A scene from the upcoming Schenectady Jewish Community Center (SJCC) Film Festival screening of “Pink Lady.”
SCHENECTADY – The Schenectady Jewish Community Center (SJCC) Film Festival has announced that its next film, “Pink Lady,” will be available to screen “virtually” from Thursday, Feb 12, to Sunday, Feb. 15. A Zoom discussion relating to the film will be held on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. led by Miryam Kabakov, executive director of Eshel, a Jewish organization for Orthodox LGBTQ+.
The movie tells the story of Bati and Lazer, a young ultra-Orthodox couple in Jerusalem, living what seems to be a picture-perfect life: three children, a loving partnership, and a cherished spot in their tight-knit community. However, suddenly, Lazer faces blackmail over photos revealing his affair with his male study partner. As Bati grapples with the revelations of Lazer’s sexuality and his efforts to change for her, she embarks on an eye-opening journey that expands her world.
Screenwriter Mindi Ehrlich, drawing from her own experiences within the Haredi community, weaves a story that explores themes of identity, desire, and personal freedom. Directed by Nir Bergman, “Pink Lady” won the best director award at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2024, and the Best Narrative Feature Film Award at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival in 2025
Tickets for the film are $7 for Center members and $13 for guests. Information about the event and registration is at www.schenectadyjcc.org/Jewish-Film-Festival. 518-377-8803.
The Film Festival is supported by the JCC Friends of the Arts, the Epstein Jewish Cultural Fund, Meyer and Mary Kurland/Gebell Fund, Jonas and Edith Flemiberg Jewish Cultural Fund, The Jewish World, and a grant from the Schenectady County Legislature through its County Initiative Program.
