Gold Coast International Film Festival will be presenting the best new Jewish and Israeli films as part of its 2023 Spotlight on Jewish Films. The GCIFF lineup showcases five critically acclaimed features comprised of a diverse collection of outstanding international narrative and documentary works, with special guest speaker Q&As following select screenings. All events will take place at the Manhasset Cinemas, 430 Plandome Road in Manhasset.
“Schachten – A Retribution,” which premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, is a thrilling historical drama that explores the lives of Austrian Jews in the years after World War II and the legacies of anti-Semitism and racism that follow them. When the legal system fails to secure punishment for the Nazi concentration camp commandant who tortured and murdered much of Victor’s family, the young businessman resolves to take the law into his own hands. This film will be shown on March 14 at 7 p.m., and it is in German with English subtitles.
“Israel Swings for Gold” follows the 2021 Israeli baseball team as they compete in the Olympics for the first time. With no media allowed in Tokyo’s Olympic Village, the players record their own experiences for the world to see. With a team of mostly newly minted Israelis, including one star pitcher from New Hyde Park, Long Island, they chronicle unexpected battles against anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism as they strive to show the world what they can accomplish. This film can be viewed on March 16 at 7 p.m.
“Hummus Full Trailer” is a satirical crime-filled comedy of errors that involves three trailers that have been smuggled into Israel. A mistake in the harbor brings together Arabs, Orthodox Jews and a gay couple that must join forces to solve the mishap. “Hummus Full Trailer” will be shown on March 21 at 7 p.m., and it is in Hebrew with English subtitles.
“Exodus 91” follows Israeli diplomat, Asher Naim, on a seemingly insurmountable mission to bring 15,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel through Operation Solomon. In this vital and gripping film, a historical moment is brought vividly to life through a hybrid of documentary and dramatic narrative. Gold Coast’s screening of “Exodus 91” includes a post-screening Q&A with Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip, herself an Ethiopian Jew who was rescued as a child through Operation Solomon. This film will be shown on March 23 at 7 p.m.; it is in Hebrew, Amharic and English with English subtitles.
“America,” a colorful, affecting Israeli melodrama, follows an Israeli swimming tutor living in Chicago who returns to Israel after 10 years away to bury his father. An encounter with a beloved childhood friend and his newly engaged girlfriend will set a series of events in motion that will affect everyone’s lives forever. “America” can be viewed on March 28 at 7 p.m., and it is in Hebrew with English subtitles.
For more information on each film and to purchase tickets visit www.goldcoastarts.org.
The 2023 Spotlight on Jewish Film is made possible by the generous support of The Bristal Assisted Living, Sumi & Michael Glickman and Micki & Dohn S. Schildkraut.
