Film festival highlights Jewish culture

The 10th annual Spokane Jewish Cultural Film Festival opens Thursday at the Magic Lantern Theatre.

The community event is sponsored by Spokane Area Jewish Family Services.

Thursday’s film is “Ballad of the Weeping Spring,” which tells the story of a musician whose career ends after a car accident kills members of his band. Twenty years later, he reunites the remaining members to help a friend, and perhaps himself.

“Ballad of the Weeping Spring” screens at 7:30 p.m. It’s rated PG-13 and is in Hebrew with English subtitles.

The festival continues March 29 with a 7 p.m. reception at Boots Bakery, 24 W. Main Ave., and the movie “Bethlehem” at 8 p.m.

“Bethlehem,” Israel’s submission to the 2014 Oscars, tells the story of of the relationship between an Israeli Secret Service officer and his teenage Palestinian informant. It’s rated R for violence and is in Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles.

“Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy” will screen at 7:30 p.m. March 30. The documentary examines the role of Jewish composers and lyricists in the creation of the modern American musical, showcasing the works of legends such as Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. It’s rated G and in English.

Tickets for the movies are $10, or $7 for students and seniors. Tickets to the reception are $25, including a glass of wine and dessert at Boots and admission to Saturday’s movie.

Seating is limited. Tickets are available at www.sajfs.org or prior to shows at the Magic Lantern Theatre, 25 W. Main Ave. For more information, call (509) 747-7394.