The 11th Annual West Valley Jewish Film Festival will be held on Jan. 30 and 31 and Feb. 1 at Beth Emeth Congregation, 13702 W Meeker Road, Sun City West. The festival has a musical theme this year. There will be moments of recollection, gratitude, joy and warmth.
The three films to be shown are “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker,” “Orchestra of Exiles” and “Flory’s Flame.”
Tickets for each film are $10 if purchased at the door. Tickets bought in advance are $9 per film or three films for $25.
“The Outrageous Sophie Tucker”
Saturday, Jan. 30, 6:30 pm
Jazz singer and comedian Sophie Tucker, the self-proclaimed “Last of the Red Hot Mamas,” was one of the best-known entertainers of the 20th century. She was also a Jewish immigrant and a runaway mother before she became a superstar. This gripping documentary follows her 60-year career from vaudeville to Broadway, and to radio, movies and television.
“Orchestra of Exiles”
Sunday, Jan. 31, 6:30 pm
In three years, Bronislaw Huberman, a world-renowned violinist, transformed himself into a humanitarian racing against time.
During World War II, he helped save Europe’s premier Jewish musicians from obliteration by the Nazis. His tale is told by Itzhak Perlman, Zubin Mehta, Pinchas Zukerman, Joshua Bell and others.
It is a suspenseful chronicle with a joyous ending.
“Flory’s Flame”
Monday, Feb. 1, 7 pm
This compelling film introduces us to 90-year-old Flory Jagoda, a renowned Sephardic composer. Flory was born in Sarajevo and was the only member of her musical family to survive the Holocaust. Her roots go back to the Spanish Inquisition, and her lyrics and melodies have been passed down through generations. Her life has been a triumph of personal and musical success, and we join her as she entertains dignitaries at the sold-out 2013 Celebration Concert at the U.S. Library of Congress.
A brief commentary on each film will precede its screening, and complimentary refreshments will be served after each screening.
For additional information, call 623 584-7210.
