L.A.’s Jewish Film Festival Coming to Encino

This is the sixth year for the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival, which is presented by the Westside JCC with support from the Jewish Federation Valley Alliance.

For a complete list of screening times, venues, activities and exhibits, go to lajfilmfest.org.

Here is the film festival screening schedule for in Encino:

Saturday, May 7

8 p.m. La Rafle. Screening followed by Q&A with historian Michael Berenbaum, ADL staff and Holocaust survivors.

Sunday, May 8

4:30 p.m. Jews & Baseball: An American Love Story. Screening followed by discussion with MLB player Gabe Kaper and Josh Rawitch, the Vice President of Communications for the Dodgers.

7 p.m. Precious Life. Chronicled by Israeli journalist, Shlomi Eldar, this film tells the story of a four-month old Palestinian boy who will die without a bone marrow transplant, a procedure that can only be performed in an Israeli hospital. This powerful reflection on Middle East politics through a very personal lens was shortlisted for an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary.

Monday, May 9

7:30 p.m. The Decision Maker/Lenin in October. The fictitious Prime Minister of Israel, Gideon Harel, is about to take part in a TV election debate and the polls are not showing good results. Taking a break from the preparations, he wanders about the TV studio and finds himself in the tape archive, where he discovers a report that summarizes his life and career, which is being prepared for broadcast in case he dies. Watching the tape will change the way Harel sees himself, his achievements and his life. Screening followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Danny Yagil, director of The Decision Maker.

Tuesday, May 10

5 p.m. The Bris/Mordecai Richler: The Last of the Wild Jews. Mordecai Richler was one of a generation of gifted, angry Jewish writers among peers like Saul Bellow, Philip Roth, Norman Mailer and others. A natural agitator, provocateur, and the author of such classic novels as The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and Barney's Version, he left an indelible mark on society. Followed by a Q&A with director Christopher Johnson.

7:30 p.m. Jewish Soldiers in Blue and Gray. To coincide with the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War in April, 2011, this first-of-its-kind film reveals the little-known struggles that faced Jewish-Americans both in battle and on the home front during the American Civil War. The film chronicles the sacrifices that Jews made for their beliefs, and how they took up arms to defend their country, both in the Union of the Confederacy. Presented by the Shapell Manuscript Foundation. Followed by Q&A with producer David Frank.

Wednesday, May 11

7:30 p.m. Strangers No More/Delicious Peace. Discussion with Curt Fissel & Ellen Friedland of Delicious Peace to follow both shows in partnership with Jewish World Watch and the New Israel Fund.

Thursday, May 12

7:30 p.m. Who Do You Love. End the festival on a “high note.” Learn about the legendary Leonard and Phil Chess, two Jewish immigrants who understood that talent and inspiration comes in all colors. Their vision of introducing Delta blues into mainstream America earned them a place in history. Today Chess Records is recognized as a central influence on American popular music. Discussion to follow with producer Jonathan Mitchell; three-time Grammy award winner blues artist Keb’ Mo’, actors Jon Abrahams, David Oyelowo and other cast members.