Caption : Ben Peters and his grandmother Miriam Weissenstein as depicted in “Life in Stills.”
SCHENECTADY – As part of its Israel Independence Day celebration, the Schenectady JCC (S.J.C.C.) will host its May Jewish Film Festival with the viewing of the Israeli Film “Life in Stills,” directed by Tamar Tal. The hour-long Israeli documentary will be shown in Hebrew with English subtitles at the Center,2565 Balltown Rd., on Sunday, May 19, at 10 a.m. After the viewing Ben Peters, grandson of the film’s protagonist, will have a conversation with attendees, via Zoom, to talk about his part in the story.
“Life in Stills” (2011) is based on the true story of Miriam Weissenstein, who at the age of 96 never imagined that she would be facing a new chapter in her life. But when “The Photo House,” her late husband Rudi’s life’s work, was destined for demolition, she knew she needed to help save it. Under the cloud of family tragedy, a special relationship is formed between Weissenstein and her grandson, Ben Peters, as they joined to save the shop and its nearly one million negatives that document Israel’s defining moments.
Following the film and discussion, an Israeli-style lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets for the film and lunch may be purchased for $18 per person, with a maximum of $45 per family. Individual tickets for the film are $7 for members and $12 for non-members. Tickets for just lunch are also $18 per person, with a maximum of $45 per family. There will be a 3% service fee added to these prices when paying with a credit card.
Reservations are required by Wednesday, May 15. Information and registration may be obtained at https://www.schenectadyjcc.org/events/jewish-film-festival-2023-2024-session/ or by contacting the S.J.C.C. at 518-377-8803.
