The 28th annual Denver Jewish Film Festival at the JCC Mizel Arts and Culture Center will include 20 films including documentaries, narratives and shorts, and highlights work by Jewish or Israeli filmmakers or actors and themes. The Festival runs from March 9 to 17, 2024. Tickets and festival passes are on sale now.
“Israel Swings For Gold” Photo courtesy Denver Jewish Film Festival
The Denver Jewish Film Festival includes a curated selection of thought-provoking stories, heartfelt drama, and inspiring documentaries that bring to life the unique perspectives of Jewish and Israeli filmmakers.
“Our goal with the Denver Jewish Film Festival is to create community around live screenings of the best and brightest cinematic moments from newly released Jewish and Israeli directors and filmmakers,” said Stephanie Herm, chief operating officer of the JCC Denver and Mizel Arts and Culture Center.
“The festival is not only for those who are Jewish, but anyone looking to experience artistic connection. This year’s festival includes a wide variety of films that cover a multitude of topics, and we hope the festival brings people together to support the Jewish community.
“To enhance the festival and the experience we’re offering Q&As after some films and even a Challah-making session.”
Highlights include:
Remembering Gene Wilder – Saturday, March 9 (opening night) at 7:30 p.m.: Told in part through Wilder’s own voice, this is a documentary about the iconic Jewish actor’s life, and includes film clips from across Wilder’s career.
Tickets to the opening night reception at 6 p.m. cost $54 and include appetizers, adult beverages and popcorn for the film. Tickets to the film at 7:30 p.m. cost $17 per person. At this event, The Tattered Cover will be selling copies of Gene Wilder’s memoir, Kiss Me Like a Stranger.
Israel Swings for Gold – Sunday, March 10 at 2:30 p.m.: In 2021, Israel’s baseball team competed in the Olympics for the first time. With no media allowed in Tokyo’s Olympic Village, the players recorded their own experiences, which are shared during this documentary, logging unexpected battles against antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
Last Man Standing: The Chronicles of Myron Sugerman – Monday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m.: A true-crime documentary, showcasing the factual life story of Myron Sugerman, a member of the Newark, New Jersey Mob.
Myron is a one-of-a-kind character and the production is an iconic piece of American History showcasing the rise of fascism inside the US and globally. Join us for a Q&A with Myron Sugerman after the film.
Less Than Kosher – Sunday, March 17 at 2:30 p.m.: This musical comedy is about 30-year-old Viv who is a self-proclaimed “bad Jew.” After a stalled music career she takes a job at her synagogue as a cantor. Her stint in this role proves to be her most adventurous yet.
The Rhapsody – Sunday, March 17 at 5:30 p.m. (closing night): The astonishing story of composer Leo Spellman, a Polish-Canadian Holocaust survivor who sets out on a riveting and emotional journey towards artistic liberation at the age of 98.
The film features a musical masterpiece lost for more than 50 years, a secret wartime diary revealed for the first time, live concert performances, and a return to the Polish town where Spellman spent 18 terrifying months in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. There will be live music at this closing night event.
To see the complete lineup of films and to purchase tickets online, go here.
New this year, and with a special focus on highlighting Israeli stories, the Israeli Film Package will include tickets to three films to watch in-person and three films to watch virtually.
In-person films include Israel Swings for Gold, Hope Without Boundaries and Mourning in Lod. Virtual films include The Three of Us, Our Son and Holy Closet. The pass costs $54 for all six films.
Tickets can also be purchased in-person at the JCC Mizel Arts and Culture Center Box Office from noon to 5 p.m.. Pricing for individual tickets and festival passes:
Individual tickets to in-person events – $17 per person for adults, $15 for students and seniors.
All-Access Festival Pass – One individual admission to all in-person and virtual events, including Opening Night VIP reception $290.
10 Pack Pass – 10 total admissions to use as you see fit. Bring yourself to 10 movies, or 10 friends to one movie $140.
JCC Mizel Arts and Cultural Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., Denver.
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