Six films to enjoy at this year's Jewish Film Festival

By Christine DeSouza

The film "Matchmaking" opens this year's Jewish Film Festival, and what a wonderful way to begin the series with Israel's biggest box office hit of the year! In this tale, love is blind - almost literally. The age-old matchmaking tradition in the ultra-Orthodox community now at least allows the future bride and groom to have some say in the arrangement. There are still rules to follow and staying in one's "class" (Ashkenazi, Sephardic, rich, middle class, physical imperfections ...) is very important. Every parent wants the best for their child, of course. It seems that matters of the heart are not important. Bershert is not important. But one young man does have his "sights" on one particular girl and goes to extreme lengths to be able to get what he wants.

"Matchmaking" is in Hebrew and Yiddish with English subtitles. It will be shown Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7:45 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center Cinedome, 777 E, Princeton St., Orlando.

"June Zero" shows on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. at the Enzian, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland. This historical drama, inspired by true events, centers on the execution and cremation of Adolf Eichmann. It views this event from three different perspectives: those building the crematorium, the Israeli policeman who must guard Eichmann until his execution, and a young tour guide who suffered at his hands. Eichmann was hung between May 31 and June 1 – June 0 and remembered as such so that he could not be memorialized. The film begs the question, "'never again' or 'always remember'?" If you think about it, in order for 'never again' you have to 'always remember.'

"June Zero" is in Hebrew and Spanish with English subtitles.

Stay in your seats, get something to eat or drink, because "Queen of the Deuce" follows "June Zero" at the Enzian at 2 p.m. This documentary is about the life of Chelly Wilson. Unless you are familiar with the skin flick world, you'll ask "Who is she?" For 20 years, Wilson's empire was over 42nd Street in Manhattan - the "Deuce" - the realm of the pornographic theaters. She thrived in a business that was for the most part an exclusively male underworld. She was also remembered by her grandchildren as a grandmother with lots of "chutzpah."

This film is in Greek and English with English subtitles.

"The Other Widow" was nominated for nine Israeli Oscars including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress. Costume designer Ella was in a clandestine relationship with playwright (and married) Assaf for four years. He dies unexpectedly. How can she express her sorrow? She attends the Shiva and meets his wife, who is the center of attention, and some family members. She grieves alone. She is also an excellent bicyclist.

"The Other Widow" is in Hebrew with English subtitles and will be shown on Monday, Nov. 6 at 4:15 p.m. at the Enzian.

Hang on, once again, to your seat and prepare to switch emotional gears while watching "Hummus Full Trailer." I really didn't understand how hummus played into this crazy "rollercoaster ride" of a film, except that the father of one character made exceptionally good hummus. Other than that, with an eclectic mix of music throughout, this is a hilarious film about three different shipping containers that end up in the hands of the wrong buyers. The characters are cartoonish, yet delightful, and the finale - "At Last" - leaves you happy once again at the end of the evening.

"Hummus Full Trailer" is in Hebrew with English subtitles, it will be shown on Monday, Nov. 6 at 6:45 p.m.

The grand finale of the film series will be shown Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. at the Orlando Science Center Digital Adventure Theater. "Farewell, Mr. Haffmann" pulls emotions in all directions. It is a story that may have happened many times in Nazi-occupied Paris - a business owner "sells" his business to a non-Jew employee with the understanding that the business would be returned to the original owner after the occupation ends. Sounds like a good idea, but we can't always control what happens, and greed can get the best of us.

Tickets can be purchased in a variety of ways: The Mensch pass is $136 (limited quantity). This includes all six films, first-priority seating (doors open 30 minutes early); The Series Pass, $78, (also limited quantity) includes six programs, discounted admission, second-priority seating; and Individual tickets, $14 each. Tickets can be purchased online at enzian.org or in person at Enzian's box office.

The festival is produced by Enzian and the JCC of Greater Orlando and is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the Unites Arts Campaign and by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.