This year the Boston Jewish Film Festival is debuting in a brand-new location: your living room. The 32nd annual festival goes online this year, where film fans can stream virtual screenings on November 4-15. Despite the virtual format, the BJFF will have all its usual cinematic trappings, including live Q&As with film artists, music performances, workshops, and a closing night cocktail hour.
“While the festival may look different this year, we will still be a destination for fabulous new films that nourish viewers’ minds and hearts, for in-depth conversations, and for connecting to filmmakers and other creatives,” says Ariana Cohen-Halberstam, artistic director of Boston Jewish Film.
The reimagined format will make it possible to view festival screenings on various devices and streaming platforms. Viewers will be able to watch the films anytime during the festival, essentially creating their own customized festival schedule.
Here’s how it will work. You will receive an e-mail after you purchase a ticket or pass to the festival. In it, you’ll see an orange button that says “Watch Now” or “Link to Live Program.” All you have to do to participate is click that button. That link will also be available in your BJFF account if you’re unable to access the e-mail. Films can be viewed at any time between November 4-15. Once you click the “Watch Now” button, you have 48 hours to view the film. Most films are only viewable in Massachusetts due to licensing. Live programs will only be viewable at their scheduled time.
Approximately 45 films will be screened, including world premieres from international filmmakers. The catalog covers a wide range of genres, including comedies, documentaries, LGBTQIA stories, international films from Russia, Israel, France, and short films.
“We’re excited to continue the tradition of being together for the Boston Jewish Film Festival in this new way,” says Susan Adler, executive director of Boston Jewish Film. “While we’ll certainly miss gathering in person this year, the ease, comfort, and convenience of seeing films from home have its pleasures, and our slate of premier films has something for everyone.”
These are a few of the exciting programs you’ll want to watch out for at the festival this year.
Opening Night: Saul & Ruby’s Holocaust Survivor Band
Q&A and Performance
Opening night is kicking off with a bang, or rather a jingle. “Saul & Ruby’s Holocaust Survivor Band,” a film by director Tod Lending, tells the story of two vibrant musicians and Holocaust survivors, Saul Dreier (94, drummer) and Ruewen Ruby Sosnowicz (90, accordion). In addition to the film screening, BJFF will host a live Q&A with Lending and a live musical performance by the dynamic duo.
MidFest: Behind the Scenes of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel with show writer Noah
Gardenswartz
If you’re a fan of the Amazon Prime series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” then don your favorite full-skirted ‘50s dress and purchase tickets to this live behind the scenes program. Comedian and writer of the show Noah Gardenswartz will chat with BJFF about the fusion of comedy and Yiddishkeit in the critically acclaimed show. Jewish culture is celebrated in a unique and joyful way in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and this Q&A is sure to approach the subject with equal gusto.
A Diverse Film Festival
This year more than ever before, the BJFF lineup explores diverse stories. In “Broken Bird,” a young woman with a white, Jewish mother and a Black father struggles to reconcile with her split identity. In “Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance,” director Dr. Shari Rogers interviews prominent figures, including the late U.S. Representative John Lewis, about the powerful alliance between these two oppressed groups. In “Pushkin’s Pants,” an Ethiopian boy and a Russian girl bond at a caravan site for immigrants. Each of these stories bring a new layer of complexity to the always dynamic festival.
Closing Night Cocktails: Live Program
When BJFF says they’re having a virtual cocktail party, they don’t mean you are sipping on whatever wine is left in the fridge. They mean mixing up a craft concoction with local, award-winning bartender Naomi Levy. Levy has designed a bespoke cocktail for the occasion (with alcoholic and nonalcoholic options) and will host a live mixology class for everyone to make it at home. Then it’s three cheers for BJFF and another successful year of film!
