Boca Raton, Fla. – (April 3, 2024) – The Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival (BRJFF), proudly presented by the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC (Levis JCC), announces this year’s top winners for Best Narrative, Best Documentary, Best Short and overall “Best of the Fest.” Attracting over 3,000 attendees, Boca Raton’s original film festival is heralded as a premiere destination for Jewish and Israeli films by filmmakers and audiences alike. Films were screened at Cinemark Bistro Boca Raton and XD, Movies of Delray and the Levis JCC.
This year, more than 40 diverse feature-length films, documentaries and shorts were judged based on the overall quality, message effectiveness, entertainment value and audience popularity, among other criteria.
“Our festival thrives on the depth and diversity of Jewish storytelling, bringing to light the stories that resonate with our shared history and today’s challenges,” said Nina Rosenzweig, JLKBRJFF Screening Committee Chair. “Each film selected is a testament to the universal themes that connect us.”
Top winners in each category include:
Best Narrative Films:
1. Bau: Artist at War – Based on the true story of Joseph and Rebecca Bau, whose wedding took place in the Plaszow concentration camp during World War II. This film is a war drama/love story/espionage tale, even more relevant at a time when survivors are dwindling, and the Holocaust is slipping from memory.
2. Irena’s Vow – 19-year-old Irena Gut, promoted to housekeeper in the home of a highly respected Nazi officer in Poland, discovers the imminent liquidation of the Jewish ghetto. Determined to help, she shelters 12 Jewish workers in the safest place she can think of – the basement of the German Major’s house. Irena uses her wit, humor and courage to hide her friends as long as possible.
Best Documentary Films:
- 1. Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre – This documentary unravels the dramatic and traumatic events at the Nova music festival in Israel on October 7th, featuring footage from multiple sources and intimate first-hand accounts from survivors, first responders and parents. This film was also awarded overall “Best of the Fest” winner.
2. Between The Stone and the Flower – This film covers the incredible journey of Genie Milgrom and her decades-long quest for her Jewish lineage, from a traditional Catholic family in Spain to an Orthodox Jewish life.
3. J’Accuse – A brutally honest expose about the ongoing systemic antisemitism in Lithuania and a passionate demand for justice.
Best Short Films:
1. Merv – After a romantic setback, Simon meets his grandmother’s new boyfriend, Merv, whose presence transforms his understanding of love, loss and even Chinese takeout.
2. Jack and Sam – Chronicles the reunion of two Holocaust survivors after 80 years, sharing their time to rekindle their friendship and teaching others about the dangers of hatred.
3. I See You – A poignant portrait of Danny Layani, who regains his sight after 25 years of blindness, only to face new challenges that test his resilience and alter his perspective on life.
“Supporting this film festival and our year-round programming is a privilege for me, as it allows our community to celebrate the richness of Jewish culture,” said Judy Levis Krug, Adolph & Rose Levis JCC Grand Benefactor. “Each year, we’re reminded of both the power and importance of bridging gaps and connecting us more deeply to our roots and each other.”
The 9th annual BRJFF is slated to run February 8, 2025 – March 1, 2025.
The Levis JCC is committed to fostering continuous engagement with culture, education and community through film by offering year-round programming. The ongoing schedule can be found at https://levisjcc.org/filmfestival/events/. Films are screened at the Levis JCC unless otherwise noted. Tickets are $12. Programming for its Summer of Culture to be updated onhttps://levisjcc.org/culture as programs are confirmed.
For more information, contact Lisa Barash at [email protected] or call 561-558-2514. The Levis JCC is located at 21050 95th Avenue S. in Boca Raton.
About the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival
The mission of the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival is to provide the newest, most stimulating and thought-provoking films that encourage audiences to expand their awareness and understanding of the Jewish world and engage in dialogue to explore the many diverse perspectives portrayed by the films presented. Due to generous donor support, the Festival has been able to expand, offering year-round Jewish-themed film programming.