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Mobile Jewish Film Festival 2025
January 19 – January 30
Reita Franco Memorial Film Series
The Catskills
Date: Sunday, January 19
Time: 6:00 PM (Dinner), 7:00 PM (Film)
Location: Ahavas Chesed Synagogue
This humorous and nostalgic film pays tribute to the Borscht Belt, capturing the spirit of the family-run resorts and bungalows that inspired films like Dirty Dancing. Featuring stand-up comedians, former entertainers, and personal recollections, The Catskills weaves together anecdotes, home videos, postcards, and more to present a vivid account of Jewish immigration to New York. The event begins with a dinner featuring old-world Borscht Belt delights.
The Survivor
Date: Thursday, January 23
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: USA Campus, Fairhope
Directed by Barry Levinson, this film tells the true story of Harry Haft, portrayed by Ben Foster. A survivor of Auschwitz, Haft is forced into gladiatorial boxing matches by his captors, driven by his determination to reunite with the woman he loves. Alan Haft, son of Harry Haft and author of Harry Haft: Survivor of Auschwitz, Challenger of Rocky Marciano, will speak following the screening. A dessert reception will follow.
Additional Screening:
Date: Sunday, January 26
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Ahavas Chesed Synagogue
Alan Haft will also speak at this screening, with a dessert reception to follow.
Ain’t No Back to the Merry-Go-Round
Date: Tuesday, January 28
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center
This documentary revisits pivotal events at Glen Echo Amusement Park in 1960 when protests involving Howard University students, Jewish neighbors, and the appearance of the American Nazi Party challenged segregation and sparked lasting change in the Civil Rights Movement. The screening will feature post-film commentary by Dr. Donald Shaffer, Director of African American Studies at Mississippi State University.
The Goldman Case
Date: Wednesday, January 29
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: USA Campus, Laidlaw
This French courtroom drama centers on Pierre Goldman’s 1976 retrial for murder. Premiered at Cannes and celebrated in France, the film stars Arieh Worthalter in an award-winning performance. Guest speaker David Meola will provide insights following the screening.
Running on Sand
Date: Thursday, January 30
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: USA Campus, Laidlaw
This gripping story follows Aumari, an Eritrean refugee in Israel facing deportation. A spontaneous escape at the airport leads to mistaken identity, propelling him into an unexpected and transformative journey.