Toronto Jewish Film Festival 2014

There are countless film festivals out there, but none are quite as unique as the Toronto Jewish Film Festival (and if you’ve never seen their hilarious television commercials, you really should). This year’s festival runs until May 11 and features 116 films from 23 countries that examines Jewish identity around the world. We’ve picked out a few that piqued our interest below, but for the full slate of films and showtimes head on over to the festival’s website, TJFF.com.

The Pin

“The first and only Yiddish feature ever produced in Canada, The Pin is a haunting love story about two young adults hiding out in a barn in Lithuania during the Second World War. Filmmaker Naomi Jaye layers this simple story with rich atmospheric camera work, an eye for sensual detail, and moving performances by the two leads, who were taught to speak an impeccable-sounding Yiddish. “With limited resources and the power of storytelling, [Jaye] has created a small film that feels mainstream and epic” (The New York Times). With this special presentation, TJFF honours the uniqueness of this film and its production.”

You can see our interview with The Pin director Naomi Jaye and star Grisha Pasternak here.

Before the Revolution

“A fascinating portrait of the thousands of Israelis who lived a wealthy lifestyle in Iran, courtesy of the Shah, during the 60’s and 70’s. As the despised ruling power crumbled, they found themselves in the middle of the Islamist revolution. Using rare archival footage—including 8mm home movies—as well as interviews with diplomats, Mossad agents, businessmen and their families, director Dan Shadur—whose family had been part of the very same Israeli community— reveals a new perspective on the revolution that changed their world.”

The German Doctor

“Selected as Argentina’s submission to the Academy Awards®, this suspenseful drama set in 1960 tells the story of one family’s deepening entanglement with a seemingly kind German doctor, while unaware that he is actually the notorious Nazi, Dr. Josef Mengele. In a remote town, Mengele becomes fascinated by 12-year-old Lilith, while his charisma and manners impress her family. Meanwhile, the Mossad has tracked him down and begins a race to capture him. Director Lucía Puenzo has crafted an engaging, tense and chilling tale that explores the conditions in Argentina that allowed a notorious criminal to continue his heinous experiments.”

Hunting Elephants

“Patrick Stewart joins a cast of top Israeli actors—Moshe Ivgy, Sasson Gabai, Yael Abecassis and Moni Moshonov—in this endearing comedy from Reshef Levi (Lost Islands, TJFF 2008). Jonathan is a 12-year old misfit who befriends various eccentric characters from his grandfather’s seniors home. They raise some cash and take revenge on the contemptible ex-boss of Jonathan’s father by planning a carefully-orchestrated bank robbery. An Israeli box-office hit, Hunting Elephants features plenty of fun plot twists as well as memorable performances by the entire cast, who all relish the foibles of their characters.”

The Toronto Jewish Film Festival runs from May 1 to May 11, 2014. Film descriptions via TJFF.com.

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