2015 Israeli Film Festival screening times in Philadelphia

Beginning Saturday, March 7, locations around Philadelphia will present the best in Israeli film during a screening series of selected flicks. Through Sunday, March 28 moviegoers will get an in-depth look at topics that deal with cultural issues, family, race, religion, war, and more.

The Farewell Party - International House (3701 Chestnut St.)
From inside a Jerusalem retirement home, this story is about a group of friends who build a machine for self-euthanasia to help their sickly friend. When word of the machine spreads, people get curious and ask for the creators' help. Now, the makers get into a serious dilemma.

Saturday, March 7 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m.

Magic Men - International House (3701 Chestnut St.)
Get ready for a odd couple journey as an elderly Greek Holocaust survivor and his Hasidic rapper son embark on a mission to find a live-saving magician from the fathers past.

Sunday, March 8 at 7 p.m.

Apples from the Desert - Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (272 Bryn Mawr Ave.)
The film follows Rebecca, a child of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parents from Jerusalem. Unhappy with her current life, Rebecca decides she wants to discover the secular world and break from the rules of her parents. This film shows the ways of tradition and modern times.

Saturday, March 14 at 8:45 p.m.

Orange People - Bryn Mawr Film Institute (824 W. Lancaster Ave.)
Taking place in the Jewish community of Morocco, the story follows three generations of women as they deal with family struggles, independence, religion, and following traditional practices.

Sunday, March 15 at 7 p.m.

Sacred Sperm - Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (272 Bryn Mawr Ave.)
Director/Narrator Ori Gruder goes on a trip to discover the ultra-Orthodox Hasidic concept of "sacred sperm." The film focuses on religious beliefs in the community, and the difficulties worshipers face while practicing the tradition.

Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m.

The Polgar Variant - Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (272 Bryn Mawr Ave.)
Learn the story of three Hungarian-Jewish sisters who were raised with no education and grew up to become chess masters in communist Budapest during the 1970s.

Thursday, March 19 at 8 p.m.

Hill Start - International House (3701 Chestnut St.)
Would you do whatever it takes to wake your mom from a coma after a tragic accident? Watch as the Geva family comically try to revive their mother, even if it takes a driving test.

Saturday, March 21 at 8:45 p.m.

A War Story - International House (3701 Chestnut St.)
Watch the untold story of Channel 10's coverage of the deadly Gaza conflict of 2014. Through interviews, film footage, and unedited segments, viewers will see how dangerous it is to report from inside a war zone.

Sunday, March 22 at 5 p.m.

Seed of Life - International House (3701 Chestnut St.)
After Rachel Cohen's son is killed in war, his mother saves his sperm to give him a child of his own. Eleven years later, and after many attempts, Cohen's son's child is born. This documentary shows the determination of keeping a hold of one's life through moral and ethical decisions.

Sunday, March 22 at 7 p.m.

The Green Prince - (Gratz College 7605 Old York Road)
Taking place during recent times in the Middle East, the son of founding leader of the Palestine group, Hassan, goes undercover with the Israelis. This documentary shows thrilling footage of one's betrayal, becoming one of Israel's top informants.

Saturday, March 28 at 9 p.m.

A Borrowed Identity (Dancing Arabs) -The Ritz East (125 S. Second St.)
Eyad, a young Arab attends a Jerusalem boarding school. As he tries to fit in with his Jewish classmates he meets Naomi and Yonaton, who reach out to create a friendship with him. This film shows how being accepted into communities isn't always easy.

Sunday, March 29 at 7 p.m.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.