2016 FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Join us this year as we celebrate Hollywood legends from the 75 year- old Laemmle Theatre chain to iconic directors, producers, the dark days of blacklisted actors and the Classics. This is a year you won’t want to miss…

Click the image to view the film’s trailer.

OPENING NIGHT GALA
DOUBLES”

False Flag (Kfulim)
North American Premiere
Created by Amit Cohen and Maria Feldman
Directed by Oded Ruskin
Starring Ishai Golan, Ania Bukstein, Angel Bonanni
Hebrew with English subtitles

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Wednesday, May 18
7:00 pm doors open for red carpet
8:00 pm show & tribute begins
Reception upon arrival
The Steve Tisch Cinema Center at the Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills

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Honoring the LAEMMLE THEATRES for bringing the best in Jewish cinema and art house films to neighborhoods throughout the Los Angeles area for more than 75 years.

Laemmle Family picture 

This year the the red carpet will sizzle with the creator and stars of the hottest new Israeli series to hit TV waves! Join us for the North American premiere of this gripping Israeli espionage sensation, Kfulim (literally means “Doubles”). Never before seen in the USA, we’re taking TV to the big, big screen for a thrill ride to be shared by all!

Q&A to follow screening with series co-creator Amit Cohen & actor Angel Bonanni

Co-sponsored by Temple of the Arts, the Consulate General of Israel and Keshet International & Tender Productions
Desserts sponsored by Hansen’s Cakes

Speaking of “Doubles”….Mike Burstyn is back in the…
50th Anniversary Celebration of the beloved Legendary Israeli Classic!

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Shnei Kuni Lemel
Los Angeles Premiere

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Don’t miss the premiere screening of this 1966 classic film. Based on a 19th Century Yiddish play, this film marked Mike Burstyn’s first appearance on screen at just 19! Burstyn already a star of the Yiddish theater followed in the footsteps of his famous parents. Burstyn masterfully plays a double role in this hilarious farce. Featuring some of the greatest music in Israeli film history, Burstyn demonstrates his enormous acting and singing talents in this newly restored digital version, showing for the first time on the big screen in decades.

Monty Hall, on behalf of LAJFF, will present Mike with a Lifetime Achievement Award!

Q&A with Mike Burstyn at both shows!

Saturday, May 21, 8:00 pm
Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hills

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Sunday, May 22, 7:15 pm
Laemmle’s Town Center, Encino

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Sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel

 

“WHINING AND DINING”
In Search of Israeli Cuisine

Los Angeles Premiere

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In a gastronomical expedition, celebrity chef-restaurateur Michael Solomonov zigzags Israel to savor a food revolution rooted in centuries-old tradition. A diverse portrait of the Israeli people told through the very personal language of food, this film will surely leave your mouth watering!

Thursday, May 19, 7:30 pm
Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hills

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Sunday, May 22, 4:30 pm
Laemmle’s Town Center, Encino

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Discussions to follow both shows! Includes Rob Eshman, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief of Jewish Journal, Amelia Saltsman, cookbook author of  the “Seasonal Jewish Kitchen”, Elana Horwich, Founder of Meal and a Spiel & Israeli chef Ofir Arbel

In partnership with Jewish Journal
Sponsored by American Technion Society
In cooperation with the Consulate General of Israel

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The Pickle Recipe
Los Angeles Premiere

PICKLES

Come for the movie. Stay for the pickles! Desperate for cash, a down-on-his-luck party emcee is corrupted by his shameless uncle to steal his grandmother’s top secret pickle recipe. This laugh-out-loud madcap caper starring comedians Jon Dore and David Paymer. (City Slickers.)

Saturday, May 21, 8:00 pm
Laemmle’s Town Center, Encino

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Q&A with writer Sheldon Cohn and director Michael Manasseri
Delicious pickles sponsored by Brent’s Deli!

Sunday, May 22, 4:30 pm
Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hills

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Q&A with writer Sheldon Cohn, director Michael Manasseri, and actor Eric Edelstein
Delicious pickles sponsored by Factor’s Famous Deli!

 

“THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS”

Golan: A Farewell to Mr. Cinema
Los Angeles Premiere

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The world needs connection. The cinema will give it to you. Go to the cinema!”~ Menacham Golan

During the 1980’s, Menacham Golan and his cousin Yoram Globus, turned the Hollywood power structure upside down, producing over 300 films and becoming the most powerful independent film company in the world; Cannon Films. In tribute to Golan, this film is the final chapter in the extraordinary life and career of the Israeli movie mogul—director, producer and ‘madman’.

Sunday, May 22, 7:15 pm
Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hills

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Q&A with Cannon Films director, Sam Firstenberg (American Ninja), and actress Sybil Danning (Operation Thunderbolt)*

*Operation Thunderbolt: The Raid on Entebbe, directed by Golan in 1977 was Oscar- nominated for Best Foreign Film with Klaus Kinski.

Children of Giant
Los Angeles Premiere

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2016 marks the 60th anniversary of the release of the Hollywood blockbuster, Giant. Starring a legendary trio—Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean, based on Jewish author, Edna Ferber’s novel, the film dared to tackle issues of prejudice. This compelling story explores the cultural and social legacy of the landmark 1956 drama by Oscar-winning director, George Stevens.

Thursday, May 19, 7:30 pm
Laemmle’s Town Center, Encino

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Q&A with actor Earl Holliman (appeared in Giant), and renowned biographers, Marilyn Moss and M.G. Lord, moderated by Nick Redman.

 

CHANGE AGENTS
Social justice has no limits.

East LA Interchange

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Boyle Heights, the oldest neighborhood in East LA was once far more diverse than any U.S. city. This thought-provoking film raises serious questions about the meaning of community and the challenges of building a shared home in LA. It will screen for the first time in Boyle Heights at the historic Breed Street Shul, a site so central to its Jewish and multi-ethnic community.

Sunday, May 22, 3:00 pm
Breed Street Shul, Boyle Heights

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Tuesday, May 24, 7:30 pm
Laemmle’s Town Center, Encino

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Q&A with director Betsy Kalin, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, activists Leo Frumkin & Don Hodes, and actress Momo Yashima, moderated by Ruby Gomez, associate producer

Sponsored by The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
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In partnership with the Jewish Historical Society of Los Angeles

The People vs. Fritz Bauer
Los Angeles Premiere

Die Heimatlosen / Fritz Bauer (AT)

Winner at the Locarno International Film Festival and the German Critics Award, this important part of Germany’s history from the fifties finally hits the big screen in full detail. In contrast to “Labyrinth of Lies” this riviting drama plays closer to historical facts on one important political figure, Fritz Bauer.

Tuesday, May 24, 7:30 pm
Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hills

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Sponsored the Consulate General of Federal Republic of Germany

CLOSING NIGHT

HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS
None Shall Escape
RESTORED CLASSIC!

none shall escape

Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 pm
Ahrya Fine Arts, Beverly Hills

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It’s rare you get to see a film like this — a 72 year old newly restored classic!

Made in 1943, more than 18 months before the war ended, it was the only American anti-Nazi production made at the time to address the issues of Jews and the Holocaust and Nazi war crimes in a Nuremberg-style trial. Blacklisted actress/activist Marsha Hunt stars in this compelling, courtroom drama. Marsha, currently 98 years-old will be present to speak about the film and accept an award.

LAJFF will present Marsha with the first Marvin Paige Hollywood Legacy Award!

Q&A to follow with actress Marsha Hunt in person moderated by Dr. Jan-Christopher Horak, Director of UCLA Film & Television Archive

Sponsored by Linda D. Levitz & Leon J. Levitz
Film and photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment