The Detroit Jewish Film Festival celebrates the art of Jewish filmmaking by presenting films, encouraging discussion about Jewish stories, and creating shared experiences with filmmakers and audiences around the world. And through our history of promoting Israeli cinema as part of our diverse selection of Jewish films, we’re continuing to build a sense of community and inclusion for a broad range of audience members.

Film Schedule:

Thursday, May 2, 2024

7pm: Remembering Gene Wilder

Ron Frank, Director

The comic genius of Gene Wilder?comes to life in this endearing documentary full of touching and hilarious clips and outtakes, never-before-seen home movies, and interviews with fellow comedians including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, and Carol Kane. Ron Frank’s heartfelt tribute shines a spotlight on a beloved performer, writer, and director.

ENCORE SCREENING: Thurs. May 9 at 2:00 PM!
 
Patrons and Sponsors (Silver level+) are invited to an Opening Night Champagne & Chocolate Reception starring Broadway favorite Eric Gutman (Jersey Boys)

Sunday, May 5, 2024

1:30pm: How to Dance in Ohio

Alexandra Shiva, Director

The Peabody award-winning documentary that inspired this season’s groundbreaking Broadway musical of the same name. This ability awareness film follows the challenges and triumphs of a group of adults from Columbus, Ohio —all of whom are living on the autism spectrum—as they prepare for their first formal dance. Presented by “The J’s Opening the Doors” Talk-back following film.

4pm: Running on Sand

Adar Shafran, Director

Comedy-drama about a young Eritrean refugee, on the brink of deportation, who is accidentally mistaken for a soccer star. With no sporting talent, but hailed as a hero, he unites and uplifts the floundering squad, hiding his identity and falling for the team owner's daughter. An Israeli Academy Award Best Film nominee blending humor and heart while shining light on the refugee problem in Israel.

Monday, May 6, 2024

4pm: 999: The Forgotten Girls of the Holocaust

Heather Dune Macadam, Director

This staggering documentary reveals the untold story of 999 unmarried, young Jewish women who initially registered for government service in a purported shoe factory, only to be tragically sent to Auschwitz. Who were these young women and why were they chosen? Survivors reveal the truth of this almost completely ignored piece of women’s history.

Talkback with Director Heather Dune Macadam and Katie C. Park, The Zekelman Holocaust Center.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

4pm: The Story of Annette Zelman

Philippe Le Guay, Director

What begins as an innocent romance between Jean, a well-connected Catholic boy in Nazi-occupied Paris and Annette, his Jewish girlfriend, turns into a gripping tale of star-crossed lovers in this heartbreaking drama based on actual events. This film brings to life one of numerous documented cases revealing the role ordinary French citizens took in informing on their Jewish neighbors and probes the human cost of turning a blind eye.

Talkback with Director Philippe Le Guay (live on-screen) and "Star Crossed" novel author Heather Dune Macadam (in-person).

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

7pm: Home

Benny Fredman, Director

Based on a true story, a newly married yeshiva student sets out to support his family by opening a computer store in his cloistered ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem neighborhood. Despite efforts to adhere to strict Haredi rules, he faces vehement opposition from the locals, leading to rising tensions, the threat of violence, and marital strain, culminating in an explosive showdown. Nominated for nine Israeli Academy Awards, including Best Film.

Sunday, May 12, 2024

4pm: The Catskills

Lex Gillespie, Director

Evoking the golden era of the Borscht Belt, this nostalgic film showcases the humor, heritage, and spirit of the iconic Catskills summer resorts, famed for lavish buffets and nightclubs that fostered rising talent. Featuring anecdotes from performers and resort guests, stand-up comedians share their best shtick while former waiters, entertainers, and dance instructors recount tales of the resorts that inspired Dirty Dancing and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Monday, May 13, 2024

7pm: Our Story

Yaron Azazi, Director

Israeli superstars and real-life couple Lee Biran and Eliana Tidhar make the perfect duo in this enchanting musical rom-com. He’s an uninhibited music agent, she’s an introverted singer/songwriter. Their chance encounter, during his visit to her school, offers the perfect opportunity for her to launch her career. But they must first bridge their differences and let their shared love for music spark a romantic connection. Program includes a live performance by an acclaimed Israeli singer-songwriter.

Please join us following the film for a live performance of Israel favorites and original songs by Israeli singer-songwriter OSHI. This program is proudly supported by the Israel Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. Produced with support from Burton A. Zipser and Sandra D. Zipser Foundation.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

7pm: Exodus 91

Micah Smith, Director

The incredible story of Operation Solomon, Israel’s airlift of the Ethiopian Jewish community to Israel.?Using documentary footage and reenactments, this film follows Asher Naim, the Israeli ambassador to Ethiopia,?as he navigates the worlds of bureaucracy and politics in a region racked by civil war, on a seemingly insurmountable mission to bring 15,000 Jews out of Ethiopia, finding himself facing a crisis of faith. Talk back with Jane F. Sherman, Trustee, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation. Film Festival Closing Presentation.

Please join us following the film for a live concert of Ethiopian music favorites performed by OSHI. This program is proudly supported by the Israel Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. Produced with support from Burton A. Zipser and Sandra D. Zipser Foundation.

Fest Date: May 2 – 14, 2024

Location: The Jewish Community Center, 6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322

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