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Staunton Jewish Film Festival premieres: 'Views From Life'
STAUNTON - April 11-17 Temple House of Israel, located in Staunton, will be presenting Views from Life, The Staunton Jewish Film Festival, a premiere, at Visulite Cinemas, Staunton.
Film has rightly been called a universal language, because as it speaks to us though diverse imagery, emotion, and sound, it has the potential to reach beyond cultural boundaries and stereotypes to stimulate people toward a greater understanding, acceptance, and awareness of the greater world. Opening April 11 of this year, the first Staunton Jewish Film Festival will be hosted by Temple House of Israel, which for more than 125 years has been the heart of the Jewish community of Staunton and surrounding counties. Now it seeks to broaden the horizon by organizing what could become an annual destination event on Staunton's cultural arts calendar.
The festival will kick off with opening night reception, Friday, April 11, at the Temple at 5:30 p.m., highlighting traditional Jewish cooking. Screenings that follow will be shown in the newly renovated Visulite Cinemas, a venue already known for its innovative filmofferings. In addition to the seven internationally recognized films of merit by Jewish filmmakers and about Jewish subjects, there will be special guests who will lead discussions about the films, more opportunities to sample authentic Jewish cuisine, and tours of the synagogue included in full festival ticket price.
Temple House of Israel congregation was originally founded by Major Alexander Hart, 5th Louisiana Regiment, in 1884, and now worships in the historically significantsynagogue on North Market Street, designed by Sam Collins (of the T. J. Collins firm), just two and half blocks away from the theater. The building is one of few synagogues in the United States built in the Moorish style. Other contributions to the structure's historic and architectural significanceinclude the treasured stained glass windows designed by Charles Connick Associates, the ceramic tiles and other architectural details of the bema (podium). Presently its congregation represents nearly 60 member families and is under the guidance of Rabbi Joe Blair.
Major Festival sponsors include: Comcast, Visulite Cinemas, Scott and Stringfellow, Benn and Bonnie Legum, Hampton Inn Staunton, Bill and Sandra Sibert, Hamrick Funeral Home, and Dr. Sidney Schwarz.
Films to be screened are: The Rape of Europa, Praying with Lior, Making Trouble, Only Human, Live and Become, Wondrous Oblivion and Walk on Water.
Film Screenings are: Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. Throughout the week showings will be held at 7 p.m. each evening.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at Visulite Cinemas (540) 885-9959.
For more information, contact Visulite Cinemas at (540) 885- 9959 or films@thoi.org.
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