J Life - July-Sept 2018 JLife_July-Sept2018_joomag | Page 3
TUCSON
INTERNATIONAL
JEWISH FILM
FESTIVAL
11–21 10 days • 20+ films
That ’s JANUARY
A Wrap, 20I8!
TIJFF 2018 SCREENING SCHEDULE
Shira Brandenburg
Former Director,
Tucson International Jewish Film Festival
The Tucson International Jewish Film Festival prides itself on
bringing 10 days of exciting film to our community. The 2018
festival did not disappoint! Over 3,300 moviegoers attended
18 events, featuring 21 films, from eight countries, in nine
languages (including a silent film produced by The J’s summer
camp.)
It was an honor to be the world premiere for special guest,
Isaac Artenstein’s documentary, CHALLAH RISING IN
THE DESERT: THE JEWS OF NEW MEXICO (2017) and
the Arizona premiere for Eran Riklis’s spy thriller, SHELTER
(2018.) The audience raved about BOMBSHELL: THE HEDY
LAMARR STORY (2017), which drew a sell-out crowd for the
mid-week event. An impromptu appearance with dad Erik,
from the light-hearted LGBTQ film THE GUYS NEXT DOOR
(2016), shared a powerful Q & A following the screening.
Celebrating “Bernstein at 100” with the Tucson Desert
Song Festival opened up a new avenue for our evolving arts
program. Each film brought something new and interesting to
the docket, and with each day the energy grew into something
extremely special.
There are an incredible amount of outlets involved in
coordinating this festival. A huge amount of gratitude goes
to the committee, a group of volunteers who spend a year
devoted to this project. Over 50 Tucson JCC staff members
play a role in this event, most of whom are behind the scenes.
And all of this could not be possible without the support of
our sponsors, donors, and advertisers. I am humbled by the
collective work it takes to ensure a vibrant festival.
Thank you for an unforgettable festival! And save the date for
January 2019, because we can’t wait to see you next year!
July - Sept 2018 | J Life Magazine 3