Annual Jewish Film Festival presents international selections

The annual Jewsish Film Festival opens Thursday, May 8 with the premiere of "The Land of Milk and Honey," a still of which is pictured above.

This year, the annual Buffalo International Jewish Film Festival presents a selection of features, shorts and documentaries that explore Jewish identity, Israeli society, the current Jewish experience, and Jewish families and communities in times of change. Some also deal with the challenge of anti-Semitism and the richness of Jewish culture.

The program has an international flavor, with films from Israel, the United States, France, England, Brazil, Argentina and Canada. The films have received positive reviews, and many have received awards in international competition.

The BIJFF is the second-oldest continuously running Jewish film festival in the United States and one of the largest Jewish cultural events in Western New York.

Both the festival opening on May 8 and the second film presentation on May 15 will be held at the Jewish Community Center, Benderson Family Building, 2640 N. Forest Road, Getzville.

From May 17 through 22, the festival screenings switch to the Dipson Amherst Theatre at 3500 Main St., near Kenmore Avenue.

The 2008 BIJFF guide provides details about tickets, times and locations. The guide is available at both JCC locations, as well as in many local temples, shops, coffee houses and educational and cultural institutions. The full program is also online at www.bijff.com.

Opening night, May 8, celebrates the 60th anniversary of Israel Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut). Starting at 7 p.m., there will be wine sampling by The Winery at Marjim Manor and klezmer music by Buffalo-based duo West of Odessa.

In addition, there will be a raffle with a variety of prizes. A portion of proceeds are being donated to Magen David Adom (Israel's Red Cross). The evening includes a Mediterranean-style food reception from Catering By Karen.

The opening night's film, "The Land of Milk and Honey," begins at 9 p.m.

The film traces the roots of the music and choreography for the song "Eretz Zavat Chalav u'Dvash." There are interviews with Israelis, dancing, singing, and an intimate conversation with the acknowledged composer, Eliyahu Gamliel.

The story is an education into how a society gathers support and strength through common beliefs and cultural activities.

The BIJFF continues on May 15 at 1 p.m. at the JCC-Amherst Benderson Family Building with the documentary films "California Shmeer" and "Where Neon Goes to Die"

Individual film tickets are $7 and can only be purchased at the door. For convenience and savings, the BIJFF offers the Movie Maven Plus Pass for $78, good for all films including the May 8 opening celebration. The $65 Movie Maven Pass is good for all films but excludes the May 8 opening celebration. The Flex pass at $35 can be used for any six screenings (excluding May 8). Flex passes may be shared.

Opening night tickets (May 8) cost $22 ($18 before May 2) and $10 for students. The May 17 dinner at Café in the Square is $36 per person, or $42 per person with a movie ticket. Dinner tickets are available through May 15 at both JCC locations only.

For information, call Sandy Saada at 688-4114, ext. 337