Festival Features 20 Films With A Connection To Judaism Or Israel

Tickets are on sale now for the 28th Annual Denver Jewish Film Festival which runs from March 9-17, 2024, at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center at the JCC. The festival features 20 entertaining and educational films, including documentaries, narratives and shorts, and highlights work by Jewish or Israeli filmmakers or actors and themes. The Denver Jewish Film Festival includes a curated selection of thought-provoking stories, heartfelt drama, and inspiring documentaries that bring to life the unique perspectives of Jewish and Israeli filmmakers.

“Our goal with the Denver Jewish Film Festival is to create community around live screenings of the best and brightest cinematic moments from newly released Jewish and Israeli directors and filmmakers,” said Stephanie Herm, chief operating officer of the JCC Denver and Mizel Arts and Culture Center. “The festival is not only for those who are Jewish, but anyone looking to experience artistic connection. This year’s festival includes a wide variety of films that cover a multitude of topics, and we hope the festival brings people together to support the Jewish community. To enhance the festival and the experience we’re offering Q&As after some films and even a Challah-making session.”

For a complete list of films visit www.jccdenver.org/arts-culture/festivals/denver-jewish-film-festival/. Films to highlight include:

  • Opening night on Saturday, March 9: Remembering Gene Wilder — Told in part through Wilder’s own voice, Remembering Gene Wilder is a documentary about the iconic Jewish actor’s life, and includes film clips from across Wilder’s career. Tickets to the opening night reception at 6 p.m. cost $54 and include appetizers, adult beverages, and popcorn for the film. Tickets to the film at 7:30 p.m. cost $17 per person. At this event, The Tattered Cover will be selling copies of Gene Wilder’s memoir, Kiss Me Like a Stranger. 
  • Sunday, March 10, at 2:30 p.m.: Israel Swings for Gold — In 2021, Israel’s baseball team competed in the Olympics for the first time. With no media allowed in Tokyo’s Olympic Village, the players recorded their own experiences, which are shared during this documentary, logging unexpected battles against antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
  • Monday, March 11, at 5:30 p.m.: Last Man Standing: The Chronicles of Myron Sugerman — A true-crime documentary, showcasing the factual life story of Myron Sugerman, a member of the Newark, New Jersey, Mob. Myron is a one-of-a-kind character and the production is an iconic piece of American History showcasing the rise of fascism inside the U.S. and globally. Join us for a Q&A with Myron Sugerman after the film.
  • Sunday, March 17, at 2:30 p.m.: Less Than Kosher — This musical comedy is about 30-year-old Viv who is a self-proclaimed “bad Jew.” After a stalled music career she takes a job at her synagogue as a cantor. Her stint in this role proves to be her most adventurous yet.
  • Closing night on Sunday, March 17, at 5:30 p.m.: The Rhapsody — The Rhapsody is the astonishing story of composer Leo Spellman, a Polish-Canadian Holocaust survivor who sets out on a riveting and emotional journey towards artistic liberation at the age of 98. The film features a musical masterpiece lost for more than 50 years, a secret wartime diary re­vealed for the first time, live concert performances, and a return to the Polish town where Spellman spent 18 terrifying months in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. There will be live music at this closing night event.

New this year, and with a special focus on highlighting Israeli stories, the Israeli Film Package will include tickets to three films to watch in-person and three films to watch virtually. In-person films include Israel Swings for Gold, Hope Without Boundaries, and Mourning in Lod. Virtual films include The Three of Us, Our Son, and Holy ­Closet. The pass costs $54 for all six films. This package is supported by JEWISHcolorado.

Tickets to films are sold individually or can be purchased as festival passes. Tickets include:

  • In-person individual films: $17 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.
  • 10-pack pass: $140 which includes 10 tickets to any of the films.
  • All-access festival pass: $290 which includes admission for one individual to all in-person and virtual films and events including the opening night reception.

Throughout the festival, attendees will be asked to vote for their top five favorite films to be shown virtually after the festival through the Denver Jewish Film Festival Encore. These films will be made available virtually from March 18-25. Tickets to access a virtual film during the Encore cost $17 per ticket.

Generous sponsors of the Denver Jewish Film Festival include JEWISHcolorado, Acoya Cherry Creek, Strear Family Foundation, and Jane E. Rosenbaum.

To see the complete lineup of films and to purchase tickets, visit www.jccdenver.org/arts-culture/festivals/denver-jewish-film-festival. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center Box Office located at 350 S. Dahlia Street in Denver from January 22 through March 8 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. During the festival, from March 9-17, the box office will be open one hour before all earliest in-person screenings.