The SJCC slates ‘Remembering Gene Wilder’ as first in film festival lineup

GENE  WILDER

SCHENECTADY– The Schenectady Jewish Community Center (S.J.C.C.) Film Festival 2025-26 season is slated to begin with “Remembering Gene Wilder” on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. The festival will feature nine monthly films through April, most shown at the Center, 2565 Balltown Rd., Schenectady.

“Each year, we thoughtfully curate the finest documentaries, narratives, and international award-winning films that explore the Jewish experience, and this year is no different,” said Judy Ben-Ami, S.J.C.C. cultural and adult programming director. “We also have some incredible guest experts that will be joining us at each film showing to discuss the film’s themes with the audience.”

The 90-minute documentary, “Remembering Gene Wilder,” relates the biography of Gene Wilder, born Jerome Silberman to a Jewish family in Milwaukee, Wisc. The comedic actor was known for performances in such movies as the original “The Producers,” “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory,” “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein.” The documentary is packed with clips, and features reflections from friends like Mel Brooks. The movie details Wilder’s relationship with his wife, Gilda Radner, the late comedienne, and his challenges with Alzheimer’s disease.

The film was directed by Ron Frank and Glenn Kirschbaum.

Discussion leader will be Alex Rabinowitz of Mopco and Pop Culture Brain.

The schedule for the season includes:“Soul of a Nation” on Sunday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.; “The New Jew — Days of War” on Sunday, Oct. 19, p.m.;  “Adventures of a Mathematician” on Saturday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m.;  “Greener Pastures” on Saturday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.; “Saul & Ruby’s Holocaust Survivor Band” on Saturday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m.;  “Pink Lady” (shown on Zoom) Thursday to Sunday, Feb. 12 through 15, Discussion Feb 15, 7 p.m.; “This is My Mother” on Sunday, March 22, 7 p.m.; and “999: The Forgotten Girls” on  Sunday, April 26, 7 p.m.

Members and non-members of the SJCC may purchase a festival pass for $95. JCC members will receive a $45 discount per person. Single price tickets are $7 for JCC members and $13 for guests.

Information about the Film Festival and tickets may be obtained at https://schenectadyjcc.org/Jewish-Film-Festival.