Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Presents
JCCU’s Signature Daytime Film School Series
with Dr. Eric Goldman
WHEN: All sessions will be on Thursdays at 10 am
WHERE: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
fee: Fee for all 4: $60 JCC members; $75 general admission. Fee for one: $18 JCC members/$22 general admission.
For more information or to register, contact Judy Lattif at jlattif@jccotp.org or 201.408.1457 or call Michele at 201.408.1496.
The Oscar for best foreign language film brings attention to many memorable works that ordinarily might be overlooked—a very good reason to attend JCC U Film School Series where Dr. Eric Goldman, a prominent film professor, will lead a fascinating exploration of four academy award winning foreign films. Participants, who can attend the whole series or individual screenings, will have the opportunity to delve into the back story of each film to gain a deeper understanding of how and why these films were produced and what they might tell us about the country in which they were made. The films will be presented with English subtitles. (Above: scene from Barbaraian Invasions)
Dr. Goldman is adjunct professor of cinema at Yeshiva University and film reviewer for The Jewish Standard. He received his Ph.D. in Cinema Studies from New York University and was a fellow at Columbia University. His most recent book, The American Jewish Story Through Cinema was published last year by University of Texas Press. He is founder and president of Ergo Media, a video publishing company. Professor Goldman recently joined Robert Osborne as a co-host on the TCM-Turner Classic Movies cable network.
“This course is designed to provide film lovers with the kind of insightful analysis they seek,” says JCC Director of New Initiatives Kathy Graff. “Dr. Goldman will encourage participants to engage in meaningful dialogue. Many of the films that will be screened received critical accolades and awards but never received widespread distribution. This is a great opportunity for participants to see these films and deepen their understanding of the medium.”
Nov 5: Barbarian Invasions (Canada, 2003, Dir: Denys Arcand)
A heart-warming look at a Montreal family and the political and social differences that separate a father and his son. Illness forces a reunion between the father who has devoted himself to left-wing causes, wine and womanizing and his son who fled to England where he became a millionaire. Arcand gives us a thought-provoking film about life, society, friendship and family.
Nov 19: The Lives of Others (Germany, 2006, Dir: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck)
A powerful look at a 1984 East Germany full of lies and deception. Big brother is always watching! One man spies on another and everyone must be disloyal or else why spy? In this cleverly scripted story, a secret policeman lusts for the lover of someone he spies on and he looks for ways to prove subversive activity. But what if there is none?
Dec 3: The Secret in their Eyes (Argentina, 2011, Dir: Juan José Campanella)
A chance meeting between Irene, a judge, and Benjamin, a retired investigator, lead to their reconsideration of a murder that took place twenty-six years before. Both believe that innocent men were found guilty and put in jail. As we journey between 1974 and 2000, we grasp the political dynamics that overshadowed the trial and the strong connection these two have always had for each other.
Dec 17: A Separation (Iran, 2012, Dir: Asghar Farhadi)
Set in present-day Iran, where Islamic law is law of the land, we watch how everyday life is impacted by religious observance and law. Nader and Simin are a happily married middle class couple who want to move abroad for the sake of their daughter, but a family issue gets in the way and they find themselves in divorce court. Although they really want to stay married, Sharia law takes over.
