2017 FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Join us on the red carpet this year as we celebrate Hollywood legends and history from iconic actors and directors to behind the scenes, and the Classics. This is a year you won’t want to miss…
OPENING NIGHT GALA
My Friend Ed
Los Angeles Premiere
Documentary/USA/2016/56 minutes
Directed by Sharon Baker
Associate Producer Liza Asner
Wednesday, April 26
7:15 pm doors open for red carpet
8:00 pm show & tribute begins
Reception upon arrival
Ahrya Fine Arts Theater, Beverly Hills
Honoring legendary actor ED ASNER
For his distinguished body of work as an actor, and for his relentless commitment to activism and to preserving Jewish life.
You know him best as Lou Grant, the gruff newsroom editor who takes the world by storm. But who is Ed Asner, really? As one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, Asner has delighted audiences of all ages, from The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Lou Grant to Elf and Up. For his role as Grant, Asner is one of only two actors to win an Emmy Award for a sitcom and a drama for the same role. But he’s also an all-American activist who refuses to budge on his ideals, no matter what anyone thinks. Filled with interviews from celebrities and friends including Elliott Gould, Paul Rudd, Valerie Harper, Betty White, Ed Begley Jr. and others, all pay tribute to the life, work and determination of this true warrior for justice.
We’ll be joined by special guests including: Valerie Harper, Ed Begley Jr., Sharon Gless, Peter Jason and Ruby Modine!
The film will be preceded by:
Super Sex
The delightful short film, directed by actor Matthew Modine, starring Ed Asner, Kevin Nealon, Elizabeth Perkins and Ruby Modine
Q&A to follow screening with Ed Asner and director Sharon Baker, moderated by Rob Eshman, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief of Jewish Journal
Both films will screen a second time:
Thursday, April 27, 7:30 pm Laemmle’s Town Center, Encino
”RESTORED CLASSIC”
The Great Dictator
Sunday, April 30, 4:15 pm
Laemmle’s Town Center, Encino
Don’t miss the premiere screening of this restored beloved Hollywood Classic film. This 1940 American political satire, was written, directed, produced, scored by and starred Charlie Chaplin. It was the great silent movie artist’s first talking picture and an act of political courage. Chaplin plays both leading roles: a ruthless fascist dictator, and a persecuted Jewish barber. At the time, the film advanced a controversial condemnation of Adolf Hitler, fascism, anti- Semitism, and the Nazis. The Great Dictator became Chaplin’s most commercially successful film. Modern critics have also praised it as a historically significant film and an important work of satire. The Great Dictator was nominated for five Academy Awards.
A super-special bonus feature will be the in-person Q&A with legendary actor Norman Lloyd who will discuss his working relationship with Chaplin. Lloyd, still going strong at 102 years old, is a living treasure. Discussion will be moderated by Stan Taffel, Chaplin expert and President of Cinecon Classic Film Festival
This is a community program and is free and open to the public but reservations are required.
Sponsored by Los Angeles City Councilmember, Paul Koretz and the Department of Cultural Affairs
”ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE”
The Wedding Plan
Los Angeles Premiere
Thursday, April 27, 7:30 pm
Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hills
From the famous Israeli female director of Fill the Void, Rama Burshtein premieres her newest, though-provoking film. Nothing will get in the way of Michal, a religious woman, on a quest to get married. Not even when her fiancé dumps her one months before the wedding. The power of hope and perseverance come to the forefront in this delightful romantic comedy.
Q&A with Rama Burshtein in person!
Sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel
CENTERPIECE PROGRAM
Train to Zakopané
World Premiere!
Saturday, April 29, 8:00 pm
Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hills
Veteran filmmaker Henry Jaglom (Someone to Love, Eating, irene in Time) is at it again! Adapted from his long-running play of the same name, and based upon true events that occurred in the life of Jaglom’s father, this story reveals humanity in the most unlikely of places – prejudice. A compelling love story that lays bare how compassion and intolerance can, even in the most unusual of circumstance, be one. A successful Russian businessman meets a captivating young nurse in the Polish army on a train-trip to Warsaw in 1928. He is faced with a life-changing dilemma when he discovers that the nurse he is drawn to – and who is enchanted by him – is fiercely anti-semitic. Will he reveal to her he is Jewish? Will he move toward love, or will he move toward revenge? With outstanding performance by lead actors Tanna Frederick and Mike Falkow, this is a must-see!
Q&A to follow with director Henry Jaglom and cast, moderated by David Suissa, President of Jewish Journal
“WHINING AND DINING”
Hummus! The Movie
Tuesday, May 2, 7:30 pm
Laemmle’s Town Center, Encino
Celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut!
A gastronomical expedition awaits you in this eclectic, touching film about hummus, the delicious, nutritious super food that has the power to bring Muslims, Christians and Jews together in the Middle East, America and around the world. A diverse portrait personal language of food, this film will surely leave your mouth watering!
Discussion to follow with Israeli Executive Chef Ofir Arbel of the Hummus Bar & Grill, Tarzana
Sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel and Gelson’s Market
“HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS”
Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love story
Monday, May 1, 7:30 pm
Laemmle’s Town Center, Encino
Celebrating the lives and work of the people behind the scenes in Hollywood.
LAJFF will present Lillian Michelson with the Marvin Paige Hollywood Legacy Award!
A fascinating and moving account of the romantic and creative partnership of storyboard artist Harold Michelson and film researcher Lillian Michelson: two unsung heroes of Hollywood’s Golden Age, responsible for the look and accuracy of hundreds of renowned films including The Ten Commandments, The Birds, Fiddler on The Roof and many more. This deeply engaging film is told through a mix of love letters, film clips and conversations with Harold and Lillian, Danny DeVito, Mel Brooks, Francis Ford Coppola and others.
Q&A to follow with Lillian Michelson in person and director Daniel Raim
CLOSING NIGHT
Restoring Tomorrow
Los Angeles Premiere
Wednesday, May 3, 7:30 pm
Ahrya Fine Arts, Beverly Hills
Celebrating Historic Jewish Los Angeles
Jewish institutions in the 21st Century must remain relevant to future generations. The Wilshire Blvd. Temple, built in 1929, with the support of many legendary movie moguls, understood over nine decades later, the need to renew a vibrant center for Jewish life. With the support of the congregation’s contemporary leadership, they embarked on a major renovation with the vision and leadership of their senior rabbi. While maintaining the historic majesty of this landmark location, it has become a prototype for the LA Jewish future. Filmmaker Aaron Wolf, a third generation member of the temple in his film, lovingly chronicles the determination of a congregation which understands how it’s past will inform our communal future.
Q&A to follow with filmmaker Aaron Wolf and Rabbi Steven Leder
