Dayton Jewish Film Fest opens Tuesday

Stories of love, injustice, family, war, religion and politics provide the artistic foundation for the 19th annual Dayton Jewish Film Festival, beginning Tuesday, June 4 at the Dayton Art Institute.

Presented at various venues through June 27 by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Dayton, the festival specifically features award-winning films, including domestic and foreign documentaries, addressing diverse aspects of Jewish and Israeli culture and history.

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The opening night film is “The Samuel Project,” an inspirational tale centered on Eli, who discovers his Jewish grandfather Samuel was heroically saved from Nazi capture in Germany by a young woman when he was a boy. Emmy nominee Hal Linden (“Barney Miller”) portrays Samuel.

In addition, guest speakers will accent four screenings. “Redemption” (June 13) features clinical psychologist Dr. Judy Schwartzman, “Shoelaces” (June 20) features attorney and advocate Jane Novick, “Who Will Write Our History” (June 25) features Holocaust educator Renate Frydman, and “Golda’s Balcony” (June 27) features playwright Dave Fishelson.

“The selection committee is confident attendees will find our films informative, entertaining and memorable,” said Festival Chair Neil Friedman.

Single tickets are $9, student tickets are $8 and season passes are $75. Tickets are on sale by calling the JCC at (937) 610-1555 or visiting jewishdayton.org. Tickets are also available at the door directly before each screening. Seating is limited. For more information, call (937) 610-1555 or contact JCC Director Jane Hochstein at (937) 401-5145. For complete film descriptions, visit jewishdayton.org.

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