The only annual festival of its kind,
the New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival has become one of the largest
Sephardic Jewish film festivals in North America, attracting over 30,000 guests
to a major cultural event that calls New
York its home.
The 15th New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival will take place March 10-16
at the Center for Jewish History, 15
West 16th Street, New York.
Presented by the American Sephardi Federation (ASF) in association with Yeshiva
University Museum (YUM), the slate of films includes five U.S. premieres and six New York premieres, as well as
critically acclaimed and award-winning films and classic feature films and
documentaries presented by filmmakers with differing global perspectives.
Ronit Elkabetz, acclaimed Sephardi actor/filmmaker, will be recognized with
ASF's Pomegranate Lifetime Achievement Award at the Opening Night Gala on March
16. Elkabetz has won three Ophir Awards (the Israeli equivalent of the Oscars),
the 2010 France Culture Award at the Cannes Film Festival, and a Lifetime
Achievement Award from the Israeli
Film Academy.
This year's themes include a special focus on the Jews of Morocco as part of
ASF's year-long series, "2,000 Years of Jewish Life in Morocco: An Epic Journey." The
series is being presented under the High Patronage of His Majesty Mohammed VI,
King of Morocco, and made possible through the generous support of the Edmond
J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation.
The American Sephardi Federation is committed to exhibiting a select
international slate of feature films and documentaries specifically chosen for
their thought-provoking examination of the past and exploration of contemporary
Sephardic issues and identity.
A full listing of films and ticket information is available at sephardicfilmfest.org. All screenings
will take place at the Center for Jewish History (except where noted). Group
sales discounts are available (excluding the Opening and Closing night
receptions). Information about the American Sephardi Federation is available by
visiting americansephardifederation.org.
The Festival is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City
Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; and the
New York State Council on the Arts. Special thanks goes to the Brenner Family
Foundation, the Kumble Cultural Fund, and the Selz Family Cultural Fund for
their generous contributions in support of the program.
Further information about the
festival and ASF is available by contacting Lynne Winters at 212.294.8350 x.2
or lmwinters@.cjh.org.
