PROGRAM BOOK January 23 - February 18, 2021 - Mayerson JCC
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
January 23 - February 18, 2021
---------------------------------------- Horizontal logo - 1” or smaller ---------------------------------
PROGRAM BOOK
I
1
Laila Lavan –
Live from Tel Aviv
Opening Night
Page 3
A Cantor’s Head
Page 5
Sustainable Nation Welcome to the 2021 Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli
Page 9 Film Festival. This year’s lineup of films and events
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit offers quality, diverse content in a new virtual
Page 15 format that can be enjoyed from the comfort of
your home.
The Art of Waiting
Page 17
Every year, the goal of the Film Festival is to build
Transkids relationships, engage in important dialogues,
Page 23 educate, and entertain. Especially during this
difficult time, we are proud to offer this robust
Asia
program to the community, and are grateful for the
Page 26
continued support of our sponsors, partners, and
They Ain’t Ready For Me attendees. This festival is for you and is possible
Page 29 because of you.
Honeymood
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Page 32 Please read on for more information about the Film
Festival and the wonderful films and events planned
My Name is Sara for this year. Enjoy the 2021 Virtual Mayerson JCC
Page 34 Jewish & Israeli Film Festival!
Shared Legacies:
The African-American Jewish
Civil Rights Alliance Closing
Night Frances Kahan Stacey Schimberg Marc Fisher
Page 39 Cultural Arts Manager Committee Chair CEO
Meet the Committee
Page 44 All films are not rated and are recommended for mature audiences.
Times listed include the length of the feature films only.
Sponsors & Partners
Page 47
I
2
Opening Night Laila Lavan - Live from Tel Aviv
Saturday, January 23; 7pm
Tel Aviv’s annual citywide celebration Though we are at home without planes Grab your goody bag, recipe card, and
known as “White Night” or in Hebrew, or plans to cross the ocean to Tel Aviv, ingredients to follow along with a live
Laila Lavan, is an all-night event that we have created the next best thing: our custom cocktail demonstration by
celebrates culture, arts, and community. very own Laila Lavan to kick-off the 32nd mixologist Pamela Wiznitzer and join
The bars, theatres, music clubs, and Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival. film lecturer Galit Roichman for a
everything in-between remain open cinematic journey to Israel!
for a festive night for all to enjoy.
Pamela Wiznitzer has a true passion and zest for the industry that is seen and tasted
in every drink she serves and also transcends the bar. Since 2006, Pamela has worked
throughout NYC at many notable venues and currently oversees the beverage programs
for the iconic Big Apple Circus and The Lookup - a rooftop bar in midtown. She was
nominated as one of the top 10 bartenders for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 “American
Bartender of the Year” award at Tales of the Cocktail and was named the “2014
Bartender of the Year” by the Village Voice. Additionally, she was named as one of Food
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
& Wine Magazine’s top 10 Rising Star Mixologists, an inductee to the “Dames Hall of
Fame” in 2015, and one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s “40 Under 40” in 2015.
Wiznitzer has a Master’s degree in Food Studies, with a concentration in spirits and
alcohol, from NYU’s Steinhardt School. Pamela is a dual BA graduate of both Barnard
College and the Jewish Theological seminary as well as the Beverage Alcohol Resources
5-day program earning top honors by passing the course “Bar Ready.”
Wiznitzer has been featured in multiple publications including The New York Times,
Pamela Wiznitzer Wall Street Journal, Travel & Leisure, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Bloomberg and Esquire,
Mixologist as well as reoccurring media appearances on the Food Network, Vh1, NBC, Fox &
Friends and BetterTV.
I
3
ARE YOU CONSIDERING CARE OPTIONS
FOR YOUR AGING PARENT OR LOVED ONE?
At Senior Care Partners, we
specialize in finding the right care
options for seniors.
Galit Roichman
Cinema Lecturer Our decade of experience in the
Cincinnati Market will help you
Galit Roichman is a screenwriter and cinema lecturer. make the best choice for your loved
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Literature from Haifa
one and save you time in
University and a Master’s degree in Cinema Studies from
the process.
Tel-Aviv University. Roichman has written two screenplays
for a children’s TV series and is currently writing a script
for a feature film. She lives and works in Tel-Aviv and is a
member of the Israeli Academy of Film and Television.
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE,
Roichman has also gained rich experience in Jewish NO-PRESSURE ASSESSMENT.
education in Israel and the Diaspora. The fields of Israeli
cinema and Jewish education are both interlaced in her
lectures, examining the changing face of Israeli society
in films and television.
Stuart Solomon | Owner & Advisor
s.solomon@scpcincinnati.com | 513-745-9537
I
4
A Cantor’s Head
Saturday, January 23; 7pm - Monday, January 25; 7pm
Erik Greenberg Anjou
Director
2019 · Documentary · 87 Minutes
Erik Greenberg Anjou is a graduate of Middlebury
director: Erik Greenberg Anjou | language: English
College (B.A. American Literature), Northwestern
short film screening: A Jew Walks Into a Bar
University (M.A. Film) and the American Film
by Jonathan Miller.
Institute’s Center for Advanced Film Studies
(Directing Fellow). His films have been distributed
Cantor Mendelson is suddenly let go by the Temple
by Columbia TriStar, Canal Plus, Ergo Media
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
where he has served for 28 years. As he prepares for
and Seventh Art Releasing, and have played
his final Yom Kippur services, he ponders the decline
on distribution platforms including PBS, NESN,
of traditional Jewish sacred music amidst growing
Canadian, Polish and Israeli TV, and at over
preferences for younger cantors with more modern
two hundred international film festivals. His
and engaging liturgical styles. Interviews with
documentary “A Cantor’s Tale” (2005) won top
Mendelson and his proteges explore the magic of this
prizes at five of those festivals. Erik has a particular
centuries-old art form and what its loss represents.
passion for Jewish culture and storytelling, and
special event: is committed to mining the territory between
tradition and modernity as American-Jewish life
Monday, January 25; 7pm
continues to reshape itself in the 21st century. He
Cantor Jack Mendelson in conversation with
has taught and lectured at Middlebury College, the
Rabbinic Fellow Jason Cook.
Haverford School, School for Visual Arts, and St.
John’s University.
In partnership with Jewish Cemeteries of Greater
I
Cincinnati – Guardians and Friends.
5
Cantor Jack Mendelson
Speaker
Growing up in Brooklyn, Cantor Jacob Ben-Zion (Jack)
Mendelson witnessed the dwindling days of the Golden
Age of Hazzanut. Now, as both an international performer
and one of the leading Cantorial masters of today, he is
Thank you to our Guardians, passing on his art to a new generation. For over 30 years he
JCGC’s Legacy Society members,
has taught at the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music
of Hebrew Union College, and the H.L. Miller Cantorial
and to our Friends! School at the Jewish Theological Seminary; both schools
have awarded him honorary doctorates. Having retired
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Your commitment ensures from the full-time pulpit at Temple Israel Center of White
the future of our community!
Plains, NY in 2014, Jack teaches at both cantorial schools,
concertizes, and often appears as scholar in residence. He is
performing The Cantor’s Couch – a one-man show written by
Mark Bieler, with original music by Jonathan Comisar, and
directed by Tony award nominee Eleanor Reissa. The show
has played successfully in cities across the USA, including
In Fall 2021, we’ll rededicate the
Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Houston, Minneapolis, Louisville,
Chestnut Street Cemetery in honor of Westport and Detroit. As well as being the subject of this
its 200th Anniversary! Stay tuned for how documentary, sequel to the film A Cantor’s Tale, Cantor
you can be involved in the celebrations! Mendelson is also featured in the films: 100 Voices, Journey
of Spirit, on the life of Debbie Friedman, Deli Man,
jcemcin.org directed by Erik Anjou, and Theodore Bikel in the Shoes
of Sholom Aleichem.
I
6
Mazel Tov
To Stacey Schimberg, Frances Kahan
And the Entire Film Festival Committee
For an Amazing Mayerson JCC
Jewish and Israeli Film Festival.
Marc & Evelyn Fisher
Jason Cook
Speaker/Rabbinic Fellow
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Jason Cook is a rabbinical student at Hebrew Union
College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. Prior
to starting his studies at HUC-JIR, Jason worked in teen
engagement at the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach
County, teaching advocacy and how to form Jewish identity
to teenagers. Jason earned his undergraduate degree at
American University in International Relations with a minor
in Religious Studies. Originally from Portland, Oregon,
Jason lives in Cincinnati with his wife Phylicia.
I
7
short film:
A Jew Walks Into a Bar
2018 · Short Documentary · 24 Minutes
director: Jonathan Miller | language: English
An ultra-Orthodox Brooklynite struggles to balance his
aspirations to become a stand-up comedian with his strict
religious lifestyle, and is faced with the choice between his
passion and his community.
“I was taught very early that it was
my responsibility to give back and
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
lead a good life.”
─Neil Bortz
Jonathan Miller
Director
By making a gift in your will,
retirement fund, or life insurance,
you can impact lives every year, Jon Miller is a Documentary Director and Editor who
forever. makes stories about the transformative power of
performance. His first feature film, Standing Up premiered
What will your legacy be?
Sustaining Cincinnati’s Contact Debra Steinbuch, at DOC NYC and, along with its companion piece,
Jewish future dsteinbuch@jfedcin.org or 513-985-1593 A Jew Walks Into a Bar, played at film festivals across the
world. A veteran TV editor, Jon has cut shows for A&E,
Showtime, Netflix, Discovery, Animal Planet, Smithsonian,
STRENGTHENING JEWISH CINCINNATI | Funded
in part by The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, the Science, and the Weather Channel, including the
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, and LIFE & LEGACY acclaimed series The Circus, 60 Days In, and Yukon Men.
I
8
Sustainable Nation
Tuesday, Jan. 26; 7pm - Thursday, Jan. 28; 7pm
2019 · Documentary · 60 Minutes THE LAND, THE PEOPLE,
director: Micah Smith | languages: English, Hebrew, and
Luganda
THE DREAM
You can help ensure a strong, prosperous and
Sustainable Nation follows three individuals who are secure future for the land and people of Israel.
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
doing their part to bring sustainable water solutions to an
increasingly thirsty planet. The work of this visionary trio
highlights the nexus between food, energy, and water. MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY
This documentary shows how fixing global water issues is jnf.org/donate
not only a matter of life and death, but the start of
healing the world. SAVE THE DATE
Virtual Breakfast for Israel
special event: April 18, 2021 ∙ 10:30 am
Thursday, January 28; 7pm
Discussion with Dean Adrian Parr, College of Architecture,
MORE INFORMATION
Planning, and Public Affairs, University of Texas at
Arlington, a UNESCO water chair and activist; Mike Zelkind, Eric Goldstein, Director, Ohio Valley
Co-founder and CEO of 80 Acres Farms; and Robert Bilott, egoldstein.cinci@jnf.org ∙ 513-794-1300 x780
attorney and author.
In partnership with Shomrei Olam - Jewish Environmental jnf.org ∙ 800.JNF.0099
I
Advocates of Cincinnati and Jewish National Fund.
9
Director’s Note
The year was 1989, and I remember sitting year due to water, sanitation and hygiene- that has resulted in homegrown solutions
in my 4th grade class, listening to our related disease. When my producers and that are now used around the world. This
homeroom teacher teaching us about I began this project several years ago, we is the kind of transformation we dream of
the drought in California and the need certainly wanted to make a film that spread for the global community. When it comes
to conserve water. While the drought awareness about the water crisis, but, to water, Israelis are incredible role models
subsided a few years later and the water- ultimately, we wanted to focus on solutions for how individuals around the world can
saving methods we had learned became and give audiences hope that we truly can have an impact.
unnecessary, I would never forget what solve this issue. As we began our research,
I really learned that day: every individual there was one statistic that truly blew me It is our hope that by sharing the stories
has a responsibility to protect the away: Israel leads the world in wastewater and insights of the people in this small
environment, and even the smallest acts recycling, reusing more than 80% of its country, our film can have an impact on
can make a difference. wastewater, with the next closest country the global water crisis. While Sustainable
being Spain at 20%. Following up on this Nation tells the stories of just a few people
Nearly 30 years later, the global water crisis we found that in a country that is mainly working on issues of water scarcity, the
has grown more severe. One in nine people desert, and after years of drought in the film is ultimately meant to teach the
lack access to safe water. The World Health 1980’s and 90’s, Israel has become a water same lesson I learned in 4th grade: every
Organization estimates that by 2025 half of exporter. Over the course of just a few individual has a responsibility to protect
the global population will be facing water decades, Israelis developed a unique social the environment, and even the smallest
scarcity. One million people die every consciousness around water conservation acts can make a difference.
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Micah Smith Micah Smith is an award-winning narrative and
Director/Editor/Writer documentary filmmaker whose films have been
featured on Netflix, and have been screened
at international film festivals, the UN, British
Parliament and US Congress.
10 IAdrian Parr
Speaker
Mike Zelkind
Speaker
Adrian Parr is an internationally recognized environmental, Mike Zelkind, Co-Founder and CEO of 80 Acres Farms (est.
political, and cultural thinker and activist. She is the Dean of 2015) and Board Member of Infinite Acres (est. 2019), is
the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs at a vertical farming leader providing customers with the
the University of Texas, Arlington in the Dallas-Fort Worth freshest and most nutritious fruits and vegetables at
metroplex and she has served as a UNESCO water chair. affordable prices. Utilizing world-class technology and
analytics, 80 Acres Farms offers customers a wide variety
She has served as a UNESCO water chair since 2013 and in of pesticide-free food with a longer shelf-life and the
2020 she was appointed to the UNESCO expert committee highest food safety standards. 80 Acres utilizes fewer
on education and Agenda 2030. Parr is also the founding natural resources to produce over 300x more food on
signatory of the Geneva Actions on Human Water Security. less than 1% of the footprint.
In 2011 Parr received the University of Cincinnati Rieveschl
Award for Scholarly and Creative Work. In his prior role, Mike was President, CEO of Sager Creek
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Vegetable Company, a Division of Del Monte Foods,
Parr is the producer of three public humanities projects: the where he connected with many farmers and valued the
multi-award winning film series (with Sean and Jon Hughes), role of fresh food in enabling healthier communities.
The Intimate Realities of Water Project, and two online series
of short and engaging interviews with prominent activists and In 1996, after earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical
eminent scholars – TAFTtalks and H2Otalks – on topics ranging Engineering with a minor in Computer Science and
from violence, to migration, water rights, and climate change. Mathematics, he ranked #1 in his Master’s in Business
Parr is a writer, public speaker, community organizer, and Administration class of a top 20 Executive MBA program.
filmmaker. She has published numerous books and articles He earned the top Leadership Award: John Robson
and has been interviewed for her views on social and Scholar, selected for a very prestigious Community
environmental justice by The New York Times, public radio Leadership Program by the Wexner Foundation.
and television. She has published op-eds in The LA Review
of Books, Al Jazeera, The World Financial Review, and The
European Magazine.
11 IRobert Bilott
Speaker
Robert is a partner in Taft’s Environmental, Litigation, and
Product Liability and Personal Injury groups. For more
than 30 years, Rob has handled a wide variety of highly
complex environmental matters and related toxic tort
litigation for a diverse array of clients, including the nation’s
first cases involving PFAS drinking water contamination.
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
In 2017, Rob received the international Right Livelihood
Award, also known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” for
his decades of work on PFAS issues. Rob is the author of
the book, Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and
One Lawyer’s Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont, and his
story is the inspiration for the motion picture, Dark Waters,
starring Mark Ruffalo as Rob. His story is also featured in the
documentary available on Netflix, The Devil We Know. Rob
is a graduate of New College in Sarasota, Florida and has a
Juris Doctor degree from the Ohio State University Moritz
College of Law.
12 ITHURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021
Losantiville Country Club
Thank you to the JCC
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
All proceeds from the 2021 J Classic Jewish & Israeli Film Festival
fundraiser will benefit the Committee and the JCC Staff
important services & programs of
the Mayerson JCC.
for all you do producing this
wonderful Film Festival!
– Suzette & Michael Fisher
Register to play, eat, & support at
MayersonJCC.org/JClassic
13 IMazel Tov to the JCC
and the Film Festival
Committee for another
great festival!
Want to sponsor
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
a JCC program?
Contact:
----------------------------------- info@mayersonjcc.org
Horizontal logo - 1” or smaller ----------------------------------------
14 IWhen Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
Friday, January 29; 7pm - Sunday, January 31; 7pm
Caroline Link
Director
Caroline Link was born in Bad Nauheim in 1964. In 1986
she began her studies in film and television documentary
at the University of Television and Film Munich. In 1992
Link began research for the screenplay for Beyond Silence,
about deaf parents and their musically gifted daughter.
In 1995 she filmed the drama, which was nominated for
2019 · Historical Family Drama · 119 Minutes an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1998, making
director: Caroline Link | language: German
Link an internationally known director. In 1999 Link once
again demonstrated her flair for touching stories with the
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Nine-year-old Anna is too busy with schoolwork and friends successful Erich Kästner adaptation, Annaluise & Anton.
to notice Hitler’s face glaring from posters plastered all For this film as well, she was honored with several
over 1933 Berlin. But when her father suddenly vanishes, national and international awards, including the Bavarian
and the family is secretly hurried out of Germany, Anna Film Award. Link went on to win the Oscar for Best
begins to understand life will never be the same. What Foreign Language Film with Nowhere in Africa (2001). In
follows is a courageous adventure full of fear and her next film Exit Marrakech (2013), for which she also
uncertainty, as Anna and her family navigate unfamiliar wrote the screenplay, Link confronted a German theater
lands, and cope with the challenges of being refugees. director (Ulrich Tukur) producing a play in Morocco with
his rebellious sixteen-year-old son, who accuses him of
In partnership with The Nancy & David Wolf failing in his role as a father. For his performance, Samuel
Holocaust & Humanity Center. Schneider won the New Faces Award for Best Young Actor
in 2014. All About Me (2018), based on Hape Kerkeling’s
boyhood memories, has been Link’s most successful film to
date with 3.7 million viewers.
15 ICongratulations
to the Jewish and Israeli Film
Festival Committee and the
Mayerson JCC Staff for an
amazing virtual film festival.
_______________________
Wherever you are, you can engage with the
Scott and Patricia Joseph
Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity
Center’s mission of ensuring the lessons of the
Holocaust inspire action today.
• In-person museum tours at Union Terminal
• Weekly digital programs
• Virtual tours and offerings
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
• Educator workshops
• Corporate trainings
• Youth activities Whether you or a loved one is looking for
• Cincy Upstander Project Mural Campaign health and wellness programs, COVID-19
resources, an encore career, innovative ways
Visit holocaustandhumanity.org to stay connected, or help with technology,
AgeWell Cincinnati is your first step.
Contact us: 513-766-3333 | agewellcincy.org
16 IThe Art of Waiting
Sunday, January 31; 7pm - Tuesday, February 2; 7pm
Director’s Note
Before I went into writing the script, I thought my
story was too personal; I thought the suffering my wife
and I went through would mean nothing to average
moviegoers. But the experience was too great to ignore
so I wrote and directed a short (22 min) film (Sirens-
Ophir Award winner for Best Short 2017) about a couple
2020 · Romantic Comedy · Drama · 91 Minutes
undergoing fertility treatments, and suddenly realized
director: Erez Tadmor | language: Hebrew
people indeed showed great interest in the story and the
2019 Ophir Award nominations:
film. The greatest surprise was to find out there are many
Best Director and Best Actress
more couples who went through fertility treatments and
short film screening: Torch by Odeya Rosenak
share the same emotional rollercoaster we experienced.
So, the idea of making a full-length film came naturally.
Liran and Tali are happily married, but their lives are missing
Storytelling was easy at first: for better or worse I just
one thing: a baby. With the biological clock ticking, the film
wrote real moments I felt were traumatic for me so my
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
tackles sensitive topics as the couple embark on a physical
character was covered. Then I realized the task is too
and emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments,
great so I added actor/writer Roy Assaf, who also plays
medical procedures, and regimented lovemaking.
the leading role in the film, and together we built a
Content Warning: Nudity and Sexual Content.
story taking place over a longer period. Moreover, the
deterioration in the relationship that comes with it. The
special event: film was written and directed from both perspectives: my
Tuesday, February 2; 7pm wife’s and mine. I tried, and hopefully with some success,
Discussion with Michal Raucher, PhD, Assistant Professor, to be as modest and non-bombastic as possible, not
Department of Jewish Studies, Rutgers University; Marisa seeking to be too much of a romantic but also show the
Phillips, JFF-CINCY Advisory Council Chair; Tracy Juran, comedy in all this, the comedy of life. I felt the need to stay
JFF-CINCY Advisory Council Member; and Rachel on the ground, be communicative and very talkative at the
Loftspring, Fertility Law Attorney, Essig & Evans. eye level of the viewer. The film is about two characters
who are trying to do just that in life and still stay in love.
In partnership with Jewish Fertility Foundation.
17 IErez Tadmor
Director
Erez Tadmor is an Israeli writer and director who graduated
from the Camera Obscura School of the Arts in Tel Aviv.
His debut short film, Moosh, in 2001 won more than forty
international film festival awards. His short film Strangers,
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
with Guy Nattiv, a 7-minute drama for 20th Century Fox
Searchlight released in 2003 won numerous awards
including the 2004 online short competition at Sundance
Film Festival. It was the basis for the narrative feature film,
Strangers, released in 2007. Tadmor’s second narrative
feature film A Matter of Size, codirected with Sharon
Maymon and released in 2009, earned critical acclaim.
In 2015, he directed Wounded Land which won the Ophir
Awards for Best Director and Best Actor. His most recent
film The Art of Waiting won four Ophir Award nominations
including Best Director, and has earned praise for its
focus on infertility, a subject that was once taboo
in Israeli society.
18 IMichal Raucher
Speaker
Michal Raucher, Assistant Professor joined Rutgers
University, Department of Jewish Studies in Fall 2018. Her
research lies at the intersection of Israel studies, Jewish
ethics, and the anthropology of women in Judaism. As Marisa Phillips
a Fulbright Fellow, Dr. Raucher conducted ethnographic Speaker
research on reproductive ethics of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox)
Jewish women in Israel. Drawing on this research, Michal Marisa Phillips can be found most days at the
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
recently published her first book, Conceiving Agency: Mayerson JCC where she loves being a part of
Reproductive Authority among Haredi Women, Indiana the program team running PJ Library and coming
University Press, 2020. up with creative new programs to engage young
families in Cincinnati. After meeting her husband
Dr. Raucher earned her PhD in Religious Studies with Joel, a British expat, in NYC and getting married,
a concentration in religious ethics and anthropology they decided to move back to Cincinnati to
from Northwestern University. She has an MA from the start a family. With the help of the Institute of
University of Pennsylvania in Bioethics, and graduated from Reproductive Health and modern medicine, Marisa
the Joint Program with The Jewish Theological Seminary and Joel welcomed boy and girl twins in 2012.
and Columbia University, earning a BA in Hebrew Bible Being involved with Jewish Fertility Foundation
and a BA in Religion. Before joining the faculty at Rutgers, as the advisory chair was a perfect marriage of
Michal was an assistant professor of Israel and Modern being able to give back to couples struggling with
Jewish Thought in the Department of Judaic Studies at the infertility and helping grow our Jewish community.
University of Cincinnati.
19 IIn Loving Memory
of Lucille “Twink”
Carothers
(1924 - 2018)
…a longtime supporter of
the JCC Jewish & Israeli
Film Festival
Tracy Juran
Speaker
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Proudly Supports the
Tracy Juran is a Principal Consultant and Employee Owner
at Systems Evolution Inc. She moved to Cincinnati in 2011
to pursue a career in IT consulting and in 2013, she met
2021 JCC Jewish &
her husband Josh, a Finance Executive, and they were
married on New Year’s Eve three years later. They reside in
Israeli Film Festival
Cincinnati with their son, Lev; dog, Markley; and cat, Misha.
Tracy joined Jewish Fertility Foundation’s founding advisory Congratulations on another
committee in Cincinnati in 2018 - having undergone fertility great year of innovative and
treatments herself, she is no stranger to the emotional, entertaining cinema!
physical and financial challenges that women and men
face while trying to start a family. She loves to plan parties
with friends and travel the world; her favorite destinations katzteller.com | 513.721.4532
include Thailand, Peru, and Israel.
20 I
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENTRachel Loftspring
Speaker
Rachel Loftspring is a Partner at Essig & Evans, LLP, where
she practices Fertility Law exclusively. As a Fertility Law
attorney, Rachel counsels clients from the United States
and around the world on family-building through surrogacy
as well as egg, sperm, and embryo donation.
Rachel graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law
School, where she was inducted into the Order of the Coif,
and from Emory College, where she was inducted into Phi
Beta Kappa. Rachel is a Fellow of the prestigious Academy
of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys.
Outside of her legal practice, Rachel is an active participant
and advocate in her community. She brought Atlanta-
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
based Jewish Fertility Foundation to Cincinnati and serves
on its Board of Directors. She is also on the board of AJC
Cincinnati and serves on several committees for an array of
other organizations.
Rachel and her husband, Dan, an electrophysiologist at
Christ Hospital, are both Cincinnati natives who returned
home to raise their family. They have two amazing and
opinionated children, a 6 year old daughter and 3 year old
son. You can connect with Rachel on Instagram at
@FertilityLawAttorney.
21 Ishort film:
Torch
2017 · Narrative Short · 17 Minutes WHO SAYS YOU CAN’ T HAVE IT ALL?
director: Odeya Rosenak | language: Hebrew
Fifteen-year-old Jerusalem resident Noga, lost her father Menu of Services
in a terror attack. On Memorial Day, she and her mother
go on a journey, which ends at the annual torch-lighting
ceremony at the community center. As she lights her
Breasts Nose
Breast Augmentation
Breast Lift Rhinoplasty
torch, she gives voice to her rebellion. Breast Reduction
Voted Best in the City
(Nose Reshaping)
Voted Best in the City
Body
Laser removal of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Non-Surgical
red vessels, Body Liposuction Fat reduction
brown spots Thigh Lift & Skin Tightening
and hair removal Brazilian Butt Lift (Face & Body)
Face
Facelift
Eyelid Surgery Skin Care
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Soft Tissue Fillers Botox
Fat Injection Skincare
Chin Augmentation Permanent makeup
Brow Lift Lip enhancement
DR. MARK MANDELL-BROWN
DIRECTOR
Odeya Rosenak Mandell-Brown
Writer/Director PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER
513.984.4700 • theplasticsurgeryexperts.com
Odeya Rosenak was born in 1991 in Jerusalem. She began
her studies at The Sam Spiegel Film & Television School,
Jerusalem in 2012. In 2015, Rosenak wrote and directed
her first film Wild. Torch is Rosenak’s graduation film. It
has been shown at festivals around the world.
22 ITranskids
Tuesday, February 2; 7pm - Thursday, February 4; 7pm
Hilla Medalia
Director
Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Hilla Medalia has
received four Emmy® nominations. Her projects have
garnered critical acclaim and screened internationally
2019 · Documentary · 103 Minutes
in theaters and on television including HBO, MTV,
director: Hilla Medalia | language: Hebrew
BBC and ARTE.
Four Israeli teenagers undergo the process of life-and-
Among her range of titles include ‘To Die in Jerusalem’
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
identity-saving gender transformation in a country where
military service is mandatory and religion is not separated 2007 (HBO), ‘After the Storm’ 2009 (MTV), ‘Numbered’
from the state. 2012 (ARTE), ‘Dancing in Jaffa’ 2013 (Tribeca, IFC Sundance
selects), ‘Web Junkie’ 2014 (Sundance Film Festival,
special event: POV (PBS), BBC) ‘The Go Go Boys’ 2014 (Cannes Film
Thursday, February 4; 7pm Festival), ‘Censored Voices’ 2015, (Sundance Film Festival
Discussion panelists from Transgender Health Clinic, and Berlinale), ‘Muhi – Generally Temporary’ 2017 (San
Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Francisco Film Festival, HotDocs, AFI, Docaviv), ‘The Oslo
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
Diaries’ 2018 (HBO, Arte, Sundance), ‘Transkids’ 2019 (a
five part series for yesDocu and feature film version) and
In partnership with Cincinnati Hillel.
‘Leftover Women’ 2019 (Arte, Independent Lens- PBS, New
York Times Op-Doc). Medalia holds a Master of Arts from
Southern Illinois University.
23 IDr. Lee Ann Conard was born Hospital for Children at Indiana University. She has a
and raised in Troy, Ohio. She Master’s Degree in Public Health from UNC at Chapel Hill.
attended Sweet Briar College Dr. Conard has been treating transgender adolescents
in Virginia, and graduated from since 2005 as an attending physician at Children’s
Ohio Northern University with Hospital of Pittsburgh. She has held her current position
a degree in Pharmacy. She at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital since 2012. Her passion
went on to attain her degree in and compassion for these patients and their families
Osteopathic Medicine from the led her to establish and direct the CCHMC Transgender
Kansas City University of Medicine Clinic. The clinic, part of the Division of Adolescent
and Biosciences. Dr. Conard Medicine, currently serves over 1000 patients from all
completed her pediatric residency over the Midwest. When she has down time, Dr. Conard
Dr. Lee Ann Conard at Nationwide Children’s Hospital enjoys quilting and geocaching with friends.
Speaker in Columbus, OH, and a fellowship
in Adolescent Medicine at Riley
Dr. Rachel Snedecor was born and raised in Hobart, Indiana. She attended Indiana University
Northwest in Gary, Indiana, and graduated with her degree in Biology. She went on
to attend Medical School at Indiana University School of Medicine. She completed her
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
pediatric residency at the University of Louisville, where she received her initial LGBT Health
Competency Certification. In 2019, she finished her fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at
Indiana University School of Medicine (including a LEAH Fellowship). Dr. Snedecor completed
her M.S. in Clinical Research in 2019. She has been working with and treating transgender
adolescents since 2016 at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. There, she worked in
research investigating the shared experiences of transgender youth during the transitioning
process, dating violence in gender and sexual minority youth, and she participated in quality
improvement projects. Since her years in residency, she has sat on multiple national and
regional committees working to improve healthcare access and quality for LGBTQ+ patients.
She started her current position at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 2019. Her passion for
Dr. Rachel Snedecor treating gender diverse youth and their families led Dr. Snedecor to her current position
Speaker in the CCHMC Transgender Clinic. The clinic, part of the Division of Adolescent Medicine,
currently serves over 1000 patients from all over the Midwest.
24 IDr. Jessica Kahn
Speaker
Jessica Kahn, MD MPH is a Professor of Pediatrics at the
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She serves
as the Associate Chair of Academic Affairs and Career
Development at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Center, and as the Rauh Chair and Director of the Division
of Adolescent and Transition Medicine at Cincinnati
Children’s. Her clinical practice focuses on adolescent
and young adult health. Her research program focuses on
prevention of cervical cancer and other diseases related
to human papillomavirus. She is President of the Society
for Adolescent Health and Medicine, and has served on
the World Health Organization’s HPV Vaccine Advisory
Committee. Dr. Kahn received an undergraduate degree
from Princeton University, MD from Harvard Medical
School, and Master’s in Public Health from the Harvard
School of Public Health.
25 IAsia
Saturday, February 6; 7pm - Monday, February 8; 7pm
Virtually… The Best Film Festival
ever produced – EVER!!
The Film Festival Committee,
the Sponsors, and the Incredible
JCC Staff, once again, deserve a
tremendous Thank You for another
wonderfully well done event You are
2020 · Drama · 85 Minutes
director: Ruthy Pribar | language: Hebrew
Truly, and Virtually – the BEST!
2021 Academy Awards Official Entry:
Israel - Best International Feature – Marty and Sally Hiudt & Family
short film screening: Grey Zone by Gal Sagy.
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Asia’s motherhood has always been an ongoing struggle
with her now 17 year-old daughter, Vika. Asia stumbles to
achieve balance between asserting her parental authority Director’s Note
and respecting her daughter’s point of view. Vika’s
Asia never chose to be a mother, yet she deeply loves her
deteriorating health urges Asia to finally find her voice as
daughter. While Asia devotes herself to caring for Vika, she still
a mother and embrace and cherish their time together.
cannot quite understand what she, as a mother, can offer her
Content Warning: Drugs, Alcohol, and Sexual Content.
daughter. Asia’s failed attempts at helping Vika, eventually bring
them closer together. Asia gets to know her daughter; her fears
special event: and her longings. She learns that what Vika needs most, is her
Monday, February 8; 7pm unconditional love.
Discussion led by Karyn Gershon, Executive
Director of Project Kesher. This is a film about motherhood, sacrifice, and love. It’s about
the ability and the choice to take responsibility for another
26 I
In partnership with StarPoint Home Care. person’s life. Even when it means letting go.Karyn Gershon
Ruthy Pribar
Speaker
Writer/Director
Karyn Gershon joined Project Kesher as its
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Born in Israel in 1982, Ruthy Pribar graduated with
Executive Director in 1994. Project Kesher (PK)
honors from The Sam Spiegel Film School in 2012.
supports a large network of Jewish women
During her studies she received a scholarship from
leaders in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Israel,
The America-Israel Cultural Foundation for being
as they advocate for gender equality in their
a promising director. Her short films Last Calls and
countries and organize grassroots resources to
The Caregiver have both been screened at many
improve the quality of life for women and girls
international film festivals, garnering numerous
in their communities. She was instrumental in
awards. Alongside her work as a film director,
growing its Jewish women’s activist network
Ruthy works as an editor on both fiction and
to more than 180 communities. Karyn has been
documentary films. Ruthy has participated with her
recognized as one of the Jewish Chicagoans of
work at Rotterdam’s CineMart, and is an alumna of
the Year by The Chicago Jewish News and now
the Cannes Festival Residency Program. Her work
lives in New York City.
focuses on delicate moments of human emotions
and interactions. Asia is her debut feature film.
27 Ishort film:
Grey Zone
2019 · Narrative Short · 10 Minutes
director: Gal Sagy | language: Hebrew
On an urban crosswalk, Neta finds herself following a man
who touched her abruptly and without her consent.
Relax.
Help is here.
Delivering care where you are.
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Non-medical home care that
puts your loved one first.
Gal Sagy
Writer/Director
Gal Sagy was born in 1991 at Ramon Air-Force Base in
Israel. She graduated from Abudi Creative Journalism
Learn How We Can Help School and Minshar Film School with honors. In 2016,
513-766-3339 Sagy published her book Made of Canvas, and in 2017-
StarPointHomeCare.org 2020 wrote and directed three short films. She lives
StarPoint Home Care is a subsidiary of in Tel Aviv and currently works as a director and video
Jewish Family Service of Cincinnati.
editor at an advertising agency.
28 IThey Ain’t Ready For Me
Monday, February 8; 7pm - Wednesday, February 10; 7pm
Brad Rothschild
Director/Producer
2019 · Documentary · 88 Minutes Brad Rothschild is an award-winning filmmaker whose work
director: Brad Rothschild | language: English
focuses on the role of the individual in society. He received
short film screening: Dina Malul Fights Back by Amit Saragosi.
a Masters in International Affairs and an MBA, both from
Columbia University. In the mid-1990s, he served as the
Tamar Manasseh, a black rabbinical student, leads the fight Speechwriter and Director of Communications for the
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
against gun violence on the south side of Chicago. Tamar’s Mission of Israel to the United Nations.
identity and personality combine to make her a force to be
reckoned with, and she hasn’t even hit her stride yet. Rothschild produced the documentary feature, Kinderblock
66: Return to Buchenwald. The film has screened in the
special event: Jerusalem Film Festival and in over 20 festivals in the
Wednesday, February 10; 7pm United States and around the world. Brad directed the
Tamar Manasseh, Founder and President of MASK: documentary film African Exodus, about the plight of
Mothers and Men Against Senseless Killings, and film Israel’s African refugees and the documentary film Tree
director Brad Rothschild in conversation with Justin Man, about the people who come to New York City to sell
Kirschner, Associate Director of Jewish Community Christmas trees every holiday season. Tree Man won the
Relations Council of Cincinnati. Audience Award at the St. Lawrence International Film
Festival and screened on Netflix. Rothschild’s written
In partnership with Jewish Community Relations Council - work has appeared in The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, The
29 I
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. Huffington Post and The Times of Israel.Tamar Manasseh
Speaker Justin Kirschner
Following the shooting death of Lucille Barnes in 2015,
Speaker
Tamar Manasseh, a mother of two who grew up in
Englewood and now lives in Bronzeville, rallied several Justin Kirschner is the Associate Director of
other mothers and established MASK (Mothers/Men the Jewish Community Relations Council of
Against Senseless Killings). In the summer of 2015, Cincinnati. He’s a community connector who
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Manasseh and other parents in the community took to has a passion for using reflective conversation,
their local corner daily to let everyone know that they’re civic engagement, and partnerships to co-
watching. MASK’s purpose is to put eyes on the streets,
create just and vibrant communities. Justin
interrupt violence and crime, and teach children to grow up
has been involved with various social justice,
as friends rather than enemies. MASK’s primary mission is
to build stronger communities through a focus on violence youth mentoring and leadership development
prevention, food insecurity, and housing. Additionally, endeavors, facilitating cross-cultural exchanges
MASK partners to ensure that community members and teaching experiential education. He is a
have access to necessary city services, opportunities for double graduate of Ohio University with a B.A.
education and professional skills growth, and economic in Political Science, Minors in Business and
development. Manasseh has also helped launch MASK Global Leadership and a Master’s in Public and
initiatives in other Chicago neighborhoods, as well as cities
Nonprofit Administration.
throughout the nation, including Evansville, Indiana,
Staten Island, New York, and Memphis, Tennessee.
30 ILIGHTS,
short film:
Dina Malul Fights Back
2019 · Narrative Short · 24 Minutes
director: Amit Saragosi | language: Hebrew CAMERA,
ACTION!
Ophir Award nomination: Best Short Film
Tired of being pushed around, a cash-strapped single
mother and her fellow supermarket clerks fight the
system in a modern-day Robin Hood scheme.
Amit Saragosi
Director
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Join us as our age-old mission of
combatting antisemitism and hatred
takes on new urgency and relevancy.
Amit Saragosi made his first short film in 2007. Since then
he has created another six short films. Dina Malul Fights
Back was nominated for the 2019 Israeli Academy Award
Best Short Film. Saragosi directs TV commercials and
promos in Israel.
The time to ACT is now.
Learn how at jewishcincinnati.org/jcrc.
31 IHoneymood
Friday, February 12; 7pm - Sunday, February 14; 7pm
Honeymood begins at the end. Shortly after their wedding, the bride
and groom enter a fancy hotel suite. A seemingly minor issue gets
blown out of proportion, the two get into a fight and soon embark on
a nocturnal journey across the streets of Jerusalem. Through a series
of unexpected encounters, they unwittingly negotiate the terms of
their marriage and reflect on the true meaning of their commitment
to each other.
Somewhat analogically, the film often reflects on its commitment to
a particular genre; while it questions the notion of exclusive love and
2020 · Romantic Comedy · 90 Minutes
director: Talya Lavie | language: Hebrew
casts doubt on the conviction that weddings cure all heartaches, its
cinematographic style is nevertheless inspired by the tradition of
This romantic comedy of errors follows a bride classic Hollywood romantic comedies, with its blurry imagery,
and groom on their wedding night. Instead of the and softened colors.
romantic night they had planned, the couple gets
into a fight. What follows is a dazed, urban odyssey The film opens with a long sequence in the hotel. The dream of
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
across Jerusalem that confronts them with past loves, spending a calm, romantic night together gradually dissolves, and so
repressed doubts, and the lives they have left behind. does the cinematic style of this sequence, which I tried to distinguish
Content Warning: Sexual Content. from that of the rest of the film. From the moment the two leave the
hotel and set out on their nightly adventure, the film maintains an
In partnership with Young Adult Division - ongoing tension between interior and exterior locations. While the
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
groom is constantly drawn to indoor spaces, the bride longs
for the outdoors.
Director’s Note
Romantic comedies typically culminate in a wedding, or Honeymood is based on a short story I wrote while living in Jerusalem,
at least the promise of one. So do many fairy tales. They first as an art - then as a film - student. The entire film takes place
teach us that a wedding is the ultimate happy ending, over the span of one night, throughout which the main characters
resolving all problems and curing all maladies. But I always stay in their bride and groom “uniforms.” It captures in the most
find myself wondering: what happens next, when all that is unsystematic way everything that I have learned - until the time
32 I
left for the newlyweds is to live happily ever after? of its making - about love.June 14 – August 6, 2021
Sign up your children and
grandchildren today!
Our 8-week traditional camp brings all
Talya Lavie the fun, friends, adventures, and tradition
Director/Screenwriter in a safe and supportive environment.
Talya Lavie won the Israeli Academy Awards for writing Limited capacity in
order to uphold social
and directing Zero Motivation, an Israeli blockbuster which
distancing requirements.
received multiple international awards including Best Film
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
in Tribeca Film Festival and the Nora Ephron Prize; the film
broke the Israeli box-office record of the past two decades,
won six Israeli Academy Awards, was awarded Best Film
by the Israeli Film Critics Association, and was selected to
be one of the three Best Israeli Films of All Time by the
most widely read newspaper in Israel. Lavie graduated
with merit from the Sam Spiegel Film School in Jerusalem Voted Best Day Camp
after studying in the animation department in Bezalel Art in Cincinnati
BY CINCINNATI FAMILY MAGAZINE READERS
Academy in Jerusalem. Her short film Sliding Flora screened
---------------------------------------- Horizontal logo - 1” or smaller ----------------------------------------
at New York City’s MoMA, Paris’s Louvre, and in over 40 film
festivals worldwide. Her short film The Substitute received
Learn more and register:
several international awards, notably the Audience Award MayersonJCC.org/Camp
in the Berlinale. Honeymood is her second feature film.
33 IMy Name is Sara
Sunday, February 14; 7pm - Tuesday, February 16; 7pm
Historical Context
In June of 1941, Sara Goralnik was just 11
years old when the German Army invaded her
hometown of Korets, in present-day Ukraine. Prior
to the war, Korets was part of an independent
Poland that encompassed the eastern territory
of Ukraine, home to a thriving Jewish community
whose history in the region dates back over 1000
years. There, Jews forged a burgeoning merchant-
class that in some of the provinces such as Volyn,
2019 · Historical Drama · 111 Minutes where Korets sits, comprised as much as two-
director: Steven Oritt | languages: English and Polish thirds of the local population.
Based on the true-life story of 13-year-old Sara Guralnick, a Polish Jew At the time, eastern Poland was a true melting
who is taken in by a Ukrainian farmer and his young wife. She soon
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
pot where Jews, Polish Catholics and Ukrainian
discovers the dark secrets of her employers’ marriage, compounding Eastern Orthodox Christians cohabitated in
the greatest secret she must strive to protect, her true identity.
relative peace for centuries. Jews were the
Content Warning: Nudity, Violence, Sexual Content.
commercial backbone of the area and flourished
as tradesmen; the local Ukrainian farmers
special event :
however, did not fire as well. Poorly educated,
Tuesday, February 16; 7pm oppressed by the Polish nobility and starved by
Discussion with Mickey Shapiro, Sara’s son and film executive producer;
the Soviets during the great famine of the
film director Steven Oritt; Dr. Stephen D. Smith, Finci-Viterbi Executive
1930s left many Ukrainians vulnerable and
Director of USC Shoah Foundation, and UNESCO Chair on Genocide
desperate. This complex social context
Education; moderated by Jodi Elowitz, Director of Education and
Engagement at The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. foregrounds this moving and inspirational
story of a young girl’s life journey.
In partnership with The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center.
34 IDirector’s Note
My Name is Sara is my narrative feature film debut – a deeply
personal story that was first shared with me in 2014 by the
woman who survived it. Her married name was Sara Shapiro
and for over fifty years she hid this incredible true story from
her own family, choosing to only reveal the secrets of her
ordeal much later in life.
Sara Shapiro passed away recently, but not before she was
able to convey in detail, the horrors of what she endured to
survive. Her memories were the basis for my film and provided
BUILD A JEWISH
a structure that the screenwriter and I were able to weave into
our narrative. Although some of the minor characters in our
film were invented, most of the principals were not, and most
COMMUNITY
of the actions that transpire are rooted in true events.
While the film was both developed and financed in the US
with an American writer/director, it was cast, shot, edited
T H AT W I L L C O N T I N U E
and posted entirely in Poland. Aside from myself, the entire LO N G A F T E R U S .
crew was comprised of top artists from the Polish film
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
industry. Our talented cast includes Poles, Germans, Russians With your help we can
and Ukrainians. The role of a 13-year-old Sara was the most improve the lives of those
difficult to cast. Our initial attempts to find a professional who need us most.
actress were unsuccessful, so we held open calls in Poland,
seeking over 650 girls. Among them, we discovered a talented
young woman who despite barely speaking English gave an
exceptional performance for a first time actress. My Name is
Sara has been the most rewarding project of my career and I
am tremendously proud of what the team and I were able to
achieve. I feel extremely grateful to be able to share Sara’s
story with the world and hope that in doing so, it might shed
some light on the darkness of her past.
DONAT E N O W JE W I SH C I N C I N N ATI . O R G
35 Ifeature awards. My Name is Sara was acquired by Strand
Releasing in late 2019.
Oritt’s follow-up documentary Accidental Climber was
recently acquired by Vision Films. The film looks at one
man’s attempt to become the oldest American to climb
Mt. Everest - what ensued was the worst disaster in
mountaineering history.
Steven Oritt
Director/Producer
Steven Oritt’s directing background began in music Thank you to our
videos, working with the likes of the Foo Fighters, Muse,
OneRepublic, Pete Yorn and Paulina Rubio. From there, annual Arts & Ideas
he moved into the documentary world with his feature-
length debut American Native. The film appeared at 13
international festivals earning 4 best documentary awards.
sponsors:
American Native was acquired by Indican Pictures who · The Carol Ann &
released the film in 2015.
Ralph V. Haile, Jr. –
U.S. Bank Foundation
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Oritt then launched James Lucy Productions, whose first
project was the documentary short Kid Yamaka, an intimate
profile of troubled boxer Zachary Wohlman and his path
to redemption through boxing, Judaism and sobriety. The · Susan S. Friedlander
film was selected to the Academy Award-qualifying Flickers
Rhode Island International Film Festival, as well as DOC
NYC - and was later acquired by Vice’s Fightland Channel.
· The Rockwern
James Lucy is currently developing an episodic series
Charitable Foundation
for AMC Studios, about a notorious crime family from El
Paso, Texas whose quest for the American Dream fueled a · Jen & John Stein
1970’s drug empire, as well as producing Oritt’s narrative
feature debut, My Name is Sara. The film appeared in
over 25 festivals internationally, taking home 5 best
36 IMickey Shapiro Dr. Stephen D. Smith
Speaker Speaker
Mickey Shapiro was born in Germany in 1947 in a displaced Dr. Stephen D. Smith is the Finci-Viterbi Executive Director
persons camp as his parents, Asa and Sara Shapiro, were of USC Shoah Foundation, and holds the UNESCO Chair
survivors of the Holocaust. The family arrived in the United on Genocide Education. Smith founded the UK Holocaust
States in 1949, moved to Detroit, Michigan and has made Centre in Nottinghamshire, England and cofounded the
Michigan their home since. Shapiro is one of Michigan’s Aegis Trust for the prevention of crimes against humanity
top financiers and developers with ownership positions and genocide.
in numerous real estate entities throughout the United
States. Shapiro was also the past Director of the Michigan
Smith has served as a producer on a number of film and
Holocaust Memorial Center.
new media projects, including Dimensions in Testimony,
and the VR project The Last Goodbye.
In 2002 Shapiro was appointed to serve on the United
States Holocaust Memorial Council by President Bush. Since
2007 Shapiro has been a member of the USHMM Founders In recognition of his work, Smith has become a member of
Society and in 2011 was appointed to the National the Order of the British Empire and received the Interfaith
2021 MAYERSON JCC VIRTUAL JEWISH & ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL
Leadership Committee. Gold Medallion. He also holds two honorary doctorates,
and lectures widely on issues relating to the history and
In 2008 Mickey Shapiro became a member of the USC collective response to the Holocaust, genocide, and crimes
Ambassadors. In 2009 Steven Spielberg and the University against humanity.
of Southern California President, Steven Sample, named
Shapiro to the Shoah Foundation Institute Board of
Councilors and in 2010 Shapiro was appointed to the Join the J before February 28 and
Inaugural Chair of the Council of the Shoah Foundation. receive one month FREE!
Shapiro is a leading philanthropist, with efforts in Currently a JCC member? Refer a
medicine, education, and community improvement. In
Winter new member who joins by February
2017 Mr. Shapiro received the Greater Detroit Association Membership 28 and both parties will receive
of Fundraising Professionals Max M. Fisher Award for Offer one month FREE!
Outstanding Philanthropist.
37 IYou can also read
