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At The Jewish Museum’s High School Film Festival, students view documentaries examining such issues as identity, culture, and tolerance. Each day of the free three-day festival features screenings and post-film discussions. The High School Film Festival is an annual event and each year different films are chosen for their unique cinematic perspective and their ability to educate, and inspire students.Upcoming Festival dates: December 8, 9, and 10, 10:00 a.m.–noon
Film Descriptions:
December 8, 10:00am - 12:00 noon
HEART OF STONE (2009)
Beth Toni Kruvant, Director/Producer
Before 1960 Weequahic High School was known as one of the top schools in America. By 2000 it was one of the most violent. Heart of Stone is the true story of Weequahic High School’s quest to return to its former glory. The film follows principal Ron Stone as he devises an unconventional plan to realize his vision of turning the school around. He begins by working with the gangs and establishing the school as a “non-violence” zone. He then partners with the committed alumni association -- comprised of mostly older Jewish and younger African American alums -- to raise funds for programs and college scholarships that help transform the gang culture of the school to one of discipline and performance.
Following the screening, the director/producer Beth Toni Kruvant will address the audience.
December 9, 10:00am - 12:00 noon
OFF AND RUNNING (2009)
Nicole Opper, Director
Brooklyn teen Avery grew up in a unique and loving household with white Jewish parents and two adopted brothers--one mixed-race and the other Korean. But when her curiosity about her African-American roots grows, she decides to contact her birth mother. This choice propels Avery into her own complicated exploration of race, identity and family which threatens to distance her from the parents she has always known. When she begins staying away from home and skipping school, Avery also risks losing her shot at the college track career she has always dreamed of. Off and Running follows Avery on an journey to make sense of her complex identity--with inspiring results.
December 10, 10:00am - 12:00 noon
BLESSED IS THE MATCH: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF HANNAH SENESH (2008)
Roberta Grossman, Director
What motivates a young woman to leave the safety of her home to parachute into Nazi-occupied Europe to save Hungarian Jews? Narrated by Academy Award nominee Joan Allen, this inspirational film examines Hannah Senesh's mission of mercy. Senesh, a poet and a playwright, became a national heroine in Israel for her efforts, which are brought to life through re-creations with actresses and interviews with kibbutz members, fellow parachutists, historian Sir Martin Gilbert, and Senesh's nephews.
Please contact the Scheduling Coordinator at schedulingcoordinator@thejm.org or 212.423.3225 to make a reservation or for more information.
