2022 Films
Alegría
Saturday, November 5 @ 7:15 PM - Regal Cinema, North Brunswick
This uplifting drama about friendship, family, and reconciliation centers on Alegría who has been distanced from her family and her Jewish heritage for years. When her niece plans a traditional wedding in the family’s native city of Melilla, Alegría must come to terms with her past. The picturesque Mediterranean coastal city--where Jews, Christians, and Muslims converge—offers a stunning backdrop to this bright and funny film. The lives of the diverse women of Alegría are a richly woven tapestry of love, courage, and compassion, and are based on the director’s own experiences growing up in Melilla.
3 NOMINEES: ASECAN Awards, 2021
WINNER AND 10 NOMINEES: Carmen Awards, 2022
| Release Year: 2021 | Country: Spain |
| Director: Violeta Salama | Original Language: Spanish, Chelja |
| Runtime: 105 minutes | Subtitles: English |
| Type of Film: Drama |
Cinema Sabaya
Sunday, October 30 @ 1:00 PM - Regal Cinema, North Brunswick
Virtual: Sunday, November 6 through November 13
Eight Arab and Israeli women enroll in a video production workshop in Hadera, Israel in this award-winning feature film. Strangers from diverse backgrounds, they begin to document their lives on film, sharing raw footage of their homes and families. Old and young, observant and secular, the women are confronted with the stark differences in their experiences. Unlikely bonds of friendship are forged as they create a powerful sense of community. Acclaimed actress Dana Ivgy plays the Tel Aviv-based filmmaker, Rona, who leads the class. Based on her own experience as a video workshop instructor, director Orit Fouks Rotem casts her debut feature with a mix of both professional and local actors.
This film swept the Israeli Ophir Awards in September 2022, winning Best Film, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Costumes, and Best Casting.
WINNER: Best First Feature, Jerusalem Film Festival, 2021
| Release Year: 2021 | Country: Belgium, Israël |
| Director: Orit Fouks Rotem | Original Language: Hebrew, Arabic |
| Runtime: 95 minutes | Subtitles: English |
| Type of Film: Drama |
This award-winning film is being made available both in-theater and virtually.
Dead Sea Guardians
Sunday, November 6 @ 1:00 PM - Regal Cinema, North Brunswick
Speaker, In Person: Ido Glass, Director
* New Jersey Premiere *
Screening cosponsored by the New Jersey-Israel Commission
The Dead Sea - shared by Israelis, Jordanians and Palestinians - is a unique salt-lake, known for its exceptional geographical, biological, and historical value. It is also the lowest place on earth and one of the wonders of the world. Tragically, the Dead Sea is drying due to overconsumption and poor water management. Three historic enemies join forces on a heroic journey to stop this catastrophe and save the Dead Sea from disappearing.
| Release Year: 2022 | Country: Israel |
| Directors: Ido Glass, Yoav Kleinman | Original Language: Hebrew, English, Arabic |
| Runtime: 78 minutes | Subtitles: English |
| Type of Film: Documentary |
The Dinner
Saturday, November 5 @ 9:30 PM - Regal Cinema, North Brunswick
Recent Russian immigrants Emma and Gregory are adapting to life together in Israel in this suspenseful drama about love, desire, and betrayal. Working in low level jobs to make ends meet, they cross paths separately with Alon, an amateur artist and tech entrepreneur, whose own marriage is in trouble. Emma secretly models at night for his drawing class, and becomes his muse. Gregory finally finds a better paying job, coincidentally, at Alon’s company. The tension reaches a fever pitch when the couple attend a small dinner party at Alon’s home.
Note: This film contains scenes with female nudity.
| Release Year: 2020 | Country: Israel |
| Director: Matti Harari | Original Language: Hebrew, Russian |
| Runtime: 79 minutes | Subtitles: English |
| Type of Film: Drama |
Farewell, Mr. Haffmann
Thursday, November 3 @ 2:00 PM - Regal Cinema, North Brunswick
* New Jersey Theatrical Premiere *
Forced to flee Paris on the brink of Nazi occupation, Joseph Haffmann makes a deal with his ambitious employee, Francois Mercier, to temporarily take over his home and jewelry store. When the plan goes awry, Haffmann is forced into hiding in the basement of his shop. As the men essentially trade places, tensions rise between Mercier and his wife Blanche, when he threatens to expose Haffmann. The film is an extraordinary portrayal of survival and human kindness.
WINNER: Best Actress, Sarlat Film Festival, 2021
| Release Year: 2021 | Country: France, Belgium |
| Director: Fred Cavayé | Original Language: French |
| Runtime: 116 minutes | Subtitles: English |
| Type of Film: Drama |