Chicago Jewish Film Festival Special Events
The Chicago Jewish Film Festival opens on March 10th at eight city and suburban venues. The diverse selection of culturally significant films will inspire, excite, educate and engage audiences of all ages. Check out the list below of special events, screenings and speakers for many of the talked-about films of the festival.
Thursday, March 10
7pm – Dough
Landmark Century, 2828 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Be among the first to see the funny and heartwarming Chicago premiere of Dough, while enjoying drinks and appetizers at a 6:00pm pre-film reception hosted by the JCC Chicago Regional Advisory Board.
7pm – Hanna’s Journey
Old Crow Smokehouse, River North 3506 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Come join the JCC 20s & 30s at the opening night of the Chicago Jewish Film Festival. This special screening of the romantic-comedy, Hanna’s Journey, includes appetizers, movie candy, popcorn and a drink ticket. $5 in advance or $10 at the door.
Saturday, March 12
2pm – Famous Nathan
Landmark Renaissance, 1850 2nd St, Highland Park, IL 60035
The East Coast has Nathan’s Famous, but in Chicago everyone knows that Michael’s Hot Dogs is #1. Before the film, Michael’s Director of Operations, Ben Unger, will share a little known secret about the Highland Park hotspot’s connection to Famous Nathan.
Hungry? Get your hot dog fix before or after the film– show your movie ticket across the street at Michael’s and receive 20% off your order that day!
4pm – Very Semi-Serious
Landmark Century, 2828 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Before the film, the wickedly talented Scott Stantis will give a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it’s like to be the editorial cartoonist for the Chicago Tribune.
7:30pm – Hanna’s Journey
Landmark Renaissance, 1850 2nd St, Highland Park, IL 60035
Hanna’s “journey” from Germany to Israel, is very near and dear to German Historian Anette Isaacs. She will provide us with fascinating insights into the multi faceted German- Israeli relationship 7 decades after the end of World War II.
Sunday, March 13
10:30am – A Blind Hero
Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Dr, Skokie, IL 60077
At this special screening, hear from director Ethan Bensinger (Refuge, Stories of the SelfHelp Home). He will share his insight on the mindset of German Jews during Hitler’s rise to power.
1pm – Every Face Has a Name
Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Dr, Skokie, IL 60077
There’s no one better to introduce this emotionally gripping film than Samuel A. Goldsmith Award recipient, Jessica Schaffer. Not only is she the new head of the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society, but Jessica is also a granddaughter of Holocaust survivors who resettled in North America. Her family’s refugee history is like so many of the heartbreaking stories told in this fascinating film.
1pm – Famous Nathan
Landmark Century, 2828 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
The great hot dog debate…to use ketchup or not? Bob Schwartz, Senior Vice President of Customer Development for Vienna Beef and author of “Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog,” will put to rest this age old debate. Before the film, he’ll give a brief history on Chicago vs. New York hot dogs and answer all of your burning “dog” related questions.
4pm – Breakfast at Ina’s
Landmark Century, 2828 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
The “Breakfast Queen” herself, Ina Pinkney, will be at this special screening. After the screening, stick around to get an autographed copy of her scrumptious recipe book/memoir, Ina’s Kitchen.
4pm – Frog and Toad
Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive Northbrook, IL 60062
Join your friends and family for fun and a screening of Frog and Toad! Put on your Purim Costume finery and strut the red carpet as you dance to the beats of Spice City Music! Magic by David Gichner, carnival games, face painting, lollipop prize tree, silent auction, treats by Highland Pop, GoGo Squeeze and so much more!
4pm – Surviving Skokie
Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Dr, Skokie, IL 60077
In this truly full circle moment, former Skokie residents, Eli Adler and Jack Adler, return to their “hometown” for this exclusive screening of their award-winning film at the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
SOLD OUT!
4:30pm – That Bites!
Landmark Renaissance, 1850 2nd St, Highland Park, IL 60035
Fourteen-year-old Jack Yonover, will introduce his film at this special screening of his allergy documentary That Bites! Please join us to hear how this budding filmmaker is making his mark in the world of film.
Monday, March 14
7pm – Surviving Skokie
Landmark Century, 2828 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Filmmaker, Eli Adler, and his father, Holocaust survivor, Jack Adler, will introduce this special screening of their film, Surviving Skokie. Along with co-director/producer, Blair Gershkow, they will do a Q&A after the screening.
Tuesday, March 15
4:15pm – Surviving Skokie
Landmark Renaissance, 1850 2nd St, Highland Park, IL 60035
Filmmakers Eli Adler and Blair Gershkow will be at this screening for an audience Q&A.
7pm – Surviving Skokie
Landmark Renaissance, 1850 2nd St, Highland Park, IL 60035
After watching this film, you will fall in love with Holocaust survivor Jack Adler. In this touching documentary, filmmaker Eli Adler pays tribute to his loving father. Hear from the father and son duo at this special screening of Surviving Skokie.
SOLD OUT!
Saturday, March 19
4pm – Breakfast at Ina’s
AMC River East, 322 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611
Breakfast royalty, Ina Pinkney, along with filmmaker Mercedes Kane, will be on hand for a Q&A before the screening. Immediately following the film, Ina will be hosting a book signing.
Sunday, March 20
4pm – Dough
AMC Northbrook, 1525 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
Willie Zimberoff, of Z Baking, will be our guest host for our final showing of Dough. Hear about the delicious art of baking and how his love for all-things bread began. He’ll also give you a few tips for baking the perfect “dough.” Challah!
SOLD OUT!
