The Altoona Jewish Film Festival was created in 2000 to bring the riches and diversity of Jewish content films to the Jewish and general communities in our area.  Typically four films are shown yearly during the month of February and vary widely in content.  Prior to each film, the Federation helps sponsor a community dinner. Funding for this evening is through admission fees and Federation sponsorship. A committee from the Jewish community plans each year's festival.

Schedule of Events:

February 22, 2024

The Levy's Of Monticello

USA, 2022, documentary, English, 71 minutes

When Thomas Jefferson died in 1826, he left behind a mountain of personal debt, which forced his heirs to sell Monticello. The Levy's of Monticello is a documentary film that tells the story of the Levy family, which owned and carefully preserved Monticello. The story also intersects with the rise of antisemitism in American history.

February 29, 2024

Boy In The Woods

USA, 2023, drama, biography, 96 minutes

The Boy in the Woods is a Holocaust survival story told through the eyes of Max, a young Jewish artist hiding and being hunted in the mythical, haunting forests of Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe. Based on the best-selling memoir by Canadian Holocaust survivor Maxwell Smart.

March 7, 2024

Our Almost Completely True Story

USA, 2004, romantic comedy, English, 90 minutes

Life in Hollywood has lost its luster for timeless actress, Mariette Hartley and a decent date is hard to find. When Jerry meets Mariette, he immediately falls for her stunning elegance and exceptionally dry humor. They compare notes on past marriages, pointless auditions, and their favorite classic movies. Is it too late for love?

March 14, 2024

Gentleman's Agreement

USA, 1947, drama, English, 118 minutes

When journalist Phil Green (Gregory Peck) moves to New York City, he takes on a high-profile magazine assignment about antisemitism. He pretends to be a Jew and begins to experience many forms of bigotry, both firsthand and through the experiences of a Jewish friend. This classic from 1947 won three Oscars including Best Picture and is relevant with today's resurgence of antisemitism.

Date:
February 22, 2024 - March 14, 2024

Hours:
7:00pm

Location:
Penn State Devorris Downtown Center
1431 12th Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601

Admission:
Film Donation: $5.00/person
students: free

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