The West Valley Jewish Film Festival celebrates its 13th year by featuring three films that vary as much in tone as topic.
The festival runs from Jan. 27-29 at Beth Emeth Congregation, with one film being shown each evening. There will be brief introductions provided by festival organizer and Beth Emeth congregant Irene Lehrer. Refreshments will follow the screening. This year’s films are the “The Pickle Recipe,” “Remember” and “Arranged.”
“The Pickle Recipe” is a 2016 comedy set in multi-ethnic Detroit. It follows theexperiences of down-on-his-luck party emcee Joey as he attempts to uncover his grandmother’s famous pickle recipe — which she vowed to take to her grave — in order to get a loan from his Uncle Morty. Joey needs the money for his daughter’s bat mitzvah. The oddball comedy is packed full of hijinks, Yiddish insults and, of course, plenty of vinegar-soaked cucumbers.
“The Pickle Recipe” stars Jon Dore, Lynn Cohen of “Munich” and “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and David Paymer of “Get Shorty” and “Ocean’s Thirteen.” It was directed by Michael Manasseri.
“Remember” is a 2015 thriller full of unexpected twists and turns that traces the journey of 90-year-old Holocaust survivor Zev, as he busts out of his assisted-living complex in New York City and sets off for Canada to track down the Nazi SS guard who destroyed his family. His quest for justice is greatly complicated by his dementia but he gets assistance and research help from another survivor, Max.
Starring Christopher Plummer as Zev, the film also features the late Martin Landau and Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”). It was directed by Atom Egoyan.
“Arranged” is a 2007 film tracing the growing friendship between two female schoolteachers — one Muslim, one Orthodox Jew — who are both preparing for arranged marriages. As they navigate the challenges of family, school and romance, they learn that despite their different religions, they have much in common.
Zoe Lister-Jones stars as Rochel, the Orthodox Jewish woman. Francis Benhamou stars as Nasira, the Muslim woman. It was directed by Diane Crespo and Stefan C. Schaefer.
“There are thousands of Jews out in the far West Valley in these various retirement communities,” said Beth Emeth Congregation Rabbi Tracee Rosen. “These areas have lots of Jews, and for some of them their mobility and ability to access the theaters further east is a little bit more difficult, so I think we’re providing a terrific service to the folks nearby.” JN
Tickets are $12 at the door, $10 if purchased in advance, or $27 for all three nights. Beth Emeth is located at 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West.