SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – Celebrating the San Diego Jewish Film Festival’s 25th Silver Anniversary, presented by the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus, will run February 5-15, 2015. Sponsored by the Leichtag Foundation.
On February 9th, 45 short films beginning at 10:00am to 7:30pm at the Arlight Theatres (UTC) and the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre (JCC, La Jolla) will be devoted to short films (THE JOYCE FORUM), which is a juried competitive program of short films with awards being presented Tuesday, February 10th at the David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre by a film industry group of jury members. Tuesday’s program will begin at 9 am with Bagels and Cream Cheese, coffee and tea followed by the announcement of this year’s jury of the winning films. After the announcement and presentation to the winning filmmakers, the audience will be able to see the winning short films.
In celebration of the SDJFF’s 25th Silver Anniversary, the Joyce Forum has increased its short film selection to a total of 10 programs that include dramas, comedies, documentaries, animation…something for everyone.
A total of 45 short films are a part of this year’s collection with Program #10 at the Garfield being a special program featuring a short film Raquel: A Marked Woman who was the mother of 2 boys, moved to Argentina and whose place in history did not exist until the release of this short film by director Gabriella Bahm. Filmmaker Bahm will be present to talk about her historic short film. Also, featuring in Program #4 a short film, Simpler Times, starring Jerry Stiller. Simpler Times follows Harry (Jerry Stiller), a recently widowed man in his golden years, who wants a cup of coffee and his daily newspaper. Instead, he finds himself on a bizarre search through town that leaves him newspaper-less and trapped in the world of modern technology. This heartwarming story features Stiller’s trademark comedy stylings as well as an unexpected dramatic performance, and a special guest appearance by Anne Meara, the other half of the legendary comedy duo Stiller & Meara.
The Joyce Forum was named after the SDJFF’s Founder, Joyce Axelrod who created the short film program and is the spokesperson now for The Joyce Forum. “My co-curators and I viewed so many fine short films that we decided to have ten programs of shorts at the Joyce Forum—a full day! I have always loved short films. A short film is like an artist painting on a small canvas. A short film is like creating a perfect haiku. And, a short film usually culminates with a sense of irony. I’m very excited about this year’s extended Joyce Forum as part of the SDJFF.” Joyce will be introducing all the programs.
“The Joyce Forum continues to be one of the film festival’s highlights. On Monday, February 9, 2015, we focus exclusively on Joyce’s showcase of short films. Last year’s success and interest in short films is what prompted our increase in programming. Joyce and her group have secured a very impression collection,” commented Craig Prater, Director of the film festival.
The Arclight Cinemas: 4425 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego (west side of Westfield UTC mall)
David and Dorothea Garfield Theater (LFJCC), Jacobs Family Campus, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla
For tickets or information call 858-362-1348 or visit www.lfjcc.org/sdjff.
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Preceding provided by the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture