Sponsored by Temple Beth El of Williamsburg, Virginia
This year marks our 21st anniversary and we will strive to use the power of film to entertain, educate and connect our audiences to issues related to Jewish life in the U.S., Israel, and around the world. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Virginia Peninsula Jewish Film Festival will be continuing, unimpeded.
The Opening Weekend Films for the 21st Annual Virginia Peninsula Jewish Film will be held both in-person and virtually this year. While we prefer to screen our films in-person, if conditions warrant, we will have a virtual option.
The film on Opening Night, Saturday, November 6th at 7:30 PM will be held at the Williamsburg Regional Library Theater with face masks required regardless of vaccination status and social distancing in effect. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for students. The Dessert Reception, normally held after the Opening Night film, will be held after last film of the Winter Series on Sunday, March 27th.
The second film will be screened in the Theater at 2 PM on Sunday, November 7th. There is no charge for this film.
Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 7:30 PM – AULCIE
Aulcie tells the story of Aulcie Perry, an African American basketball player, who, after being the last one cut by the New York Knicks, embarked on a career with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he became an Israeli athletic and cultural superstar. After leading his team to an upset win in the European Championship, Perry converted to Judaism and became an Israeli citizen. Rather than the racism he experienced in the United States, in Israel, he found a place where he was judged by the content of his character and not the color of his skin. Aulcie’s rise to fame was precipitous, and his relationship with supermodel Tami Ben Ami became the subject of relentless media attention. However, chronic knee pain culminated in drug addiction that led to his arrest and imprisonment in the US. Since his release he has committed himself to uplifting those suffering from drug abuse and addiction. Today, he teaches youth basketball and still is warmly received by appreciative fans in his adopted home. This inspiring film tells the story of a remarkable athlete who captured the spirit of a nation, triumphant and victorious against all odds.
Sunday, November 7, 2021, at 2 PM – When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
In 1933 in Berlin, Anna is only nine years old when her life changes from the ground up. Her father, a harsh critic of the Nazi government, learns that he is on an enemies list and that his passport will be confiscated and, as a result, must flee to Zurich. His family, Anna, her twelve-year-old brother, and her mother, follow him shortly thereafter. Anna must leave everything behind, including her beloved pink rabbit, and face a new life full of challenges and privations abroad. As the wave of antisemitism spreads across Europe, the family travels to France before settling in England. This is a Holocaust era film that focuses on facing obstacles and gaining hope from connecting with family and holding Jewish values as a means of surviving and ultimately thriving.
Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 2 PM – Transkids
Transkids chronicles the lives of four Israeli kids who are going through the process of becoming transgender. The film not only presents a unique view of transgender youth and their families going through this grueling and emotionally taxing journey, but also gives a window into Israeli society and its shifting attitudes toward LGBT struggles
Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 2 PM – Ma’abarot
Ma’abarot is the first documentary project about the story of the Israeli transit camps. The transit camps were a controversial enterprise, housing hundreds of thousands of new immigrants from various parts of the world, transitioning them into becoming part of the Israeli cultural tapestry. The film unravels the many stories of the camp residents, examining and discovering many surprising new details, shattering common stereotypes of the current Israeli discourse.
Sunday, March 27, 2022, at 2 PM – Shared Legacies
The often-forgotten story of the coalition and friendship between the Jewish and African American communities during the Civil Rights Movement. The crucial historical lessons of Black-Jewish cooperation are revisited and revived in this fascinating, urgent call to action. Common cause was found in the turbulent ‘60s Civil Rights era, as Jewish leaders backed Dr. King’s efforts at racial equality and harmony. Yet, the relationship has frayed in recent years, as a once mighty bond of support and respect has seemingly faded, been forgotten, or ignored.
To obtain a link to view the film, send an email to vpjff@tbewilliamsburg.org no later than Noon the Thursday before the film screening date. The link will be emailed to you on the Friday before the film screening date.
Your generous donation is welcomed. Donations can be made online. Checks should be made payable to Temple Beth El of Williamsburg and mailed to: Temple Beth El, PO Box 3640, Williamsburg, VA 23187.
Suggested support levels are: Executive Producer – $1,000; Producer $500; Director $250; Screenwriter $100; Cast Member $25; Audience Member – any amount that you can contribute will be greatly appreciated!
