monday, May 6 (7:30 p.m.). In the 1930s and ’40s, Americans traveling to Cuba became intoxicated with a steamy new dance. The music and mambo dancing swept the nation, becoming an aspect of post-World War II social life. Surprisingly, many of its biggest fanatics were Jewish, or the hipster Yiddish nickname given to them: “Mamboniks.” Surround Event: Viva Dance Studio will be performing a Salsa demo before the film and lessons (for the daring) after the film.• “Comedy Road (R) — Wednesday, May 8 (8:30 p.m.). Israel-born Avi Liberman has brought dozens of American comedians to Israel to raise morale and money. This comedic documentary follows comedians as they perform in Israel while traveling around Israel — showcasing their interaction and developing understanding of Israeli history, conflicts, divine power and comedic power. This film is being presented in conjunction with The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut event (Israel Independence Day). Sponsored by: Israel Spirit Committee.• “Heading Home” (PG) — Thursday, May 9 (7:30 p.m.). After years of crushing defeats, Israel’s national baseball team finally ranks among the world’s best. Their odyssey takes them from the Holy Land where they are hailed as modern-day Maccabees to the tournament where they must debunk their reputations as has-beens and wannabes. Surround Event: Talkback after the show with Joel Goldberg, host of the “Royals Live” pre-game and postgame shows. Sponsored by: Marilyn and Cal Cohen.• “The Cakemaker” (R) — Saturday, May 11 (7:30 p.m.) & Sunday, May 12 (4 p.m.). Thomas, a young and talented German baker, is having an affair with Oren, an Israeli married man who dies in a car crash. Keeping this secret, Thomas starts working for Anat, his lover’s widow. Her café, while not fully kosher and despised by the religious, becomes a city attraction because of his delicious cakes. In way beyond his anticipation, Thomas will stretch his lie to a point of no return. Surround Event: Closing Reception after the May 11 showing complete with cake and champagne. Sponsored by: Hen House Market.Full details about the festival and teaser reels are available at kcjff.org.
