Malvin and Greta Roesch International Jewish Film Festival, Cranford,

From October 14 through October 29, the Cranford Theater becomes a gathering place for international stories and community conversation. The Malvin and Greta Roesch International Jewish Film Festival, presented by the Jewish Community Center of Central New Jersey, brings five films to the screen at 25 North Avenue W. in Cranford. Each screening is followed by "Lights, Camera, Conversation," an invitation to stay and discuss the film's themes with fellow moviegoers and guest panelists. As the JCC describes it, film has a way of bringing people together and offering audiences the chance to experience powerful stories while connecting with one another.

The festival opens October 14 at 7 p.m. with "For the Love of a Woman," a historical mystery and love story set across two eras in Israel. Adapted from Meir Shalev's novel "The Loves of Judith," the film follows a woman uncovering a hidden chapter of her family's past. Michal Raucher, PhD, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Director in the Department of Jewish Studies at Rutgers University, will lead the discussion. On October 20 at 7 p.m., "Centered" examines the life and career of the late Senator Joe Lieberman, the first Jewish vice presidential candidate of a major U.S. political party. Executive Producer Rob Schwartz joins the conversation after the screening. October 21 at 7 p.m. brings "We Met at Grossinger's," a documentary about the legendary Catskills resort where Jewish identity, entertainment, hospitality, and community flourished. Bob Friedman, CEO of Bungalow Entertainment, and Executive Producer David Moore participate in the Q&A. On October 25 at 5 p.m., "The Soundman" is a Dutch and French language drama set in Belgium on the eve of the German invasion in 1940. On October 29 at 7 p.m., the festival closes with "The Stronghold," an Israeli drama inspired by the 1973 Yom Kippur War, following soldiers at an army outpost facing relentless attacks and impossible choices.

Tickets are $18 per film. JCC members can purchase discounted advance tickets, and series packages are available for those planning to see multiple films. The festival is made possible by a grant from the Malvin and Greta Roesch Film Festival Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ. Find more Cranford events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest

FAQ:

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Tickets are $18 per film. JCC members receive a discount on advance tickets, and series packages are available for those wanting to see multiple films.

Q: Where is the Cranford Theater and what is the address?
A: The Cranford Theater is located at 25 North Avenue W. in Cranford, NJ. Parking information is available by calling the theater or visiting the JCC website.

Q: What films are screening and when?
A: Five films screen from October 14 through October 29. "For the Love of a Woman" opens October 14 at 7 p.m., "Centered" screens October 20 at 7 p.m., "We Met at Grossinger's" plays October 21 at 7 p.m., "The Soundman" shows October 25 at 5 p.m., and "The Stronghold" closes the festival October 29 at 7 p.m.

Q: What is "Lights, Camera, Conversation"?
A: "Lights, Camera, Conversation" is a post-screening discussion after each film where audiences can talk about the film's themes and share perspectives with fellow moviegoers and guest panelists.

Q: Who is organizing the festival?
A: The Malvin and Greta Roesch International Jewish Film Festival is presented by the Jewish Community Center of Central New Jersey and made possible by a grant from the Malvin and Greta Roesch Film Festival Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ.

Q: Where can I find more information about the festival?
A: Contact the Jewish Community Center of Central New Jersey or the Cranford Theater directly. You can also find more Cranford events and arts coverage on Union County Life at unioncountylife.com.