Jewish Film Series marks 10th year
The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga will open its 10th annual Jewish Film Series with “The Women’s Balcony,” the first of five award-winning films to be shown over the next few weeks at the Jewish Cultural Center.
All Jewish-themed, the films were produced in Israel, Hungary, Sweden and Germany and have garnered international awards and nominations at film festivals throughout the United States, Europe and Israel.
The series will open Wednesday, March 22, and run through Wednesday, April 26, excluding April 12 for Passover. All of the films are suitable for ages 16 and older.
“The Women’s Balcony” tells the story of a close-knit congregation that fractures along gender lines after a catastrophe at the synagogue. The film shows the tensions and relationships between the different groups within Orthodox Judaism in Jerusalem and provides a cautionary tale about religious fundamentalism. It will be presented in Hebrew with English subtitles. Running time is one hour and 36 minutes.
In an effort to allay fears about escalating anti-Semitism in the United States, federation officials released a statement on security. It reads in part: “The Jewish Federation and Jewish Cultural Center have taken every precaution necessary to ensure that our audiences and participants are safe and protected. From cameras to panic buttons, to police presence to trained staff, we want the best for those people who come to our events and activities. … the Jewish Cultural Center is a safe, protected place that encourages healthy and fruitful dialogue among our participants.”