Five Jewish-themed, award-winning films produced in Israel and Argentina will be shown on five consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning May 22 at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road. Showings are at 7:15 p.m.
These films have earned international film awards and nominations and received recognition at film festivals throughout the United States, Europe and Israel.
“The Tobacconist’’
Wednesday, May 22
German, subtitles, 90 minutes
In “The Tobacconist,” 17-year-old Franz journeys to Vienna to apprentice at a tobacco shop. There, he meets Sigmund Freud, a regular customer, and over time the two very different men form a singular friendship.
“An Act of Defiance’’
Wednesday, May 29
English and Afrikaans, subtitles, 123 minutes
“An Act of Defiance” is based on the pivotal 1963 Rivonia Trial in apartheid South Africa when Nelson Mandela and nine of his black and Jewish compatriots faced possible death sentences.
Winner of nine film festival audience and jury awards.
“Murer: Anatomy of a Trial’’
Wednesday, June 5
English, German, Hebrew, Yiddish, subtitles, 137 minutes
“Murer: Anatomy of a Trial” depicts a trial about a war criminal who orchestrated the murder of thousands of Jews. The film evolves from a legal battle into an exploration of political expediency, the manipulation of the truth and the normalcy of evil.
‘’Enemies: A Love Story’’
Wednesday, June 12
English, 119 minutes
Set in New York City in 1949, “Enemies: A Love Story” follows the lives of Holocaust survivors exploring their new lives.
This is the first newly rediscovered classic film included in the series.
‘’Redemption’’
Wednesday, June 19
Hebrew, subtitles, 104 minutes
In “Redemption,” a dutiful but deeply unhappy father fights to save his gravely ill daughter and his dream of being a rock musician.
A committee of volunteers review an average of 30 films each year in order to choose six feature films – five for the series and one for the sponsor event (“Firebirds,’’ May 15, 6 p.m., www.jewishchattanooga.com).
Films screened at major national and international film festivals, those recommended by peers throughout the United States and those brought to the committee’s attention by filmmakers are included in the selection process.
Past selections have included Academy Award nominees and winners as well as Israeli Ophir Award winners.
During the past 12 years, films from 13 countries have been screened.
Corporate sponsors for the series include Barnett and Company, Chambliss Bahner & Stophel, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, Erlanger Health System, Kleen-a-Matic, Market Street Partners, Monen Family Restaurants, Southport Capital, Pinnacle Financial Partners, the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera and the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
Iinformation: 423 493-0270, www.jewishchattanooga.com
Source: The Jewish Cultural Center