The Cinema Arts Centre is holding the fourth Annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival, running Thursday, April 16, through Tuesday, April 21 in Huntington.
Spanning six days, the festival will feature a diverse selection of films that explore Jewish history, culture, and identity through documentaries, dramas, comedies, and classic cinema. Programmed by curator and writer David Schwartz, the festival highlights stories at the forefront of Jewish cultural storytelling. Screenings will be complemented by filmmaker Q&As, live musical scores, and informative introductions, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore the history, impact, and human experiences behind the films. Encore screenings will be offered for many Friday and Saturday films to accommodate those observing Shabbat.
The festival opens April 16, with “Sapiro v. Ford: The Jew Who Sued Henry Ford,” directed by Gaylen Ross, telling the story of Aaron Sapiro, the young Jewish lawyer who challenged the industrialist Henry Ford in what is considered America’s first hate speech trial.
The April 17 program features Ken Scott’s vibrant adaptation of “Once Upon My Mother,” a memoir-driven story of a Sephardic family in Paris and a mother’s extraordinary care for her child.
April 18, showcases three films: the restored classic “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz,” Richard Dreyfuss’s breakout performance in a coming-of-age tale of ambition and hustle; “My Underground Mother,” Marisa Fox’s 15-year investigative documentary uncovering her mother’s hidden life in the Jewish underground; and “A Letter to David,” Tom Shoval’s poignant exploration of the impact of terror on one family.
Sunday, April 19, highlights the silent classic “Hungry Hearts,” with a live score by world-renowned pianist Makia Matsumura, and the Argentine comedy-drama “Mazel Tov,” a family story about love, loss, and joy. Monday, April 20, will feature encore presentations of “A Letter to David” and “My Underground Mother.” The festival concludes on Tuesday, April 21, with “The Last Spy,” Katharina Otto-Bernstein’s documentary on legendary intelligence officer Peter Sichel.
The Long Island Jewish Film Festival celebrates the richness and diversity of Jewish storytelling, from historical accounts to contemporary dramas, illuminating the resilience, creativity, and humanity of the Jewish experience. By presenting these films alongside in-depth discussions with filmmakers and curators, the festival offers audiences both entertainment and insight into the cultural and historical forces that shape Jewish life.
You can purchase tickets ($20 for the public of $13 for Cinema Arts Centre members) or find more information about these and other events on the Cinema Arts Centre website: www.cinemaartscentre.org.
