by Maxine Fischbein
(AJNews) – Due, in large part, to the dynamic nature of Israeli filmmaking and distribution, there have been some changes to the lineup for this year’s Beth Tzedec Congregation Jewish Film Festival, which takes place at Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Calgary from Saturday, November 2 through to Sunday, November 17.
The opening night film, Bliss (Hemda)—set to screen at 7:30 pm on Saturday, November 2—was to have been attended by celebrated Israeli writer and director Shemi Zarhin. Unfortunately, current hostilities in the Middle East led to flight cancellations by most international airlines including the flight on which Zarhin was booked. Unfortunately, flights that were still available were not compatible with Zarhin’s calendar or the schedules of the Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival and the Calgary Jewish Film Festival, which had teamed up to bring Zarhin to North America.
“While we are disappointed that Shemi Zarhin can no longer join us, we are thrilled to be screening Bliss, a movie that is its own reward,” said Calgary Jewish Film Festival Founder and Director Harvey Cyngiser.
Bliss features two of Israel’s most beloved actors, Sasson Gabbai and Asi Levi, in a love story set against the backdrop of Israel’s Northern Galilee.
“I have no doubt that this film will be an audience favourite and a memorable opening night offering,” said Cyngiser.
Funds that had been earmarked for Zarhin’s appearance will now be donated by the Calgary Jewish Film Festival to an Israeli charitable organization so as to further support Israelis during a time of great need.
The Dr. Martha Cohen Memorial Screening, set for Sunday, November 3 at 7 pm, is now a special sneak-preview of Halisa, a compelling 2024 Israeli film by Director Sophie Artus, which has been nominated for five Israeli Academy Awards including Best Film, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.
“Halisa has not yet had its international premiere, so our film festival’s sneak preview screening will be the first anywhere in the world outside of Israel,” said Cyngiser.
The beautifully-made film provides realistic and poignant insights into the experiences of some of Haifa’s poorest and at-risk citizens in the multi-ethnic neighbourhood of Halisa, while focusing on the tense intersection of two women, Sarah, a single, forty-one-year-old nurse desperate to bring a child of her own into the world, and Anya, a young and distressed immigrant mother who brings her infant daughter, Eden, to the Children’s Health Centre where Sarah works.
A risky decision by Anya leads to some heart-stopping circumstances for both her and Sara, two women who have been brought together by fate at what is, perhaps, the right time in each of their lives.
Halisa replaces the previously-scheduled film The Performance.
“Audience members who were looking forward to The Performance will likely have a second chance as a major theatrical release is contemplated by the distributors of the film,” said Cyngiser.
“We are truly delighted that we are now able to screen Halisa, which is an incredibly touching film featuring acclaimed Israeli actress Noa Koler,” Cyngiser added.
Please note that there have been two other changes to the lineup for this year’s Jewish Film Festival: Pink Lady will now be featured on closing night, Sunday, November 17 at 7 pm. Previously scheduled for closing night, Seven Blessings will instead be screened on Saturday, November 16 at 7 pm.
For up-to-date information about the films and show times at the 24th Annual Calgary Jewish Film Festival, and to purchase tickets, go to www.CalgaryJewishFilmFestival.ca or www.bethtzedec.ca.
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