JCC Rockland’s International Jewish Film Festival returns, in person and virtually

Robert Brum
Updated ·2 min read

JCC Rockland’s International Jewish Film Festival returns for its 20th season this spring, the first year featuring in-person showings since the start of the pandemic.

The 12 films representing filmmakers from across the Jewish world will be shown at the AMC Palisades IMAX or at JCC Rockland in West Nyack between April 18 and May 9, and also will be available virtually between May 10 and May 24.

The festival is billed as an international cinematic exploration and celebration of Jewish and Israeli life, culture, identity, diversity, complexity and history. Its primary goal is to build bridges between the Jewish community, other ethnic and religious communities and all Rocklanders and their neighbors, according to the JCC.

This year’s films include dramas, documentaries, comedies and films about prominent Jews in music, sports, and social action. Post-screening forums and Q&A sessions will feature filmmakers, critics, writers and experts in the fields of law, politics and culture who will put the films into context.

“The Devil’s Confession: The Lost Eichmann Tapes,” details Nazi mastermind Adolf Eichmann's involvement in planning and implementing the Holocaust's Final Solution.
“The Devil’s Confession: The Lost Eichmann Tapes,” details Nazi mastermind Adolf Eichmann's involvement in planning and implementing the Holocaust's Final Solution.

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The festival opens with “The Devil’s Confession: The Lost Eichmann Tapes,” detailing Nazi mastermind Adolf Eichmann's involvement in planning and implementing the Holocaust's Final Solution; and closes with “The Jews and the Blues,” a documentary highlighting the role music plays in uniting Jews from a mix of cultures. The April 18 opening night presentation will include a post-film panel discussion on anti-Semitism.

Of the dozen films, one that holds special significance for the JCC Rockland community is “Ankie: The Olympic Widow,” a documentary about Ankie Spitzer, whose husband, Andre Spitzer, was one of the 11 Israelis murdered by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

The JCC has been actively involved with Ankie Spitzer’s 50-year campaign for justice for her husband, who was the Israeli team’s wrestling coach. A moment of silence in memory of the victims was held before the opening of the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, following years of pressure by Spitzer, the JCC and others.

Ankie Spitzer, whose husband, Andre Spitzer, was one of the 11 Israelis murdered by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Ankie Spitzer, whose husband, Andre Spitzer, was one of the 11 Israelis murdered by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

“It’s about her resilience,” Rachel Appell, the JCC’s special events coordinator, said about Ankie Spitzer. “She’s a personal hero of mine. … She dedicated her entire life to fighting for him, and she won. This film deserves to be shown everywhere.”

The films were picked from among several dozen submissions by the JCC’s selection committee, headed by Micki Leader, chair emeritus.

To see the full list of films and to buy tickets, visit jccrockland.eventive.org or call 845-362-4400.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: JCC Rockland International Jewish Film Festival 2023 dates, movies