The annual Carmel Jewish Film Festival (CJFF), now in its sixth year, takes place from March 5-20, 2016. The themes, messages, and motifs carry a universal appeal to an audience that encompasses the Monterey area, and beyond. The programs seek to engage both mind and heart. The festival wants “to engage the greater Jewish community in meaningful dialogue on important issues…”
If you’re considering attending this magic film festival, panels, and discussions, here are a few more details for you.
On opening night, March 5, producer, director, and blogger Ralph Senensky will be honored for his extraordinary 50+ year career in TV and film. For those of you who may not know the length, breadth, or spectrum of projects he’s worked on, a few of his career highlights include television episodes of:
- Star Trek
- The Twilight Zone
- The Waltons
As mentioned, Ralph is a prolific blogger. You can catch his latest “adventures in film and television” at Ralph’s Cinema Trek by heading to this website.
On March 6, following the film The Green Prince, Dr. Nukhet Kardam and Dr. Jeffrey Bale will take part in a discussion on terrorism. For nearly 30 years, Dr. Bale has studied violence-prone political and religious extremists, publishing several scholarly articles on the same. The subjects of his many works include terrorism, right-wing extremism, Islamism, and covert political operations. Dr. Kardam’s passionate interests focus on “the nature of self and of identity” in terms of global norms that apply in specific cultures. Moderating the panel will be Dr. Amy Sands, Executive Director for Research Centers and Initiatives at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
A number of other thought-provoking, dynamic, and interesting events will take place over the festival’s duration. As a special treat, 91-year old Flory Jagoda will perform her Ladino song for the Jewish holiday of Chanukah. She’ll be accompanied by her daughter and several others. Flory’s performance will follow the film Flory’s Flame on March 12.
On March 19, following the screening of The Dove Flyer at the Golden Bough, survivors David Sabih and Sadok Masliyah will retell their harrowing stories of escape, and how they had to leave behind the life they knew and their families. Jaleh Pirnazar, from Iran, will also share her story, as well as research. Sam Ezekiel will moderate the panel.
Many more events will take place during the festival, and many generous sponsors are helping to make this happen. To find out more about the events, please visit the festival’s home page. If you’re ready to buy your tickets today, please head to this Web page.
This list was accurate at the time of publication; please check directly with the venue(s) to ensure dates, times, and locations remain the same.