Film List

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Tuesdays in September: “The Projected Image: The Jewish Experience on Film,” a wide-ranging series of Hollywood (and Israel) looks at Judaism on Turner Classic Movies, from “The Jazz Singer” to “Sallah.” Probably the most extensive program of Jewish-themed films on national television ever, co-hosted by TCM’s Robert Osborne and Jewish film expert Eric Goldman. The best of the bunch are “Exodus” (Sept. 16) and “The Chosen” (Sept. 30). Turner Classic Movies (check your local listings for more information).

Sept. 12: “As From Afar,” a new video installation by Israeli moving-image artist Dani Gal, is an examination of the complex relationship between Simon Wiesenthal and Albert Speer. Speer’s supposed confession and recantation of his crimes as an ardent member of the inner circle of Nazi leadership continues to be a source of controversy and rancor. Gal uses his correspondence with the famed Nazi hunter as the basis for examining issues of historical guilt and personal memory. Through Feb. 1. The Jewish Museum (92nd Street and Fifth Avenue).

Sept. 12: “The Green Prince,” a new documentary by Nadav Schirman, examines the working and personal relationship between the son of a Hamas leader and his Shin Bet handler. Hard to imagine a more timely subject right now, and a real-life spy thriller that gets you inside the inner workings of Israeli counter-intelligence. Lincoln Plaza (Broadway and 62nd Street).

Sept. 19: “This Is Where I Leave You,” directed by Shawn Levy and based on Jonathan Tropper’s novel about four adult siblings reuniting for their father’s shiva. Levy’s previous work has been frequently crude and even clumsy, but one hopes that this subject matter, the source material and a cast that includes Tina Fey, Kathryn Hahn and Adam Driver, will help him to up his game. Neighborhood theaters.

Sept. 22: “Koch,” the acclaimed documentary by Neil Barsky, has its network television debut on “P.O.V.” A rounded and nuanced portrait of the late mayor of New York, a film with both self-knowledge and a certain affection, neither a bronzing nor a takedown. PBS stations (check your local listings).

Sept. 26: The 52nd New York Film Festival. As always, the main slate of the NYFF includes many Jewish filmmakers and Jewish-themed films; there will be new works from David Cronenberg, Mike Leigh, the Safdie brothers, Oren Moverman and Martin Rejtman. The retrospective and rediscovery programs include an extraordinarily extensive Joseph L. Mankiewicz series. Alice Tully Hall, Walter Reade Theater, Elinor Munroe Bunin Film Center (all at Lincoln Center).

Oct. 15: “Diplomacy,” a new film by Volker Schlondorff, re-examines the struggle to save Paris from the retreating Nazis. It pits a Nazi general (Niels Arestrup) against the Swedish ambassador (Andre Dussolier) in a hotel-room debate with vast consequences. Expect some bravura acting from two old foxes. Film Forum (209 W. Houston St.).

Oct. 19-20: “A Voice Among the Silent: The Legacy of James G. McDonald,” a new documentary by Shuli Eshel, examines the role of American diplomat McDonald in attempts to rescue Jews from the Nazis. McDonald warned FDR and the Pope Pius XI of the dangers facing European Jews as early as 1933, and would go on to serve as the first U.S. ambassador to Israel. Sunday, Oct. 19 at Park East Synagogue (164 E. 68th St.), 6 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 20 at Bow Tie Cinemas (115 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck), 7 p.m.

Nov. 5: “National Gallery,” the latest offering from one of the cinema’s greatest documentarians, Frederick Wiseman. As is his wont, Wiseman takes a major cultural icon, the National Gallery in London, and uses its daily workings as a lens to consider the nature of public institutions in a modern democracy. Film Forum (209 W. Houston St.).

Nov. 6-13: The Other Israel Film Festival. Although there were no titles available at press time, it’s safe to expect the 8th annual program of this fall fixture will feature tough-minded films exploring the divisions and collisions that are an integral part of Israeli society. JCC in Manhattan (76th Street and Amsterdam Avenue).

editor@jewishweek.org

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