28th SEATTLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL March 11 - March 26, 2023 Eclectic Arts Media
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
March 11th through March 26th, 2023
March 11th through March 26th, 2023
In-Person and Virtual
Before I get to the film reviews, let me first say that I was so glad to be asked to partake in this wonderful film festival once again. This was my third year of participating and I couldn’t have been happier to be back.
Last year my schedule never aligned with the in-person offerings. I hoped this year would be different and it was, thankfully. I was able to attend a few films/events on Sunday March 12th at Pacific Place in-person for the very first time.
There is absolutely no substitution for seeing a live event with an audience. Movies to theatre to music - the communal exchange of energy and emotion cannot be replicated virtually. Or at least not yet.
Before the opening film of the morning started, there was a brunch event taking place. I went into the theater while people were munching on their boxes of brunch goodies (none for press unfortunately) and two different music acts played beneath the screen. The KlezKatz! performed first and Pizmon (acapella group) performed second.
The smell of food and the light sounds of music set things up nicely for the first film screening. I must add that people watching and mingling just a little yielded some very interesting situations. There’s no better way to get to know someone (or a people) than to actually have a conversation with them. My livestream and in-person interviews are a testament to that fact as well.
From those that asked about my media work to those around me just carrying on and on about random topics, it was interesting to partake in the event and I’m very glad I had the time to get down to Seattle on that Sunday the 12th.
Onto the reviews (please keep in mind film festival movies are a mixed bag when it comes to availability for the general public - some are already available, some are seeking distribution, and others have specific requests when it comes to reviews, etc.).
Film Reviews
The Art Of Silence
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This documentary about legendary pantomime Marcel Marceau was my introductory film to the 28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival this year. It was really done well with many interviews with his family members as well as friends and other artists he inspired.
Like any great documentary, knowledge was gained about the subject and I definitely learned a thing or two about Mr. Marceau.
My only gripe is that I wish it was longer. At just over an hour, it seemed like they could have easily gone on for another 30 minutes (and yes I know I’ve been griping about runtimes being too long lately - here’s an exception where I wish it had been longer).
Alegria
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 3.5 / 5
This was the second in-person film I screened and I’m glad I saw it in the theater. A slow paced drama that was performed very well. The performances by the entire cast were wonderful. However, the pacing was slow by theater standards. If I had viewed this virtually, I would have been struggling to stay awake. Not because it wasn’t a quality film, it's just that it was slow. Otherwise, it would have received a higher score from me.
The Consultant
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4 / 5
This documentary was fascinating. The film centered around Arthur Finkelstein, a life long political consultant and advisor who also happened to be gay. The influential career that Mr. Finkelstein had made for a great and educational film. His personal life was also something that added to the richness of the film.
Karaoke
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4 / 5
This film really stood out by its visual presence. It was shot in such a way that it didn’t blend in with any of the other films I reviewed. The storyline and the performances really made it a strong film right out of the in-person gate on Opening Night (I unfortunately had to watch it virtually).
The Levys Of Monticello
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This documentary was one of my favorites of the entire festival. The film traced the history of Monticello which was Thomas Jefferson’s home. When he had to put it up for sale and a Jewish family bought it (and kept it in the family for decades), there were many who felt it should be a landmark for Jefferson. The antisemitism and the crusades to wipe out the memory of the Levys ever having anything to do with the upkeep of Monticello for freaking decades was as wrong as it could get. History was trying to repeat itself right here in the U.S. of A.
Fortunately, there was a happier ending to the situation and the film but you’ll have to see it for yourself.
The Man In The Basement
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 3.5 / 5
I was divided about this film after it finished. While it started out promising, and I thought I recognized Francois Cluzet (“The Intouchables"), the second half of the film was just unsatisfying. Like it didn’t know how to reach a realistic climax that the audience would be fully vested in. A good film that could have been great.
One More Story
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This was an unexpected treat. The subject matter and the whole approach to this film was refreshing and something I wasn’t expecting. Compelling and the visuals just jumped off the screen, “One More Story” was one of the better films of the festival for sure.
America
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This seemingly day to day film about a swim instructor and something that goes wrong was expertly put together. It was engaging and the performances of the leads were amazing. Another strong film in the lineup and a great way to end the festival.
*
Overall, there were some great films this year and zero duds that I reviewed. I hope next year that my schedule will allow me to partake in even more in-person screenings as that’s where the magic happens. But, I’m also glad for the virtual option to help me maximize my time with all of the media coverage that I do.
Thank you to Rachael, Pamela (great to meet you in-person), and everyone involved with the festival. I hope to be back in 2024!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Before I get to the film reviews, let me first say that I was so glad to be asked to partake in this wonderful film festival once again. This was my third year of participating and I couldn’t have been happier to be back.
Last year my schedule never aligned with the in-person offerings. I hoped this year would be different and it was, thankfully. I was able to attend a few films/events on Sunday March 12th at Pacific Place in-person for the very first time.
There is absolutely no substitution for seeing a live event with an audience. Movies to theatre to music - the communal exchange of energy and emotion cannot be replicated virtually. Or at least not yet.
Before the opening film of the morning started, there was a brunch event taking place. I went into the theater while people were munching on their boxes of brunch goodies (none for press unfortunately) and two different music acts played beneath the screen. The KlezKatz! performed first and Pizmon (acapella group) performed second.
The smell of food and the light sounds of music set things up nicely for the first film screening. I must add that people watching and mingling just a little yielded some very interesting situations. There’s no better way to get to know someone (or a people) than to actually have a conversation with them. My livestream and in-person interviews are a testament to that fact as well.
From those that asked about my media work to those around me just carrying on and on about random topics, it was interesting to partake in the event and I’m very glad I had the time to get down to Seattle on that Sunday the 12th.
Onto the reviews (please keep in mind film festival movies are a mixed bag when it comes to availability for the general public - some are already available, some are seeking distribution, and others have specific requests when it comes to reviews, etc.).
Film Reviews
The Art Of Silence
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This documentary about legendary pantomime Marcel Marceau was my introductory film to the 28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival this year. It was really done well with many interviews with his family members as well as friends and other artists he inspired.
Like any great documentary, knowledge was gained about the subject and I definitely learned a thing or two about Mr. Marceau.
My only gripe is that I wish it was longer. At just over an hour, it seemed like they could have easily gone on for another 30 minutes (and yes I know I’ve been griping about runtimes being too long lately - here’s an exception where I wish it had been longer).
Alegria
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 3.5 / 5
This was the second in-person film I screened and I’m glad I saw it in the theater. A slow paced drama that was performed very well. The performances by the entire cast were wonderful. However, the pacing was slow by theater standards. If I had viewed this virtually, I would have been struggling to stay awake. Not because it wasn’t a quality film, it's just that it was slow. Otherwise, it would have received a higher score from me.
The Consultant
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4 / 5
This documentary was fascinating. The film centered around Arthur Finkelstein, a life long political consultant and advisor who also happened to be gay. The influential career that Mr. Finkelstein had made for a great and educational film. His personal life was also something that added to the richness of the film.
Karaoke
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4 / 5
This film really stood out by its visual presence. It was shot in such a way that it didn’t blend in with any of the other films I reviewed. The storyline and the performances really made it a strong film right out of the in-person gate on Opening Night (I unfortunately had to watch it virtually).
The Levys Of Monticello
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This documentary was one of my favorites of the entire festival. The film traced the history of Monticello which was Thomas Jefferson’s home. When he had to put it up for sale and a Jewish family bought it (and kept it in the family for decades), there were many who felt it should be a landmark for Jefferson. The antisemitism and the crusades to wipe out the memory of the Levys ever having anything to do with the upkeep of Monticello for freaking decades was as wrong as it could get. History was trying to repeat itself right here in the U.S. of A.
Fortunately, there was a happier ending to the situation and the film but you’ll have to see it for yourself.
The Man In The Basement
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 3.5 / 5
I was divided about this film after it finished. While it started out promising, and I thought I recognized Francois Cluzet (“The Intouchables"), the second half of the film was just unsatisfying. Like it didn’t know how to reach a realistic climax that the audience would be fully vested in. A good film that could have been great.
One More Story
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This was an unexpected treat. The subject matter and the whole approach to this film was refreshing and something I wasn’t expecting. Compelling and the visuals just jumped off the screen, “One More Story” was one of the better films of the festival for sure.
America
28th Seattle Jewish Film Festival
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This seemingly day to day film about a swim instructor and something that goes wrong was expertly put together. It was engaging and the performances of the leads were amazing. Another strong film in the lineup and a great way to end the festival.
*
Overall, there were some great films this year and zero duds that I reviewed. I hope next year that my schedule will allow me to partake in even more in-person screenings as that’s where the magic happens. But, I’m also glad for the virtual option to help me maximize my time with all of the media coverage that I do.
Thank you to Rachael, Pamela (great to meet you in-person), and everyone involved with the festival. I hope to be back in 2024!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
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