JEWISH HISTORY THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF FILM:
Films of interest to people of New Mexico

The New Mexico Jewish Historical Society is presenting its First Film Fiesta. "Jewish History through the Medium of Film," on November 6, 7, and 8, 1998 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Celeste Holm, Oscar-winning star of' "Gentleman's Agreement," a breakthrough film on anti-Semitism (1947), will appear as part of the fiesta.

Jeremy Paul Kagan, director of "The Chosen," a powerful story of Jews in Brooklyn (1981), will introduce and discuss the work.

Both movies are part of the weekend film event. Tickets are available through full weekend or day registration for the NMJHS conference or per film event through Ticketmaster and the KiMo box office.

"Gentleman's Agreement" is the Academy Award-winning adaptation of the novel by Laura Z. Hobson, about a writer who assumes a Jewish identity to uncover rampant anti-Semitism. Directed by Elia Kazan, it features Gregory Peck, Celeste Holm, Dorothy McGuire and John Garfield. Ms. Holm received an Oscar for her performance in this important film.

The screening is from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, November 7. Ms. Holm will speak on the making of "Gentleman's Agreement" and address the significance of the film as the first Hollywood feature to seriously examine anti-Semitism in this country. Her talk will be at 7 p.m. at La Posada de Albuquerque, after the film has been shown that afternoon.

Films will be screened at the KiMo Theatre, 423 Central NW in Albuquerque; the conference events will be held at La Posada de Albuquerque, 125 Second Street NW.

"The Last Marranos," a 1990 French documentary, will also be of special interest to New Mexico audiences because of the subject matter of secret Jews. "The Last Marranos" is a compelling portrayal of the present day Portuguese descendants of Jews who converted to Catholicism in the 15th century. A new generation is shown, determined to "come out" as Jews and establish a synagogue after five centuries of practicing their faith in secret. The film is in Portuguese with English subtitles. Dr. Stanley Hordes will introduce the film. The screening is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, November 7, and will be shown with "O Judeu (The Jew)."

Director Jeremy Paul Kagan will introduce the film, "The Chosen," at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 6. The 1981 production is the cinematic adaptation of the powerful Chaim Potok novel centering around the friendship between an Americanized Jew and a Hassidic young man. It is set in Brooklyn in the 1940s. Directed by Kagan, it features Maximilian Schell, Rod Steiger and Robby Benson.

Dr. Stanley M. Hordes will comment on "O Judeu (The Jew)" when it is shown following "The Last Marranos" on Saturday morning, November 7. This 1995 production is a gripping drama about 18th century-Portuguese writer Antonio da Silva, whose reputation was comparable to Moliere's. This film captures the style and mood of a period marked by both majesty and hypocrisy. It is in Portuguese with English subtitles.

Noted film historian Murray Glass is the curator and presenter for "Schtick, Schmaltz and Schtereotypes-- Jewish Presence in Film Comedy," which will have a screening at 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, November 8. The rich program comprises short films and film clips from the dawn of film history to recent times, featuring Jewish film comics such as Eddie Canter, Jack Benny, George Bums and Gracie Allen, Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks and others.

The weekend also includes as part of the full registration: a Friday buffet dinner, a Saturday evening conference banquet with Celeste Holm as the special guest speaker, and a lox and bagel brunch on Sunday morning.

Overnight accommodations at La Posada de Albuquerque are not included in the registration options, and must be arranged by each conference participant. Call (505) 242-4090 or 800-777-5732.

Option A includes all films, full registration, Friday and Saturday dinners, Sunday brunch. It is $105 for NMJHS members and $120 for non-members prior to October 7. After that date, it is $115 for NMJHS members and $130 for non-members.

Option B is for daily registration, which includes all films and meals that day: $40 For NUJHS members on Friday evening and $50 for non-members; $60 for NMJHS members on Saturday and $70 for non-members; and $35 for NMJHS members on Sunday and $45 for non-members.

Option C is a charge per film event: $10. Tickets are available after October 20; space available per event. Tickets at Ticketmaster or the KiMo box office.

NMJHS membership is $24 per year.

Brochures are available by contacting the New Mexico Jewish Historical Society, P.O. Box 23056, Santa Fe, NM 87502. The NMJHS voice mail number is 505-989-6656. Leave name and address.

The New Mexico Jewish Historical Society seeks to promote greater understanding and knowledge of the history of the Jewish experience and the ongoing role it plays in the general community. The Society's public programs examine the state's Jewish heritage in all its diversity, and strive to present this heritage within a broad cultural context.

In order to fulfill this mission, the Society sponsors lectures, films, field trips, conferences, preservation of historic cemeteries, and genealogy workshops. In addition, it maintains a permanent archives documenting the state's Jewish history.

The Society is a secular organization that solicits the memberships and participation of all interested people, regardless of religious affiliation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

(1.) Information about the availability of actress Celeste Holm for interviews, as well as additional photographs, can be obtained through Sheldon Roskin, (212) 385-0005 or (213) 653-5411. Director Jeremy Paul Kagan can be contacted at (310) 306-7769.

(2.) Joseph Dispenza is coordinator of the film festival for the New Mexico Jewish Historical Society. He is a film historian, author and founding chair of the Moving Image Arts Department at The College of Santa Fe, which includes the Greer Garson Studios. He is available to answer questions about the individual films: (505) 983-3411, (505) 986-1441.

(3.) Dr, Stanley Hordes can be reached at (505) 983-6564.

(4.) Questions about the New Mexico Jewish Historical Society can be answered by Claire Grossman, president, (505) 982-3961.

(5.) Additional assistance for the media or information about the NMJHS First Film Fiesta can be obtained by calling (505) 989-6671.

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