The Toronto Jewish Film Festival (TJFF) has grown a lot throughout the years. This year is no different; there are many films to explore along with some free events as well. I had the chance to screen a few films pre-festival. This little summary will hopefully entice you to take in a few films.
The Jazz Baroness by Hannah Rothschild
This film screened at Hot Docs last year and I was unable to see it then. The film depicts the rich life of Kathleen Annie Pannonica Rothschild a.k.a. Nica – from the famous Rothschild family in Britain – and her intimate friendship with Thelonius Monk and other great Jazz musicians. The film was made by Nica’s great-niece, Hannah, who was always curious about her great-aunt’s history. She wanted to know more about Nica’s life in New York, what made her leave her comfortable life in the UK and put the pieces together.
In the film, you learn some personal information from some of Nica’s relatives; mainly her sister Dame Miriam Rothschild. As well, you hear from musicians and artists like Roy Haines, Sonny Rollins, Archie Schepp, Quincy Jones and Chico Hamilton. Others who add insight into this great story include Clint Eastwood and Thelonius Monk Jr. Their stories along with Monk’s great music create a picture of Nica’s life as patron and great friend to Thelonius and Co. Nica provided them with support financially and emotionally. In the film, we learn a bit about the use of drugs during that time and Monk’s “mental instabilities.” We learn a bit about Nica’s relationship with her children even across the miles. There are questions left unanswered with regards to Nica’s life. However, this is not the point of the film. Rothschild has put together a film that highlights Thelonius Monk’s great talent as musician, his tumultuous life and Pannonica Rothschild’s role in his life and in the history of Jazz. Whether you know much about Jazz and its history or about Pannonica Rothschild, it still is a great Jazz documentary. And as bonus, you will hear Helen Mirren as the voice of the Baroness herself.
April 19 – 2:45pm @ the Al Green Theatre
Seven Minutes in Heaven (Sheva Dakot Be’Gan Eden) by Omri Givon
The first feature by Givon, this film introduces us to Galia (played by Reymonde Amsellem) – a woman who survives a terrorist bombing that leaves her scarred, suffering from memory loss and her boyfriend in a coma. Slowly she begins to put pieces together as to what happened prior to being hurt in the bombing. Along with making sense of some of her personal items and the presence of a helpful stranger, Galia has to figure out what is really true and what isn’t.
This film is an interesting look at a person’s life after a traumatic event and how they deal with the changes that must take place after such an experience. It is evenly paced and non-confusing even if you’re unsure if what you’re seeing are Galia’s actual flashbacks or figments of her imagination. The story keeps you engaged; you want to know more about what actually happened to Galia. The layers in the story are neatly intertwined that when you get to the end, they will make sense. Just sit with it for a minute or so.
April 19 – 5:45pm @ the Bloor Cinema
April 20 – 6:45pm @ Cineplex Odeon Sheppard Centre
Heart of Stone by Beth Toni Kruvant
This documentary brings us inside Newark’s Weequahic High School; once one of the top academic schools in the United States. In the 1960’s, the school was comprised of many Jewish, Black and Caucasian students but racial was an issue. Forward to 2001 and we meet Ron Stone, who became the principal of Weequahic High School at the time. The school is now faced with tension but of a different kind – gangs are predominant in the city and their turf issues among others seep into the school walls.
Mr. Stone is determined to make a difference in the lives of his students. He and his staff work together with the Weequahic High School Alumni Association, which is made up by many of its Jewish students from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Together they make the “impossible” possible; they provide scholarships for many students. They also subsidize class trips even to places as far as Paris, France. The idea is that if you invest in the youth and the community, change can happen. Mr. Stone wants to inspire his students to aspire to something; anything that will bring them out of the gang lifestyle. I read a review of this documentary and I agree with part of it in that this film shatters stereotypes about youth involved in gangs. The students you meet in this film are intelligent, sophisticated and have real dreams. Mr. Stone offers them moral support; he becomes the voice of reason and a father figure to some. I hope the film leaves you thinking about how, sometimes, one person can make a difference in someone’s life… one person at a time.
April 21 – 5:45pm @ the Al Green Theatre
Cinema’s Exiles: From Hitler to Hollywood by Karen Thomas
This film documents the struggle of many of the major figures in German cinema encountered during the time of Hitler and afterwards. We get to know what happens to creative individuals like Fritz Lang (Dir. of Metropolis), Billy Wilder (screenwriter), Peter Lorre (actor) among others who were already quite famous across Europe.
The change in culture and adjusting to the demand of American studios wast not easy. Some fared well and others, not so much. What helped many of them survive such changes was their fellow artists both of German and Jewish origins, many whom had left Germany before Hitler came to power. Marlene Dietrich played a key role during this time, as she helped find accommodation for many that transplanted themselves to Hollywood. Interspersed with images from many of the great films made by these artists, we hear excerpts from some of their personal writings, which makes this already educational film richer in content and story. Whether you know much about these cinema giants or not, you will find something of interest in this film.
April 18 – 1pm @ Cineplex Odeon Sheppard Centre
April 21 – 1pm @ the Bloor Cinema
Okay, so I realize that I have three documentaries in my list and one feature film. But I recommend going to TJFF’s website for info on even more features and events; some of which are free. TJFF starts Saturday, April 17 and runs in various venues in the city until Sunday, April 25.
*Images courtesy of GAT.