Columbus Jewish Film Festival resumes in-person programs
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The 18th annual Columbus Jewish Film Festival continues through Nov. 13 at venues in Bexley and Columbus.
This is the first time since 2019 that the festival has been held in person; virtual events were offered in 2020 and 20201 due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
“Once again, our themes are relevant and resonant,” festival chair Carol Glassman said “Topics range from the teachings of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel to following one’s lifelong dreams to acknowledging and honoring one’s true and authentic self … to addiction and recovery and more.”
The festival includes guest speakers at the screenings.
Other screenings include:
“Spiritual Audacity: The Abraham Joshua Heschel Story,” 11 a.m. Nov. 6 at the Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St. Heshel is considered one of the most prominent scholars of the 20th century as well as a noted figure in the civil-rights movement and a pioneer of interfaith dialogue.
“In the Image of God,” 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at the JCC. The documentary screening will include a panel discussion about the LGBTQ issues explored in the film.
“Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen,” 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St. Narrated by actor Jeff Goldblum, the documentary tells the story of how bringing the musical “Fiddler on the Roof” to the big screen in 1971 strengthened the Jewish faith of director Norman Jewison and members of the cast and crew. The documentary includes interviews with Jewison, star Chaim Topol, Academy Award-winning composer John Williams and actresses Rosalind Harris, Michele Marsh and Neva Small.
The opening-night program Oct. 23 at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus, 1125 College Ave., included a screening of the film, “Rock Camp, the Movie” and a question-and-answer session with David Fishof and local radio personality Dino Tripodis.
Fishof is a Los Angeles-based agent who represents athletes and musicians.
“Rock Camp, The Movie” chronicles an annual event that he started in 1997 called “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp.” It enables aspiring musicians of any age to spend four days rehearsing and performing with famous rock musicians. Participants have included Roger Daltrey, Nancy Wilson, Sammy Hagar, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
“I traveled on the road for many years and then decided I wanted to find a business where I could stay home,” Fishof said. “I got remarried and I had kids and I wanted to still stay in rock and roll, so this is my story.”
Fishof said he has a connection with Columbus: His client, Beatles founding member Ringo Starr, provided entertainment for the opening of Ohio State University’s Schottenstein Center in 1998.
Meeting a Beatle might be a rock fantasy for many, but Fishof said VIP reception attendees at the Schottenstein Center’s opening seemed more interested in asking about a promising young athlete whose father, an NFL player, was on his roster.
“All they wanted to know was if he was going to play for Ohio State,” Fishof said. “I’m traveling with a Beatle, and no one could care less.”
The festival is presented by the JCC. For tickets, visit columbusjcc.org/columbus-jewish-film-festival/.
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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Columbus Jewish Film Festival resumes in-person programs
