film

Founded in 1978, The TJFS is the longest-running Jewish Film society in North America. The TJFS is a movie series operated by the Miles Nadal JCC that offers an outstanding variety of Jewish film events every year. Films are discussed before and/or after the screenings by noted guests who are critics, teachers, filmmakers, writers, or performers. 

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The TJFS used to screen films at the Leah Posluns Theatre, then moved to Jackman Hall in the AGO. From 2003 – 2019, the TJFS screened films at the Al Green Theatre in the Miles Nadal JCC. All foreign-language films have English subtitles and unless otherwise stated, all films are for rated for ages 18+.

The films are selected by the Toronto Jewish Film Society Committee, a vibrant and active volunteer committee of the Miles Nadal JCC, who curate the season each year.

TORONTO JEWISH FILM SOCIETY

THE TORONTO JEWISH FILM SOCIETY COMMITTEE 2021

Co-Chairs: Mark Clamen and Bernice Eisenstein

Past Chairs: Shirley Kumove, Shlomo Schwartzberg, Barbara Coven, Ethel Teitelbaum and Norma Rubin (z’l)

Members: Larry Anklewicz, Celia Denov, Frances Enchin, Debbie Gaysinsky, Gilda Grossman, Sol Hermolin, Cheryl Levitt, Mary Lou Smith, 

Staff: Esther Arbeid, Director, Arts & Culture, MNjcc and Ian McNulty, Coordinator, Arts and Culture, MNjcc

FILM LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS

The Miles Nadal JCC offers the highest quality affordable arts programming for adults and seniors. Our lecture series and special events feature some of the best guest speakers and performers Toronto has to offer, all in an intimate and welcoming setting. We invite you to experience moments of discovery and connect with our community. For more information please contact lisar@mnjcc.org.  If no programs are displayed below, it simply means we are not offering anything at the present time.  Stay updated by subscribing to Culture at the J

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Revenge of the Studios: Hollywood Strikes Back

Guest speaker: film critic Adam Nayman

In this follow-up to Adam’s winter 2020 series on New Hollywood and the American cinema of the 1970s, this 6-part series with film clips examines the 1980s, Hollywood's decade of sequelization. The franchise mentality inaugurated by Star Wars was met with skirmishes of resistance on the fringes of the industry - by independents and visionaries working in the shadow of blockbuster takeover. Films examined will include Raiders of the Lost Ark, Back to The Future, Aliens, They Live and Field of Dreams.

Jewish LGBTQ+ Representations in Film and TV 

Guest speaker: Stav Meishar, multidisciplinary stage artist and educator   

From Angels in America and Transparent to Bent and Yentl, explore the intersection of Jewish identities and queer identities in film and television. Are these identities separate or influence each other? Do they stand in juxtaposition or complement each other? What does it mean for these characters to be Jewish AND Queer? Enjoy video clips excerpts and analyse these questions using biblical, contemporary and academic texts.

Co-presented as part of Pride Month by Adult Daytime Culture and Education, Israeli Connection at the MNjcc, LGBTQ at the J and the Toronto Jewish Film Society. Generously sponsored by the UJA Federation’s Emerging Communities Committee.