Shalom, cinema

I grew up attending Hebrew school on weekdays and Sunday school every weekend—almost until college. When my teachers wanted to pass the time easier, they’d often show us films—from Sesame Street’s Shalom Sesame to Steven Speilberg’s Schindler’s List, and everything in between. We always discussed the films, and learned a variety of different life lessons. These films helped teach me the complexity of life, the strength of human character, and a variety of moral lessons. Eventually I grew fond of Jewish film, films about Jews, and films by Jewish directors—Woody Allen, the Coen Brothers and Spielberg, in particular. The Sacramento Jewish Film Festival, happening this weekend at the Crest Theatre, will screen four films—across multiple genres—relating to the Jewish experience.

The festival begins Saturday night with a screening of Holy Land Hardball, at 7 p.m. It documents the story of a Boston bagel maker who attempts to create a baseball league in Israel. Those who stick around afterward can also see This is Sodom, at 9 p.m. It appears to be a Monty Python-esque Israeli comedy that takes place in biblical times and tells the story of a historical Sin City called Sodom. Decidedly un-kosher, the trailer previews a number of hilarious scenes, including quick cuts of a bacon market, an ancient casino and go-go dancers.

Film screenings continue Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. First is Ahead of Time: The Ruth Gruber Story, a documentary chronicling the life of the prominent American journalist, photographer and government official who turned 100 years old in September. Then at 3:15 p.m., the festival screens Inside Hannah’s Suitcase, based on the true story of a teacher in Japan who uncovers the story of a suitcase owned by a young Czech girl killed in the Holocaust.

Tickets for the whole festival cost $40, a one-day pass costs $20, and individual film tickets cost $9.50 to $10.50. For more information, call (916) 442-5189 or visit www.sacjff.org.