From TV to Quirky Indies: A Broad Look at Jewish Film

By Lavanya Ramanathan
Thursday, December 4, 2008

Today, the Washington Jewish Film Festival returns for its 19th year, with more than 59 offerings at seven venues.

The films range from the serious feature (the tale of friendship between a Palestinian woman and the wife of the Israeli defense minister in "Lemon Tree") to the offbeat (the chronicle of Christian-turned-Orthodox Jewish comedian Yisrael Campbell in "Circumcise Me"). And thrown in are episodes of Israeli television series including the groundbreaking "Arab Labor."

And there is even the coming-of-age flick: Tonight's opener, the Australian film "Hey Hey It's Esther Blueburger," follows 13-year-old Esther, who on the eve of her bat mitzvah suffers from the great misfortune of being smaller, nerdier and less experienced in the ways of the world than her bratty private-school classmates.

The movie, though an indie, features some well-known actors, including "Whale Rider" star Keisha Castle-Hughes as Sunni, the public-school student who gets Esther out of her shell and out of private school (for better or worse), and Toni Collette as Sunni's cool, nonjudgmental mom, whom Esther seems to prefer over her own mother.

In the end, the movie doesn't advance the genre -- it draws on that common teen-movie storyline: A nerdy teen transforms into a cool kid and, in trying to maintain her newfound status, becomes just as despicable as her former tormentors. But Esther's funny and awkward relationship with her perfectionist mother keeps things relatively fresh.

The Washington Jewish Film Festival continues through Dec. 14 at venues including the Goethe-Institut, the Embassy of France and the National Gallery of Art. Tickets are $9-$20 (some events are free); tonight's screening of "Hey Hey It's Esther Blueburger" is $20 and includes a party after the film. 7 p.m. Washington DC Jewish Community Center, Goldman Theater, 1529 16th St. NW. For tickets, call 800-494-8497 or visit http://www.wjff.org.

SAVE THE DATE

ON STAGE "500 Clown and the Elephant Deal" The continuing "Art Responds to War" series at the University of Maryland brought in the Chicago troupe 500 Clown to work for months on a new, stunt-packed work that draws from a blend of inspirations, including Bertolt Brecht (though a pack of clowns, the company has previously delved into serious literature, tackling "Macbeth" on its last visit to U-Md.). Next week, "Elephant Deal" will make its debut at Clarice Smith; the work features a live rock score and a story that follows the players, well, in search of a play. (Next summer it moves on to Chicago for a run at the famed Steppenwolf Theatre's Upstairs Theatre.) $35; students $7. Dec. 11-13 at 8 p.m.; matinees Dec. 13-14 at 3 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Route 193 and Stadium Drive, College Park. 301-405-2787 or http://www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu.

CONCERT Fountains of Wayne, Unplugged The purveyors of cheery pop-rock (Adam Schlesinger, Chris Collingwood and company were, if you'll recall, the guys behind "Stacy's Mom") have sold out the 9:30 club and played the Virgin Festival, all with a decidedly unhip formula: They make the sort of rock singalongs that seem to chronicle the suburban experience, with songs about flying in coach and, yes, sweating your friend's mom. They return to the area early next year to perform a show that's entirely acoustic. The band will play material from an upcoming record, but also delve into its back catalogue. $25. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. 703-549-7500 or 202-397-7328.

THE DISTRICT

Today

THE SCENE Phillips After 5 Takes a Trek to Japan If you're looking for a last-minute date idea, the organizers of the Phillips Collection's monthly bash have teamed up with the Japanese Embassy for an evening that will feature sake at the cash bar, Japanese music and little lessons on how to wrap presents for the holidays with colorful Japanese fabrics. Also, check out the museum's "Over the River" exhibit, featuring plans for Christo and Jeanne-Claude's next project. Admission is $12; seniors and students, $10; 18 and younger, free. (Drinks usually are $5.) 5 to 8:30 p.m. 1600 21st St. NW. 202-387-2151.

Tomorrow

HOLIDAYS Wassail! (Whatever That Means . . . ) There's no sake -- not even alcohol -- in the wassail (a traditional orange-spiced cider) that will be served at Dumbarton House's family-friendly holiday event tomorrow. The Georgetown manor hosts tours of the home decked with holiday regalia, caroling, children's crafts, treats and, of course, the punch. $10 per adult; one child admitted free with each adult; additional children, $5 each. 7-9 p.m. Advance registration recommended. 2715 Q St. NW. Call 202-337-2288, Ext. 450 to register. For details, visit http://www.dumbartonhouse.org.

Saturday

HOLIDAYS "Miracle on 3rd and 4th Street": The Bar Crawl Because nothing says Christmas like specials on Miller Lite. This Saturday, dress up like Santa or put on your ugliest reindeer sweater and head out for a Capitol Hill bar crawl that offers discounts ($2 Miller Lites, deals on food) at seven pubs including Pour House, Hawk 'n' Dove and Bullfeathers. Sign up online or register at Hawk 'n' Dove on Saturday; wristbands are $10; $7 if you're in a Santa suit or holiday garb, or if you donate a toy for Toys for Tots. 1-9 p.m. (registration only till 6 p.m.) Hawk 'n' Dove, 329 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 301-652-7712 or visit http://www.lindypromo.com for tickets and details.

FILM "Grave of the Fireflies" Saturday's "Anime Masterpieces" screening of Isao Takahata's film will allow you to take a more active approach to watching anime: "Grave of the Fireflies" will be followed by a panel discussion and will come with a "study guide" with scholars' essays about the film. It tells the story of two children struggling for survival in World War II Japan. After the movie, scholar John W. Dower (author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II") joins anime expert Susan J. Napier and manga and anime historian Frederick L. Schodt for the discussion. Free. 2 p.m. (Ticketing, limited to two per person, begins at 1.) Freer Gallery, Meyer Auditorium, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW. 202-633-1000 or visit http://www.asia.si.edu/events/films.asp.

MARYLAND

Today

CONCERT Blip and Bleep Beethoven? Once a year or so, a local orchestra or touring show offers a performance of music inspired by the hyperactive music of video games. But at the University of Maryland, there is an ensemble devoted entirely to bringing Sonic the Hedgehog into the classical music oeuvre (and orchestral music to a generation of young people who don't usually care for classical). The 90-member-strong Gamer Symphony Orchestra performs its winter concert tonight at the campus's Memorial Chapel with a 20-member chorus; on the program are interpretations of music from Warcraft 2, Star Fox, Tetris, Earthbound, the Legend of Zelda and a little something from the Final Fantasy series. Free. 8 p.m. 1101 Memorial Chapel, College Park. For details and to check out the group's sound, visit http://www.gamersymphony.org.

Tomorrow

THE HOLIDAYS "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" The Sandy Spring Theatre Group's production starts with the script from the Frank Capra film, but transforms it into radio-style broadcast set on Christmas Eve 1946, with five actors playing all the roles and adding sound effects. The family-friendly show starts tomorrow. $14; Gaithersburg residents, $12. Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m., through Dec. 20. 311 Kent Square Rd., Gaithersburg. 301-258-6394 or visit http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/artsbarn.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Today

HOLIDAYS May the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend Begin! The Campagna Center's annual holiday festival -- the highlight of which must be Saturday's pup-filled parade through the streets of Alexandria -- begins today with a Christmas marketplace and greens sale, for all your garland needs, and a Celtic concert (tickets for the concert are $30; 8 p.m.). Tomorrow, catch the "Taste of Scotland" rare Scotch tasting ($100-$150) and Saturday see the parade (free; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.) and tour of "holiday designer homes" (11 a.m.-4 p.m.; tickets are $30-$35). Most events are held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, and throughout Old Town. 703-548-0111 or for a full schedule and ticketing, visit http://www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.

HOLIDAYS Art Center Open House If you don't hit the Scottish-themed events tonight, the Torpedo Factory Art Center's annual open house will offer live music, wine and a chance to shop the various galleries and artists' studios for that perfect gift. Guests are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to donate. Free admission. 6-9 p.m. 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. 703-838-4565 or visit http://www.torpedofactory.org.