A New Venue, a Preview Screening and a  Film + Concert - 
What's New at 2017 MJFF
Barbara Merson 
Our mailers are out, our new website is up and the feedback we have received is that this looks like a terrific program.  I hope that you are all as excited as I am, and that you take that excitement to the box office.

I would like to highlight some things that are new this year. We are pleased to have an additional venue - the Community Network Television Studio on Congress Street.  Our first show at the new venue is a special festival preview showing on March 15th of Bogdan's Journey, a film about one man's quest for truth and reconciliation in post-WWII Poland.  We are so fortunate that Bogdan Bialek and the filmmakers will be joining us for a post-film discussion on the 15th -- this will truly be a memorable evening.

During the Festival we'll be showing a wonderful documentary about pop music in the sixties - if you saw Sweet Blues: The Mike Bloomfield Story this fall you won't want to miss this film by the same director. And after the film, there will be a special concert at the Portland House of Music by renowned soul singer Betty Harris who is featured in the film.

And speaking of music, this Sunday morning I will be on  WMPG for Sunday Simcha with Natan Kahn playing and talking about some of the wonderful music from this year's Festival Films. I hope you'll be able to tune in. 

I've also heard from some of you that you miss the listing of movie showings by date and time.  Click  HERE to download and print this schedule.

It's all coming in just a few weeks. so pick out your films, reserve your tickets and we'll see you at the movies!
A Special MJFF Preview Event Wednesday March 15 at 7:00PM at Community Network Television Studio
Click on the picture for more info
Bogdan's Journey tells the remarkable story of Bodgan Bialek, who has made it his life's work to foster a public dialogue about the memory of a post-Holocaust pogrom in Kielce, Poland. Following the film, Bogdan Bialek and the film's co-directors, Michal Jaskulski and Lawrence Loewinger will take part in a discussion about how to make healing and reconciliation possible. This promises to be an extraordinary evening.  Reserve tickets here.                                                           
A Documentary about a little known Pop Music Visionary -
and a Concert too!
Thursday March 23 6:00 PM at the Nick & 8:00 PM at PHOM
Click on picture for more info 
Bang! The Bert Berns Story is a revealing, often hilarious, look at the pop music writer and producer behind hits such as Twist and Shout and Piece of My Heart. The film is an engaging look at one of the most interesting eras in American popular music told by a cast of intriguing characters from Ben E. King and Van Morrison to mob connected managers. Following the film, co-directors Brett Berns (Bert's son) and Bob Sarles (director of Sweet Blues) will discuss making the film and answer questions. Reserve tickets here

After the film,  head up the block to the Portland House of Music to see legendary 
R & B singer Betty Harris in concert performing the big hit she recorded with Bert Berns: Cry to Me, as well as other deep soul songs like His Kiss and Ride Your Pony with her band the Mighty Soul Drivers. It's a perfect way to end the evening.  Reserve Tickets Here
The Maine Jewish Film Festival brings you the World
March 18 - 25 (Preview 3-15)

Hyatt Place MJFF Package:

The Hyatt Place Old Port on Fore Street in Portland is conveniently located within walking distance of Festival Venues. The package includes:
Special rate of $169 per night &
Dining Credit of $50

Call 207-775-1000 or click here to book your reservation

STAY CONNECTED:
 Maine Jewish Film Festival  207-523-3422  www.mjff.org