The Film Society of Lincoln Center, home of the prestigious annual New York Film Festival, has brought many innovative films of both American and international background. I’ve always loved visiting Lincoln Center for its serene and fantastic architecture and their utmost support of the arts, in any shape and form. This year I visited the Jewish Film Festival, which the Film Society sponsors and presents in collaboration with the Jewish Museum of New York. I come from a Jewish background, went on a Birthright Trip (complimentary trip to Israel geared towards American-Jewish youths), and was very proud to see these films, but of course the themes were very universal.
Here are the two fantastic documentaries I saw:
Torn: http://www.filmlinc.com/films/on-sale/torn
400 Miles to Freedom: http://www.filmlinc.com/films/on-sale/400-miles-to-freedom
Torn tells the story of Romuald Waszkinel, who over a decade after he’s ordained as a Catholic priest, discovers he was in reality born to Jewish parents who left him with a Catholic family for his safety during the emergence of the Holocaust. Now, in his 60′s, can Romuald find and accept his Jewish identity by relocating to a religious kibbutz in Israel, or rather, can Israel and Judaism accept him?
400 Miles to Freedom is the story of Avishai Yeganyahu Mekonen who grows up in a small, clandestine Jewish community in Ethiopia, where Islam is the primary religion practiced. His family escapes by foot and begins their journey to faraway Jerusalem. On their way Avishai, then 9 years old, experiences psychological and physical damage when he is kidnapped in Sudan. He is safely returned to the family eventually, however when they finally reach Israel, the life of their dreams is not exactly how they expected it to be. This documentary follows the lives of not only Avishai but all of those of the Jewish faith who is or was not easily accepted due to, mainly, the color of their skin.
Both the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Jewish Museum offer fantastic events and exhibitions throughout the year, so make sure to check them out when you’re in New York!!
5:15PM: Hopping on the A or C train from Distrikt! A quick 10-minute trip total to Columbus Circle.
Columbus Circle's beautiful holiday decorations!
5:30PM: Walking hastily over to Lincoln Center! I see the Empire Hotel! They have a great rooftop bar.
The clock across from Lincoln Center and the large, red Empire Hotel sign on their rooftop!
5:40PM: I have a few minutes until I have to get to the theater. Strolling around Lincoln Center!
The recently renovated Alice Tully Hall. Downstairs is a mini-concert hall and restaurant, and upstairs is a dance studio!
Another shot of Alice Tully Hall.
Side steps to Avery Fisher Hall
The steps leading to Metropolitan Opera House say "Welcome" in many different languages! They light up individually; very pretty!
5:45PM: I found the theater! The very newly constructed Francesca Beale Theater flaunts a chic, modern design, with a fabulous restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows upstairs, and a cafe and movie theater downstairs.
Found it! What a pretty movie theater with a restaurant on top! Walking over to get my ticket.
… Two hours later! 8:30PM! They were fantastic documentaries!
Filmmakers of 400 Miles to Freedom, Avishai Yeganyahu Mekonen and wife Shari, speaking to audience members after the film
Going home. See you next time, Lincoln Center!
Lincoln Center: Metropolitan Opera House
Good night, Lincoln Center!