The Santa Fe JFF is bringing a Santa Fe "first". "The Chosen - A Mini Festival of New Israeli Cinema" showcases some of the best of Israeli cinema today with award winning films from festivals such as Cannes, Tribeca and Toronto. It's four films over eight days, special events and more. We have exclusive Skype interviews and in-person appearances by special guests for this "first of its kind".

Israeli films have gained international stature in recent years, garnering awards at prestigious film festivals and regularly appearing on "critic's pick" lists. Our selections are a diverse mix of thought provoking yet entertaining films that transcend politics to provide a picture of Israel as Israel sees itself.

The Mini Festival of New Israeli Cinema has been supported through generous donations from Season Underwriters Jeana and Robert Efroymson, Jane and Steve Hochberg, and Marcia and Len Torobin and the individuals noted below.

God's Neighbors	Sat Nov 16 7:00 pm The Screen $12 - Adv Purch $15 - At door. Students Adv - $10	Cannes Film Festival Award Winner "God's Neighbors" is a story of violence in the name of religion and a personal journey of faith. Skype interview with Cannes award winning director, Meni Yaesh, following the screening. more God's Neighbors is sponsored by Joan and Jeffrey Less and Myrna and Barry Bernard
The Matchmaker	Tue Nov 19 7:30 pm CCA $12 - Adv Purch $15 - At door. Students Adv - $10	Israeli Academy Award Winner, "The Matchmaker", is a coming-of-age story that causes us to take a look at how we treat those on the fringe. Israeli actor Eyal Shechter, in person. ... more The Matchmaker is underwritten by the Israeli Consulate in Houston
Room 514	Sat Nov 23 6:00 pm CCA $12 - Adv Purch $15 - At door. Students - $10	Tribeca Film Festival winner, "Room 514" is a story in which young soldiers discover that good and evil, black and white, don't exist. With special guest from Israel, Chen Rahamim. ... more Room 514 is underwritten by Susan and Steven Goldstein
Life in Stills	Sun Nov 24 4:00 pm CCA $12 - Adv Purch $15 - At door. Students Adv - $10	Winner of the Israeli Academy Award for Best Documentary, "Life in Stills" is a story of grandmother and grandson facing the demolition of Israel's iconic "Photo House". Followed by Skype interview from Israel with film subject Ben Peter. ... more Life in Stills is sponsored by Marlene and Gene Frank and Phyllis Kapp

And there's more! Check out these special events:

	Wednesday, November 20th, 10:00 am, location TBA, "Cinema Cafe: A Conversation with Eyal Shechter". Join us in a private home for coffee and conversation in this first of our new "Cinema Cafe" series. Eyal is an Israeli Academy Award nominated actor and musician with a small role in our film, The Matchmaker. Eyal grew up near Haifa, where our film takes place, and will speak about his experiences growing up as well as life as an actor and musician in Israel. Tickets are $10. Sponsored by Beit Tikva, HaMakom, Kol BeRamah, Los Alamos Hadassah, Los Alamos Jewish Center, New Mexico Jewish Historical Society, Santa Fe Hadassah, and Temple Beth Shalom
	Friday, November 22nd, 6:00 pm, Kabbalat Shabbat at HaMakom. We don't screen on Friday nights, but HaMakom is hosting a special Kabbalat Shabbat service to welcome the Sabbath and celebrate Israel. There will be Israeli food, music and folk-dancing. All are welcome. Sponsored by HaMakom
	Sunday, January 12th, 10:00 am - noon, "The Tragedy and Triumph of Israel" at Beit Tikva. Haaretz senior correspondent, columnist, and author Ari Shavit ("My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel") discusses the history of Israel and its future with David Remnick, an author and editor of The New Yorker. The talk is part of the 92nd Street Y broadcast series. Tickets are $12 at the door. Series subscriptions are available through Beit Tikva. Sponsored by Beit Tikva