A mix of narratives and documentaries to be presented at the Michiana Jewish Film Festival

Cheryl Morey, South Bend Tribune
“The Monkey House” is one of the films that will be shown as part of the 14th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 13 to 16, 2024, at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. It screens May 15.
“The Monkey House” is one of the films that will be shown as part of the 14th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 13 to 16, 2024, at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. It screens May 15.

SOUTH BEND — The 14th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival takes place May 13 to 16 at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.

The films, a mix of narrative and documentaries, celebrate Jewish identity, community, culture and history.

Presented by the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley and Notre Dame, the festival's lineup includes the following:

"The Catskills" is one of the films that will be shown as part of the 14th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 13 to 16, 2024, at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. It screens May 13.
"The Catskills" is one of the films that will be shown as part of the 14th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 13 to 16, 2024, at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. It screens May 13.

• “The Catskills” (5:30 p.m. Monday, May 13): This nostalgic tribute to the Borscht Belt’s golden era celebrates the Jewish-American heritage, humor and spirit at these iconic summer resorts, which served as cultural touchstones and refuges. Followed by a complimentary “Borscht Belt”-inspired tasting of classic culinary creations in the lobby.

• “Kidnapped” (8 p.m. Monday, May 13): In 19th-century Italy, a Jewish boy, Edgardo, is forcibly converted to Christianity by papal decree, sparking global outrage.

• “All About the Levkoviches” (5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14): This comedy is set in contemporary Hungary. An aging boxing coach, Mr. Levkovich, reconciles with his estranged Orthodox son in Israel after his wife’s death, confronting family tensions and faith disputes while seeking forgiveness. Followed by a ticketed Israeli-inspired buffet dinner in the lobby (dinner tickets can be purchased at TheJewishFed.org/Dinner).

“Seven Blessings” is one of the films that will be shown as part of the 14th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 13 to 16, 2024, at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. It screens May 14.
“Seven Blessings” is one of the films that will be shown as part of the 14th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 13 to 16, 2024, at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. It screens May 14.

• “Seven Blessings” (8 p.m. Tuesday, May 14): This Israeli dramedy explores a Moroccan-Jewish family’s reunion for a cross-cultural wedding in 1990s Jerusalem, unearthing secrets and tensions amid joyous celebrations and diversetraditions.

“Vishniac” is one of the films that will be shown as part of the 14th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 13 to 16, 2024, at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. It screens May 15.
“Vishniac” is one of the films that will be shown as part of the 14th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 13 to 16, 2024, at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. It screens May 15.

• “Vishniac” (5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15): This photobiography reveals Roman Vishniac, a Russian-American polymath, whose haunting photos of pre-war Jewish communities offer a poignant glimpse into a soon-to-be-lost world.

• “The Monkey House” (8 p.m. Wednesday, May 15): In the 1980s, struggling writer Amitay, living near a monkey park, plots a literary comeback with the help of Margo, a failed actress, changing both their lives.

“Shari & Lamb Chop” is one of the films that will be shown as part of the 14th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 13 to 16, 2024, at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. It screens May 16.
“Shari & Lamb Chop” is one of the films that will be shown as part of the 14th annual Michiana Jewish Film Festival from May 13 to 16, 2024, at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. It screens May 16.

• “Shari & Lamb Chop” (5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16): Shari Lewis, a Jewish Bronx native, revolutionized children’s TVwith her character Lamb Chop. She earned 13 Emmys and wrote more than 60 books despite industry and personalchallenges. Followed by a complimentary dessert reception.

• “Running on Sand” (8 p.m. Thursday, May 16): Mistaken for a soccer pro, an Eritrean refugee brings hope to a team, finds love, and risks exposure in this dramedy, shedding light on the unseen and unheard in Israeli society.

Tickets for individual screenings are $7-$4.

For more information, call 574-631-2800 or visit michianajewishfilmfestival.com or performingarts.nd.edu.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Michiana Jewish Film Festival begins Monday at Notre Dame

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