Boston Jewish Film Festival kicks off

26th edition runs from November 5-17

by Amber Wilkinson

Zero Motivation
Zero Motivation
The Boston Jewish Film Festival begins its 26th edition tonight (November 5) with a screening of Run Boy Run - the story of nine-year-old who flees the Warsaw ghetto in 1942.

This year, there are 39 films from 14 countries, including Cuba, Greece, Morocco, and the Philippines, and of course many from Israel and the United States. Seventeen are New England premieres.

Artistic director Amy Geller said: “We are committed to bringing our audiences the very best films with Jewish content from around the globe, both fiction and documentary.

“BJFF 2014 has a stellar line-up of films and related events - over 35 guest speakers, moderated discussions, after-parties, and in-person visits from filmmakers, actors, and other artists.

“Our festival strives to bring together a passionate Jewish community as well as movie lovers of all faiths and walks of life. And of all ages.”

Among the festival highlights this year is the FRESHFLIX strand - a new programme curated by and for audiences in their 20s and 30s. Films in the section include Alex Karpovsky's The Hole Story - which will feature a Q&A with the star - and Tribeca Film Festival narrative and Nora Ephron award-winner Zero Motivation, a comedy drama set on an Israeli army base.

The festival will also pay tribute to Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice director Paul Mazursky, who died earlier this year, with a screening of his Fifties autobiographic comedy Next Stop, Greenwich Village.

There will also be a special screening of Joan Micklin Silver's Hester Street, presented by the bestselling author of The Red Tent Anita Diamant, while documentary highlights include genocide exploration Watchers Of The Sky.

The full line-up and ticket information is available at the official site.

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