by Sam Banack
Toronto has the largest Jewish population in Canada. The GTA is home to over 179,000 of them (a majority of whom, if you were to ask my Grandma, are somehow related to me, and PERFECT marriage material). The community is lively, and active in its culture. This I can vouch for. Throughout my childhood I have memories of UJA walkathons, all-Jewish productions of Bye Bye Birdie at the Leah Posluns theatre and even a couple of Klezmer band concerts (BTW, klezmer is making a comeback, just ask Steve Angello). But I have never witnessed a local event that inspires the crowd, invites the goyim and illustrates the beauty and diversity of the diaspora as well as the Toronto Jewish Film Festival. 

And this year is proving to be no different. Now in its 17th year the TJFF is shaping up to be 9 jam-packed days of films, events and opportunities to experience and enjoy the best Jews across the world have to offer. 

Documentaries and Feature films, from countries as far away as Chile, Australia, Argentina and France are being presented, featuring the everyday (and not so everyday) lives and experiences of Jews around the world (that’s called the Diaspora, for those of you have were not subjected to 11 years of jewish studies class every Sunday). And besides being tied by a faith and culture, these films have in common the fact that they are all wonderful, engaging, beautiful and interesting depictions of life. 

CAMERA OBSCURA, the opening night film screening Saturday the 18th at 9:15pm at the Bloor Cinema, is a perfect example. It tells the story of an Argentinean woman that spent her entire life blending into the background, and what happens when a photographer comes into her life and shows her that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. These themes and story are universal, and are only complimented by the culture of the individual experiencing them. 

This years special programme, curated by Ellie Skrow, highlights the Golden Age of Musicals and the role that jews such as Irving Berlin, George & Ira Gershwin, Alan Jay Lerner, Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart, Harold Arlen, Betty Comden & Adolph Green and Stephen Sondheim played in creating what is known as the glory days of that genre. Colour me stoked! Between a documentary on the making of A CHORUS LINE and the chance to watch DUCK SOUP on the big screen, this jew could not be more excited. 

As has been the trend for most Toronto film festivals over the last few years, TJFF is expanding its programming beyond the cinema. The FilmMatters programme uses cinema as a tool for teachers to bridge the gaps between Jewish and non-Jewish youths across the province and open conversations on important issues, hoping to provide a better understanding and a stronger bond for them to move forward as tomorrow’s leaders. Last years inaugural programme used the film PAPER CLIPS to inspire discussion around memory and memorial. While the programme itself is only open to students, through the participation of their teachers, its definitely an amazing part of TJFF that should not go unnoticed, or unrecognized. 

And of course, my absolute favourite part each year of the TJFF is the ad campaign. Every year they come up with an amazing way to illustrate the sense of humour, aura of fun and welcoming spirit that personifies this festival. Last years campaign urged everyone to “Dicover Their Inner Jew”, and while that may not be this years slogan…. I suggest it all the same 

The Toronto Jewish Film Festival runs April 18-26. For more info, tickets and showtimes, visit their website at www.tjff.com