Festival of Jewish Cinema in Düsseldorf, Germany Engages Unaffiliated Young Adults

A much-anticipated festival of Jewish Cinema is taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany December 2005 through January 2006. Organized by JDC in partnership with the city’s Jewish community and with support from the Chais Foundation, the festival is aiming to engage unaffiliated young adults from the city and peripheries in a series of debate-inspiring films that also encourage the formation of an emotional connection with the Jewish community and a greater sense of Jewish identity.

Utilizing a downtown public cinema, the Jewish community is also seeking to inform the general public about Jewish culture and traditions through the films. By creating an opportunity for the Jews and greater community to experience these artistic works, JDC’s partnership with the Chais Foundation is working to dispel stereotypes about Jews which dominate the local culture.

Directors, writers, actors and experts are participating in the festival to enrich the activity with an analysis and debate of the featured foreign films, which include: "Campfire" by von Joseph Cedar, "Va, vis et deviens" by Radu Mihaileanu "Walk on Water" by Eytan Fox, "My Beloved Ones" by Teresa Pelegri and Dominic Harari, "The Merchant of Venice" by Michael Radford, and "Abrazo Partido" by Daniel Burman.

The first three showings drew a full crowd and lively discussion. The festival is proving itself a Jewish highlight in the city at a time of year traditionally characterized only by Christmas trees and carols.

January 2006