2008 Festival Highlights

Happy Birthday Israel!
Opening Night Gala
The Little Traitor
Written, Directed and Produced by Lynn Roth
Produced by Eitan Evan

Special Award presented to singer/actor Theodore Bikel
Greetings from Consul General of Israel, Jacob Dayan

Thursday, May 8
7:00 p.m. doors open for red carpet , 8:00 p.m. show

WGA Theater
135 S. Doheny Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Reception to follow

Don’t miss this momentous evening as we kick off LAJFF in celebration of Israel’s 60th birthday. Join in as we host an exciting event honoring Theodore Bikel.

The award ceremony will be followed by the Los Angeles premiere of The Little Traitor, a beautiful film of friendship and independence as we commemorate Yom Ha’Atzmaut.

Mishpucha
A Family Function!
Student Film Showcase    

Celebrate on Sunday, May 11
3:00 p.m.

ArcLight Cinemas
15301 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

The first of it’s kind! LAJFF will showcase Jewish student films from day/high schools throughout the Los Angeles area. Be inspired by these budding filmmakers.

Sponsored by the Jewish Federation Valley Alliance.

Autism: The Musical

Sunday, May 11
3:00 p.m., doors open at 2:00 p.m.

Westside JCC
5870 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Arrive early for snacks and games and to meet Elaine Hall and the people behind the film. Learn about the Miracle Project and our sponsoring organizations, Beit Issie Shapiro and HaMercaz.

It’s All About Basketball
The First Basket

Sunday, May 11
3:00 p.m.

Laemmle’s Music Hall    
9036 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Before Kobe and LeBron came Barney, Nat and Inky...Jewish players were instrumental in the evolution of basketball, but basketball was an important part of Jews’ evolution as Americans.

Sponsored by the WJCC Maccabi Games delegation.

Max Minsky and Me

Playing simultaneously at:

Laemmle’s Town Center    
17200 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91316

Laemmle’s Music Hall    
9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Families in the city and valley can enjoy this charming coming of age comedy. Root for Nelly as she learns the rules of basketball… and of life.
Sponsored by the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles.

ATID’s Evening of Kosher Film & Art
A Night of Shorts and Music

Sunday, May 11
5:30 p.m. art exhibit, 6:30 p.m. film program

Sinai Temple
10400 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Mingle and enjoy as LAJFF partners with ATID to bring an evening of inspiration. In celebration of Israel’s birthday, this salute to Jewish culture will include short films made by American and Israeli filmmakers, Jewish themed art, wine tasting, dessert, coffee and music by Josh Nelson.

This event is open to the entire community of all ages.

Lest We Forget
The Memory Thief    

Monday, May 12
7:30 p.m.

Laemmle’s Music Hall
9036 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Don’t miss the outstanding performances in this fascinating exploration of the human psyche addressing issues of history and identity as we commemorate Yom HaShoah. Q & A with the director to follow.

Can We Talk?
A Special Evening with Joan Rivers!

The MorningStar Commission will honor Joan Rivers with the Marlene Adler Marks Woman of Inspiration Award.

Ceremony followed by the
Los Angeles premiere of:

Making Trouble: Three Generations of Funny Jewish Women

Tuesday, May 13,
7:30 p.m.    

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049

Don’t miss this exciting evening! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll be inspired by the lives of these extraordinary Jewish woman and how they made their way to the stage and screen.

Moshav and a Movie
Young Professionals
After Work Mixer with Moshav

Wednesday, May 14
6:00 p.m.

Knitting Factory Hollywood
7021 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Join us for an evening of short films and great music! Meet the filmmakers as we screen Song of David and Shmuli’s Dream. Groove and schmooze to Moshav band as you celebrate with old friends and meet new ones!

In cooperation with JDate.

Homage to Israel

Don’t miss the opportunity to see these two award-winning films from Israel addressing contemporary issues of identity.

Both are Los Angeles premieres at:
Laemmle’s Town Center
17200 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316

Strangers    
Monday, May 12, 7:30 p.m.

Children of the Sun
Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 p.m.

A Call to Action
Refusenik

Wednesday, May 14
7:30 p.m.

Laemmle’s Music Hall
9036 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

The Los Angeles premiere of this seminal documentary chronicling the thirty-year international movement to free Soviet Jews. Join in the discussion following the film with LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and director, Laura Bialis.

Mazel Tov!
Closing Night
Sixty-Six

Thursday, May 15
7:30 p.m.

ArcLight Cinemas
15301 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Althought LAJFF is only 3, Bernie is 13! You are invited to a Bar Mitzvah celebration!

Before we breakdown the sets and close the lights, be the first in Los Angeles to have a sneak peek at this delightful, soon-to-be-released comedy. Raise a toast to Bernie as he becomes a man!