The comic genius of Gene Wilder comes to life in this endearing documentary full of touching and hilarious clips and outtakes, never-before-seen home movies, and interviews with fellow comedians including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, and Carol Kane. Ron Frank’s heartfelt tribute shines a spotlight on a beloved performer, writer, and director. 

The Peabody award-winning documentary that inspired this season’s groundbreaking Broadway musical of the same name. This ability awareness film follows the challenges and triumphs of a group of adults from Columbus, Ohio —all of whom are living on the autism spectrum—as they prepare for their first formal dance. Presented by “The J’s Opening the Doors” Talk-back following film.

Comedy-drama about a young Eritrean refugee, on the brink of deportation, who is accidentally mistaken for a soccer star. With no sporting talent, but hailed as a hero, he unites and uplifts the floundering squad, hiding his identity and falling for the team owner's daughter. An Israeli Academy Award Best Film nominee blending humor and heart while shining light on the refugee problem in Israel.

This staggering documentary reveals the untold story of 999 unmarried, young Jewish women who initially registered for government service in a purported shoe factory, only to be tragically sent to Auschwitz. Who were these young women and why were they chosen? Survivors reveal the truth of this almost completely ignored piece of women’s history. 

Talkback with Director Heather Dune Macadam and Katie C. Park, The Zekelman Holocaust Center.

What begins as an innocent romance between Jean, a well-connected Catholic boy in Nazi-occupied Paris and Annette, his Jewish girlfriend, turns into a gripping tale of star-crossed lovers in this heartbreaking drama based on actual events. This film brings to life one of numerous documented cases revealing the role ordinary French citizens took in informing on their Jewish neighbors and probes the human cost of turning a blind eye. 

Talkback with Director Philippe Le Guay (live on-screen) and "Star Crossed" novel author Heather Dune Macadam (in-person).

Based on a true story, a newly married yeshiva student sets out to support his family by opening a computer store in his cloistered ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem neighborhood. Despite efforts to adhere to strict Haredi rules, he faces vehement opposition from the locals, leading to rising tensions, the threat of violence, and marital strain, culminating in an explosive showdown. Nominated for nine Israeli Academy Awards, including Best Film.

Evoking the golden era of the Borscht Belt, this nostalgic film showcases the humor, heritage, and spirit of the iconic Catskills summer resorts, famed for lavish buffets and nightclubs that fostered rising talent. Featuring anecdotes from performers and resort guests, stand-up comedians share their best shtick while former waiters, entertainers, and dance instructors recount tales of the resorts that inspired Dirty Dancing and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Please join us following the film for a live performance of Israel favorites and original songs by Israeli singer-songwriter OSHI. This program is proudly supported by the Israel Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. Produced with support from Burton A. Zipser and Sandra D. Zipser Foundation

Please join us following the film for a live concert of Ethiopian music favorites performed by OSHI. This program is proudly supported by the Israel Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. Produced with support from Burton A. Zipser and Sandra D. Zipser Foundation.