By Maria Esteves – January 10, 2012   The 21st Annual 2012 New York Jewish Film Festival (NYJFF2012) commences January 11-26, 2012 at the Walter Reade Theater. The festival presented by The Jewish Museum and The Film Society of Lincoln Center, annually showcase feature and short films (drama, documentary) that explores the Jewish experience. The 21st NYJFF celebration consist of 34 films (13 N.Y., 1 N.Y.C., 5 U.S., and 6 World premieres), panel discussions, gala receptions, and sp...

A jury is considered independent when its members are not selected by the Berlinale. A number of independent juries award prizes at the Berlinale. The high level of quality and diversity of the films are an invitation for critical examination and discerning judgment that opens up new directions. Accordingly the independent juries award their prizes along different criteria, in accordance to the special intention linked to each award. The following prizes are awarded by independent juries during...

Now that the programme is almost complete it can be said that in the aftermath of the financial crisis truly independent cinema is at an advantage. The themes of many first films are daring and hence inspiring, as seen in the work of Israeli filmmaker Michal Aviad who, set against the backdrop of the interminable Palestinian-Israeli conflict, has her protagonists work through traumas in Lo Roim Alaich (Invisible), or with French director Céline Sciamma whose Tomboy portrays the coming of age of...