Five Jewish-themed, award-winning films produced in Israel and Argentina will be shown on five consecutive Wednesday evenings at 7:15 p.m. beginning May 2 at the Jewish Cultural Center, located at 5461 North Terrace Rd.
These films are suitable for viewers 16 and older. Individual tickets are $8 per person and include popcorn and a soft drink.
These films have garnered international film awards and nominations and have received recognition at film festivals throughout the United States, Europe and Israel.
May 2
In “In Between” (Israel; subtitles; 103 minutes), three Palestinian women living in an apartment in Tel Aviv try to find a balance between traditional and modern culture. The film received 14 awards from the Israel Film Academy, the Istanbul International Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival and others.
May 6
“Maktub” (Israel; subtitles; 100 minutes) follows two men who are the only survivors of a terrorist attack in Jerusalem. Although they are criminals, they decide to change their ways and become living angels. The film received awards from the Monte Carlo International Film Festival, Best of Festival from the Palm Springs International Festival and more.
May 9
“The Last Suit” (Argentina; subtitles; 86 minutes) tells the story of Abraham Bursztein, an 88-year-old Jewish tailor who runs away from home in Buenos Aires to Poland in search of a lost friend. The film won the Audience Award at the Miami and Atlanta Jewish Film Festivals.
May 16
In “A Quiet Heart” (Israel; subtitles; 92 minutes), Naomi, a young woman, seeks refuge from the pressure of her life as a concert pianist. The film won awards at the Haifa International Film Festival and the Talinn (Estonia) Black Nights Film Festival, among others.
May 23
“Shelter” (Israel; subtitles; 93 minutes) is a thriller in which a Mossad agent is called back from sick leave and assigned a job babysitting a Lebanese informant. The film received awards from the Haifa International Film Festival. The Warsaw Film Festival and the Los Angeles International Film Festival, among others.
On May 30, the Jewish Cultural Center will present an encore screening of “Maktub.”
In preparation for the annual Jewish Film Series, a committee of volunteers reviews about 30 films. Films screened at major national and international film festivals, those recommended by peers throughout the U.S. 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. Over the past 11 years, the Jewish Cultural Center has included films from 13 countries.
Information: 423 493-0270, www.jewishchattanooga.com