JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival presents the Fall Virtual Fest

The JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival presents the Fall Virtual Fest with eight films over three weekends, including six Midwest and Chicago premieres.

The Fall Virtual Fest running November 5 – 21 with a brand-new selection of culturally-diverse, Jewishly-inspired films that will entertain, educate and inspire audiences. The focus is on films that explore issues of hate, prejudice, cultural assimilation, and inequality, along with those that reinforce tolerance, acceptance and cultivate belonging.

Featuring documentaries and dramas from around the world, all these films revolve around the powerful theme of decisions. It’s estimated that the average adult makes more than 35,000 decisions or choices per day. While some decisions are split-second, others are highly considered and may be based on beliefs, theologies, and fears–resulting in having little impact to having profound and life changing effects for those who have made them.

The films stream on the following days:
  • American Birthright |  Nov 5-7
  • Irmi  |  Nov 5-7
  • Persian Lessons  |  Nov 5-7
  • The Conductor  |  Nov 12-14
  • Yerusalem, The Incredible Story of Ethiopian Jewry  |  Nov 12-14
  • Betrayed  |  Nov 19-21
  • 200 Meters  |  Nov 19-21
  • 8000 Paperclips  |  Nov 19-21

In American Birthright, the producer and director of the film, Becky Tahel takes us on her journey of self-discovery to answer the question of “why marry Jewish?” Nov 5-7


In the Midwest Premiere of the moving documentary Irmi, we are inspired by the power and strength of the human spirit that allows for the decision to begin anew after horrific circumstances. Nov 5-7


The Chicago Premiere of Persian Lessons involves a split-second decision, with life and death consequences for the protagonist. Nov 5-7


In the Chicago Premiere of The Conductor, a 9-year-old Marin Alsop aspires to follow in the footsteps of Leonard Bernstein–a decision that takes her on an emotionally challenging life path to ultimately becoming the Chief Conductor and Curator for The Ravinia Festival. Nov 12-14


Faith, determination, and the decision to risk it all for an ultimate goal are explored in the Midwest Premiere Yerusalem, The Incredible Story of Ethiopian Jewry. Nov 12-14


The film Betrayed, based on a true story, reflects the outcome of conflicting decisions made by members of a family, with elders who stuck to Jewish traditions while their children integrated into Norwegian society. Nov 19-21


In this Chicago Premiere, Mustafa chooses to live 200 Meters and a border away from his wife and children for political reasons, a decision that has significant implications for his family. Nov 19-21


For Israeli filmmaker, artist, and TED Fellow, coping with personal challenges of depression, the decision to explore the true value of art in overcoming extreme adversity is the motivation behind 8000 Paperclips. Nov 19-21


For the past nine years, the JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival has aspired to entertain, educate, and inspire thought, conversation, and action as we explore issues of hate, prejudice, cultural assimilation, and inequality while also striving to reinforce tolerance, acceptance, and cultivate a sense of belonging.

The Fall Festival will be virtual this year with films streaming for a specific 3-day period from 9:00 am Friday to 11:45 pm Sunday. Each film will be accompanied by a live Zoom discussion with the filmmakers.

Tickets are $15.00 and discounted festival passes are available for a limited time. For more information on the JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival running November 5 – 21 and to purchase tickets VISIT HERE.


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