Saturday, Mar 8, 2025 at 1:00pm
We are proud to announce the 2025 JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival!
Our mission is to showcase culturally diverse, Jewishly inspired films that will entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all generations. Our carefully curated films honor Jewish filmmakers, writers, and actors—and those committed to repairing the world through brave, artistic expression. Many films are Chicago Premieres and will include special select post-film Q&As with filmmakers, actors, and subject matter experts.
This March, for our 12th season, we will be showing 19 films in-person over three weeks!
Schedule
March 8, 2025
1:00pm
Never Alone
Directed by Klaus Härö, the celebrated filmmaker behind Oscar-shortlisted The Fencer and Golden Globe-nominated My Sailor, My Love, Never Alone is a powerful and poignant true story of courage, resilience, and defiance during one of history’s darkest periods. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film centers on Finnish businessman and philanthropist Abraham Stiller, a key figure in the Jewish community, who risks everything to protect Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution in Germany and Austria. As the Gestapo’s influence grows and deportations to Auschwitz loom, Stiller fights to save those seeking sanctuary in Finland, a country caught in an uneasy alliance with Nazi Germany. Based on actual events, Never Alone sheds light on a little-known chapter of Jewish refugees in Finland, portraying the moral dilemmas faced by a nation under pressure. As Stiller battles both external threats and internal opposition, the film captures the harrowing choices faced by those determined to stand up for humanity and the heroic efforts of individuals to resist in the darkest of times. This gripping tale of bravery and sacrifice is a testament to the enduring power of hope amidst overwhelming adversity.
Director: Klaus Härö
85 minutes
4:00pm
Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause
Raised in a Jewish household in Pittsburgh, Charles Grodin’s life embodied the concept of Tikkum Olam. The film not only celebrates Charles Grodin’s hilarious acting career, but also his remarkable, decades-long, successful fight to get wrongly convicted people – most of whom were mothers of color with young children – out of prison. The film includes interviews with Robert De Niro, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Elaine May, Carol Burnett, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Alan Arkin, Ellen Burstyn, Marc Maron, Lewis Black, Marlo Thomas, Jon Lovitz, plus several of the women Chuck got released from prison.
Director: James Freedman
93 minutes
7:00pm
Bad Shabbos
Bad Shabbos turns a one-night-in-New-York story into a hilarious ensemble comedy. Kyra Sedgwick shines as the neurotic matriarch, with standout performances from Method Man, Catherine Curtin, and more, delivering pure comedic gold.
Director: Daniel Robbins
84 minutes
Date: Mar 1 - 23, 2025
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