On now: Jewish Film Festival

The Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) is now on in Melbourne!

Showcasing the best Jewish and Israeli films of the year, JIFF has returned with a jam-packed program of films and special events across three venues. Not just your average film festival, the program of screenings is accompanied by a number of special events including live music performances, disco parties, post-screening discussions and filmmaker Q&As.

Opening night set the scene for the festival with drinks, canapés and a live music performance from Aussie trio Yunatan is a Giraffe before the Australian premiere of The Interpreter. Set across Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia, The Interpreter sees two unlikely companions team up for a road trip to retrace the footsteps of an ex-SS Officer.

Walking the thin line between comedy and tragedy, with a little bit of Grumpy Old Men in the mix, the story highlights the contrasting unresolved conflicts that have plagued both men all their lives as a result of World War II – one the son of the SS Officer and the other a Slovakian Jew whose parents were murdered in the war. The impact of war is not just felt by the children of victims of WWII, but also the Nazis, and the film handles the different interpretations of the war, and its lifelong effects on multiple generations. 

Featuring a wide range of Jewish-themed films from across the globe over the last two years, JIFF features everything from documentaries about Studio 54 (Studio 54: the Documentary) and Bulgarian pastries (The King of Borek – the screening for this follows a Borek bake-off!) to heartfelt tales of World War II (87 Children) and unique comedies (The Unorthodox) – so there’s something for everyone!

You can catch JIFF at Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn and Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave until Wednesday, 21 November 2018.

To check out the full program or book tickets, visit here.

Jewish Film Festival
Till Wednesday, 21 November 2018
Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick; Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn; Cameo Cinemas, Belgrave
jiff.com.au