From JEWISH FEDERATION AND FOUNDATION OF GREATER TOLEDO
Jewish Federation and Foundation of Greater Toledo will present the 12th Toledo Jewish Film Festival June 15 through July 13 at the Southview High School Auditorium, 7225 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania. The festival features five films — documentaries, a drama, and a comedy. All start at 7 p.m.
The film festival is dedicated to sharing with audiences a diversity Jewish-themed films that are often only featured in larger cities.
A highlight of the festival, Monday, June 22, includes a post film discussion with special guest, Sherise Dorf who wrote, produced, and directed “The Everything Pot.”
The films are $10 per film, per person or $45 for a series package. To purchase tickets call 419-724-0351 or click to buy online.
“Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause”
Monday, June 15. Eternally sardonic and effortlessly deadpan, Charles Grodin carved out a singular place in American entertainment. “Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause” celebrates the actor-comedian and broadcast personality whose understated brilliance lit up Elaine May’s “The Heartbreak Kid,” Martin Brest’s “Midnight Run” alongside Robert De Niro, and countless mischievously funny late-night TV appearances with Johnny Carson and David Letterman.
Yet, Grodin’s legacy extends far beyond his iconic performances. In later years, he turned his sharp intellect and moral conviction toward activism, using his CNBC talk show to champion prison reform and other pressing social issues.
Featuring a treasure trove of film and television clips alongside candid interviews and heartfelt reflections from Robert De Niro, Carol Burnett, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Steve Martin, and Alan Arkin, this rich portrait captures a consummate performer who blended humor with humanity—leaving an indelible mark on comedy, culture, and conscience.
Concessions: Flavored popcorn, candy, and coffee bar.
“The Everything Pot”
Monday, June 22 with post-film discussion. “The Everything Pot” stars Lisa Edelstein, James Wolk, Gina Torres, Erik Griffin, Delaney Rowe, and Deja Monique Cruz. A comedy of errors ensues when empty nester Rachel (Edelstein) hastily sends a gift to Charlie (Wolk), a former colleague, upon receiving his wedding invitation. The young couple’s wedding gets Rachel out of her perpetual state of ennui in her own marriage and brings unexpected excitement, which inadvertently causes chaos in both unions.
As one domino falls after another, cracks begin to show in their respective relationships, especially while Rachel’s husband Adam (Griffin) becomes obsessed with getting back their wedding gift: The Everything Pot.
Concessions: Wedding cake, popcorn, and coffee bar
“Marathon Mom”
Monday, June 29. “Marathon Mom”tells the inspiring story of Beatie Deutsch, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish mother of five who, after a pause from athletics to focus on her family, reignites her passion for running. In 2015, driven by a personal promise and the challenges of motherhood, Beatie embarks on a rigorous journey to complete a marathon. As she trains with dreams of becoming an Olympian, her remarkable journey transcends the track, embodying a powerful message of perseverance and empowerment.
Through her story, Beatie inspires other women to embrace their dreams and overcome their own challenges.
Concessions: Popcorn, DIY trail mix bar, and coffee bar
“We Met at Grossinger’s”
Monday, July 6. “We Met at Grossinger’s” is an immersive journey through the Jewish Catskills—once known as the Borscht Belt reviving the iconic resort that inspired “Dirty Dancing” and defined an era of Jewish American life.
Throughout decades of prejudice stifling the integration of Jewish immigrants in America, the Borscht Belt in the Catskills provided an oasis of belonging, and Grossinger’s Resort and Hotel was the crown jewel. The real-life inspiration for the setting of the 1987 classic film “Dirty Dancing,” Grossinger’s provided both a physical and mental getaway where Jews—and others from marginalized communities—needing a break from NYC could relax.
The resort’s growing reputation attracted a wide variety of comedians, athletes, and political figures, including Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Jackie Robinson, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Award-winning filmmaker Paula Eiselt resurrects this vanished world with an immersive warmth, providing a timely reminder of the historic richness of Jewish culture and its immeasurable contributions to American life.
Concessions: Popcorn, ice cream, and coffee bar
“Once Upon My Mother”
Monday, July 13. In 1963, Esther gave birth to Roland, the youngest sibling of a large family. Roland was born with a club foot that prevented him from standing. Against everyone’s advice, she promised her son that he would be able to walk just like everyone else and have a wonderful life. From that moment on, Esther devoted herself fully to ensuring this promise came true. Spanning decades of hardships and miracles, this film is the story of an incredible destiny and the greatest love of all: a mother’s love for her child.
Based on Roland Perez’s book Ma Mère, Dieu Et Sylvie Vartan, published in France by Les Escales. The film is in French (English subtitles).
Concessions: Popcorn, candy, macarons, and coffee bar
JFGT is dedicated to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment with law enforcement professionals on-site. Attendees’ belongings may be inspected, and entry may be denied or individuals removed for inappropriate or disruptive behavior. Attendees are asked not to void bring large bags to the event.
