The 24th Annual Israel Film Festival kicked off on Saturday night with an awards ceremony, screening, and reception.  Don’t know how I have missed this fest for the past 20 years, as it was a real blast.  The thinking woman’s sex symbol, Jeff Goldblum presented an IFF Lifetime Achievement Award to the wonderful Elliot Gould. The filmed retrospective made me remember just how many fantastic performances Mr. Gould has turned in over the years.  A great mensch of a guy, I very impressive that he stayed for the entire event, mingled freely, and took pictures with everyone that asked.  (Both Chevy Chase and Jessica Lange need to go to the Gould School of Hollywood Graciousness)!  Director Paul Schrader was honored with the IFF Achievement in Film Award.  In addition, Donald Krim of President/Founder of Kino International received the IFF Visionary Award for Kino’s showcasing of Israeli cinema.

I absolutely loved A Matter of Time, the opening night selection!  Directed by Israeli directors Sharon Maymon and Erez Tadmor, it tells the unusual story of a group of loveable, obese Israeli men, who decide to ditch their weight loss group and become Sumo wrestlers!  Filled with riotously funny lines and situations, I have to say that it is, possibly, the most inventive story ever brought to the screen!  I wish that this film would be released as is, as opposed to being re-made for US audiences!  Honestly, it’s time for Americans to read subtitles instead of always having to have a remake of great foreign films!

At the reception, I got to meet the Founder/Executive Director Meir Fenigstein and had a great time recounting both Dorothy Parker witticisms and favorite old movie lines with the marvelously engaging Gene Stavis, an SVA Cinema Professor and the SVA Theatre manager.  I was happy to make him laugh by recounting Dorothy’s line about Tallulah Bankhead, “She was the good time had by all.“  One rude elderly woman, who kept pushing through the crowd and then finally stood still only to launch into a smelly round of farts, provided the guests with some hilarious unplanned entertainment!

The film festival runs from December 5th to the 13th at the SVA Theater (333 West 23rd b/t 8th & 9th) and will present over 28 Israeli features, documentaries, and award-winning student shorts.   It is the only film festival that visits three cities – New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

For scheduling and ticket information:  http//israelfilmfestival.com

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