Edmonton Jewish Film Festival brings Jewish culture to the big screen: May 6 – 15

by Chloe Soibelman

(AJNews) – Settle into the timeless seats at the Capitol Theatre at Fort Edmonton Park and let the screen transport you to another world for two hours. Each year, the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival (EJFF) brings Jewish life, culture, and history to the big screen, giving our local audiences opportunities to indulge in cinematic escape.  The 29th edition of EJFF launches on Tuesday, May 6. Over the course of the festival, you will find a wide variety of compelling stories that will make you laugh, cry and ponder.

While there is no intended theme for this year’s festival, a strong underlying note of resilience comes through each film. The opening night film, Song of Ascent, generously sponsored by Friends of the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival, follows previously orthodox singer-songwriter Matisyahu as he attempts to pursue his career in a post-October 7 world. His dealings with cancellations and protests thrust him into the role of spokesperson for Jews worldwide, as he strives to support those most deeply affected by the Hamas attack and ongoing war. This film highlights the power of music and the perseverance of the Jewish people as they continue to show strength despite unthinkable adversity. There is a special Zoom session planned on Wednesday, May 7 with the film’s producer, Shlomo Weprin, that promises to engage the audience in a deeper understanding of his project.

Not only is there an opportunity to see films in-person but you can also watch from the comfort of your home. Included in our online lineup are incredible shorts that focus on survival, including Crossing the River, Paddling for Life, and Hope on the Water, each telling personal and touching stories. Pink Lady, our first online feature film depicts the raw emotional story of Bati, an orthodox Jewish woman whose life is upended when she learns her family has been living a lie. Our second online feature, Never Alone, draws from the astonishing account of Finnish Jews during the Holocaust and their miraculous fight to survive despite all odds.

Sam Koplowitz, chair of the Film Festival Committee, is delighted that the festival is now showing most of the films in the theatre. “Seeing films with a live audience is the best way to enjoy them,” he says. The opportunity to watch together, continues on Thursday May 8 with The Stronghold, a film that was made for big screen viewing. This action-filled drama, based on a true story, chronicles the harrowing plight of the last remaining Israeli stronghold in Sinai during the Yom Kippur War.  The leaders of the troops stationed there were faced with the impossible task of saving their platoon after being cornered by Egyptian forces.

If you are interested in history, you will love The Blond Boy from the Casbah. This movie is a delight for film buffs and lovers of culture and history.  This film depicts a young boy’s upbringing as a Jew amidst the multicultural mosaic of society in Algiers before the civil war. Immediately preceding the film, there is a unique opportunity to experience a bygone era up close, as the Jewish Archives and Historical Society of Edmonton and Northern Alberta (JAHSENA) is leading tours through H.B. Kline’s jewellery store adjacent to the Capitol Theatre. Tours begin at 6 p.m.

The culmination of the festival is a night filled with Shabbat laughs, despite it taking place on a Thursday (May 15). The evening starts with the short comedy, Friday Night Flop, and continues with the hysterical feature film, Bad Shabbos, which has been winning over audiences worldwide at film festivals. This hilarious farce, starring well-known actors Kyra Sedgwick and David Paymer, is reminiscent of the cult classic, A Weekend at Bernie’s, with a decidedly Jewish twist. It will have you in stitches—a perfect way to end the festival.

Since its inception, the EJFF has supported our commitment to the coast-to-coast partnership together program (p2g). Jointly, along with 5 other communities in Canada, we build and strengthen relationships with communities in the Northern Galilee Panhandle through programs that build Jewish Identity and promote the welfare and wellbeing of all partners involved. We will continue the tradition of supporting this program this coming year.

We hope you will join us at this year’s festival which runs between May 6 and 15. Tickets for in-person films are $15 and $10 for online films. For $70, you can buy an all-access pass. Due to distributor requirements, the online films will only be available to Edmonton residents. For film descriptions, tickets, or to sponsor, please visit jewishedmonton.org. If you have questions, please email Chloe Soibelman at chloes@edjfed.org.

Chloe Soibelman is the Film Festival Coordinator for the Jewish Federation of Edmonton.