Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival

Schedule of Events:

3:00 PM: Left Alone Rhapsody

Do you want to be inspired? Pianist John Bayless, a protégé of Leonard Bernstein, wowed audiences when he debuted at Carnegie Hall at age 25. After a successful thirty year career as a soloist, composer and improviser, Bayless suffered a left-brain stroke at age 54 that paralyzed his right side. With the help of his husband, Bayless became determined to reinvent himself as a one-handed musician, also converting to Judaism through the process. His incredible music is a testament to his creativity, faith and his tenacity to never give up.

Location: Scottsdale Harkins Shea - 7354 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

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7:00 PM: Family: Oys and Joys

A Program of Short Films

The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival’s inaugural short film program presents eight engaging films offering glimpses into Jewish family life. With warmth, humor and insight, these stories explore life’s oys and joys, bridging generations and capturing the heart of Jewish family dynamics. Family—whether cherished, challenged or simply tolerated-crosses borders, languages, and cultures, uniting us all.

I Love You More 2024 8 minutes English Lucas Press 
A Jewish mother and daughter navigate difficult conversations about religion, expectations, and the depths of one’s love.

The Eighth Day 2023 11 minutes English Jonah Weinstein
When Noah and Jonah’s parents arrive at their home expecting a traditional bris for their grandson, the couple is forced to reveal that they had something very different in mind for their son.

Arguments 2019 14 minutes English Saul Rubinek      
A devout Jewish father refuses to accept his daughter’s choice in partner.

We Should Eat 2024 9 minutes English Shaina Feinberg
When a family gathers for dinner and to be part of a 12-year-old’s school project on identity, people rethink who they are and what they want to eat.

The Schnoz 2020 12 minutes English Justine Priestley
When Lydia’s grandmother bestows a precious gift upon her, she knows it’s going to be memorable – “this is something to treasure your whole life.”

The Puerto Rican Jew 2024 12 minutes English Louis Carrasco
A man finds out he is half-Jewish after taking a DNA test.

No Harm Done 2023 16 minutes French w/subtitles Sarah Stern
A week after giving birth, Mila faces her son’s circumcision, a tradition she never questioned but now finds herself uncertain about.

They’re With Me 2011 15 minutes English Rachel Fleischer
Rachel is a neurotic, lovesick, thirty-year-old, whose broken engagement has left her emotionally paralyzed. But all of that is about to change, when her dead relatives show up to help her move forward with her life.

Location: Scottsdale Harkins Shea - 7354 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

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