Kicking off last Saturday, June 20, and running through Sunday, June 28, is the JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival, the first and only festival of its kind in the greater Chicago area. Now in its second year, this ambitious young fest features an impressive lineup of 17 Jewish-themed films from around the globe that will screen at a variety of locations in the city and suburbs. Many of the screenings will be followed by talkbacks with filmmakers and community leaders.
Among the highlights is Mr. Kaplan, a black comedy from Uruguay about a 76-year-old Jewish retiree who becomes convinced that the owner of a local seafood restaurant is a Nazi-in-hiding and plans to abduct him, Adolf Eichmann-style, so that the elderly war criminal might stand trial in Israel. While astute viewers will likely guess the twist ending, the film nonetheless works as a funny meditation on the intersection of aging and regret. It was Uruguay’s official selection for this year's Best Foreign Film Oscar and offers further proof of that country’s remarkable filmmaking renaissance.
For ticket info and showtimes check out the festival’s official website.