Celebrating Black History Month: Films from the JFI Archive to Stream Now
The Jewish Film Institute is observing Black History Month with these standout films to stream from the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival’s archive that celebrate culture, question injustice and explore identity.
The Trials of Muhammad Ali
Bill Seigel, United States
When certain films are placed in a Jewish context, they inspire truly Jewish conversation. This remarkable documentary focuses on the late boxing legend’s transformation into a conscientious objector and activist, tackling themes such as power, race, identity and freedom from a legacy of slavery.
Off and Running
Nicole Opper, United States
This award-winning documentary from Nicole Opper, the 2017 JFI Filmmaker in Residence, follows adopted teen Avery, as she embarks on a complicated journey to learn more about her roots, all the while exploring the strength of family bonds and the lengths people must go to become themselves.
Gideon’s Army
Dawn Porter, United States
Taking its title from Gideon vs. Wainwright — the landmark US Supreme Court decision that gave every citizen the fundamental right to legal representation in a criminal case — Dawn Porter’s film follows three public defenders in the Deep South who must contend with underfunded offices and judicial bias to uphold the ruling.
Little White Lie
Lacey Schwartz, James Adolphus, United States
Lacey Schwartz’s powerful, personal documentary tells the story of her upbringing in a typical Jewish household, despite open questions around her about her how a white girl could have such dark skin. At age 18, no longer able to quell the feeling in her gut, she embarks on a search for the truth.
The Village of Peace
Niko Philipedes, Ben Schuder, United States
In a small town called Dimona in Israel’s Negev desert, a thriving community of 5,000 people who refer to themselves as African-Hebrew Israelites exists. This documentary chronicles the founding of the village, beginning with it’s inception in 1967 Chicago to today, in conversations with its founders and residents.
JFI On Demand is a curated channel of streaming Jewish films built by the Jewish Film Institute and San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. By combining JFI’s expertly curated history of films with the powerful streaming tool GoWatchIt, hundreds of seminal Jewish titles are now available to search, discover and explore on the streaming platforms of your choice, from Netflix and Amazon Prime to Fandor, VUDU and more. No need to leave your couch to discover the best in current and archival Jewish cinema! Start streaming now at jfi.org/ondemand
