Seven Jewish short films you shouldn’t miss

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Rhode Island International Film Festival have collaborated to bring a dynamic and intriguing night of film, featuring seven indie Jewish short films that should not be missed. The event is the latest installment in the Jewish Culture Through Film program.

Program Director of Flickers, Shawn Quirk, worked closely with judges from the R.I.I.F.F to select the seven stimulating Jewish-themed films from among the many entries featured in last year’s festival.

“It’s a retrospective from the festival,” Quirk said; “It features American to European Jewish stories and background from all different angles.” Each short enhances Jewish culture through dramatic and comedic narrative. The films were shot in Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Chile and the United States. Each film runs between 6-15 minutes, and the entire event’s running time is under 80 minutes. These short films are suggested for teen and adult audiences only.

The films include:

Silent (Chile, USA 2013) – During World War II, Josy was about to be executed by a Nazi Solider. Now, as an old man, he is tormented by the guilt of survival, and he must face his memory before leaving this world.

Lunches With Mel (USA 2014) – When a legendary entertainment agent Mel Howard offered to work with jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein, the young musician signed a long-term deal with the agent. Unfortunately, Mel’s golden touch has rusted with age.

No Love Lost (UK 2013) – A Jewish boy, nurturing a secret romance with a Muslim girl is unaware that he is being stalked. This is an intriguing tale of love, obsession and unyielding prejudice.

The Funeral (UK 2013) – Arnold Cowan is not a religious man – a problem because his son wants a proper bar mitzvah. When a family tragedy brings everyone together, it has consequences no one quite expects.

Bashert (USA 2014) – A young man’s love interest conflicts with his evolving religious paradigm. Tension ripples through simultaneous relationships, eternally torn between lover and her source beyond the stars.

In Der Stille Der Nact (In The Still of the Night) (Austria 2014) – On a rainy autumn night, a storm approaches. Three children are waiting for their father, once again late from work. But the eldest daughter is suspicious and deep inside she feels that her family is hiding something.

Mein letztes Konzert (My Last Concert) (Germany 2014) – Winner of the 2014 R.I.I.F.F. Best Cinematography (Mils A. Witt) - The protagonist ponders “my last concert in the town where I was born. My last concert in the town where a part of me died. My last concert in the town where I am hoping to find my inner peace.”

According to Quirk,  “It will be an event that no one should miss. These films represent the best of last year’s festival. They are a dynamic selection.”

Flicks like these are hard to find and view. The R.I.I.F.F continues to give opportunities to see these indie films that usually cannot be found online or on something like Netflix. This could be the only chance to see these films and enjoy what they have to offer to audiences.

The event will take place on June 3 at 7 p.m. at the Dwares JCC; 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Admission: $10, Members: $6. For more information contact Erin Moseley at emoseley@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 108.

SETH CHITWOOD is a graduate of R.I. College where he majored in Theater Performace and Film Studies. He is the creator of the LA Web Festival award-winning web series Family Problems and Lungs. www.angelwoodpictures.com.