Jewish film festival takes place May 9 to12 in person, May 15 to 19 virtually

Tribune Staff Report
·3 min read
"Persian Lessons" is one of the films that will be screened in the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley’s 12th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 9 to 12 at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.
"Persian Lessons" is one of the films that will be screened in the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley’s 12th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 9 to 12 at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.

SOUTH BEND — The Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley’s 12th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival takes place May 9 to 12 at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center and May 15 to 19 virtually:

• “The Automat” (2021) at 6:30 p.m. May 9: Directed by Lisa Hurwitz, who is scheduled to appear via Zoom, the documentary chronicles the history of America’s original and most beloved restaurant chain in New York City and Philadelphia that popularized communal, waiter-less dining. Also available virtually May 15-19.

• “Persian Lessons” (2020), 6:30 p.m. May 10: A Belgian Jew saves himself from certain death by claiming to be Iranian and teaching a Nazi commandant Persian, a language he does not speak. Directed by Vadim Perelman. In English and German, French, Italian and Persian with English subtitles.

• “Wet Dog” (2021), 6:30 p.m. May 11: Based on a provocative autobiography, this story set in a largely Muslim neighborhood in Berlin follows a teenage gang member who is caught between hiding his Jewish identity and saving his life. Directed by Damir Lukacevic. In German with English subtitles.

• “A Tree of Life” (2021), 6:30 p.m. May 12: This documentary creates a deeply personal portrait of the survivors, victims and the victims’ family members of the Pittsburgh Synagogue attack and brings into sharp focus the hate-based crisis that threatens our collective safety and democracy. Directed by Trish Adlesic. Also available virtually May 15-19.

• “The Levys of Monticello” (2022), virtually May 15-19: This documentary tells the little-known story of the Levy family, which owned and carefully preserved Monticello for nearly a century, far longer than Jefferson or his descendants. Directed by Steven Pressman.

• “Berenshtein” (2021), virtually May 15-19: The last of the great partisans, who located Hitler's secret V2 missile, returns to the war that took away his feelings and identity but failed to rob him of his values as a human being. Directed by Roman Shumunov. In Russian, German, Polish and Ukrainian with English subtitles.

• “Greener Pastures” (2022), virtually May 15-19: A comedy centered on a retired senior forced into a nursing facility. Looking for money to get back to his beloved family home, he gets into the cannabis hustle. Directed by Assaf Abiri and Matan Guggenheim. In Hebrew with English subtitles.

• “Neighbours” (2021), virtually May 15-19: With a fine sense of humor and satire, the film tells of a childhood, which, between dictatorship and dark drama, also has its light moments. How much friendship, love and solidarity are possible in times of repression and despotism? Directed by Mano Khalil. In English and Kurdish, Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles.

In-person tickets are $7-$4. Call 574-631-2800 or visit performingarts.nd.edu.

Virtual screenings are viewable only in Indiana and Michigan. Household viewing is $12.50, individual viewing is $7, and senior/students viewing is $5. For passes, call 574-233-1164 or visit thejewishfed.org/what-we-do.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Jewish film festival takes place in person and virtually