EVENT GRID
Selected Venue:
Director(s): Gaylen Ross
USA
Year: 2026
Runtime: 68'
Southwest Premiere
Documentary
Nov 17, Nov 18
This fascinating film tells the riveting true story of Aaron Sapiro, a young Jewish lawyer who took on one of America’s most powerful men—and most notorious antisemites—Henry Ford. In a David-versus-Goliath showdown, Sapiro forced the industrial titan to back down, issue an apology, and shutter his hate-filled newspaper, leaving a legacy that resonates today. As antisemitism rises and the struggle to balance free speech with protection against hate continues, Sapiro v. Ford examines the enduring question: how can societies confront power, prejudice, and propaganda while upholding justice?
Why we like this film: Discover the remarkable, little-known story of Aaron Sapiro—a man history nearly forgot, but whose courage almost certainly reshaped American politics. Having screened to great acclaim across major Jewish Film Festivals this year, this gripping documentary reveals how Sapiro’s high-profile libel lawsuit against Henry Ford shattered the car magnate's 1928 presidential ambitions. Exploring a dangerous chapter reminiscent of Philip Roth’s The Plot Against America, the film highlights the chilling impact of a powerful industrialist controlling his own media channel—a narrative with striking, timely parallels to today's news landscape. Brought to life through rich archival material and compelling reenactments by actor Ben Shenkman, this is a fresh, thought-provoking story of justice and historical impact.
Director(s): Paula Eiselt
USA
Year: 2025
Runtime: 104'
SPECIAL OPENING NIGHT EVENT
Texas Premiere
Documentary
Nov 12, Nov 13
An immersive journey through the Jewish Catskills—once known as the Borscht Belt—reviving the iconic resort that inspired Dirty Dancing and defined an era of Jewish American life.
Throughout decades of prejudice stifling the integration of Jewish immigrants in America, the Borscht Belt in the Catskills provided an oasis of belonging, and Grossinger’s Resort and Hotel was the crown jewel. The real-life inspiration for the setting of the 1987 classic film Dirty Dancing, Grossinger’s provided both a physical and mental getaway where Jews—and others from marginalized communities—needing a break from NYC could relax.
The resort’s growing reputation attracted a wide variety of comedians, athletes, and political figures, including Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Jackie Robinson and Eleanor Roosevelt. Award-winning filmmaker Paula Eiselt resurrects this vanished world with an immersive warmth, providing a timely reminder of the historic richness of Jewish culture and its immeasurable contributions to American life.
Why we like this film: They say "nostalgia ain't what it used to be," but this charming documentary is proving otherwise. A favorite on the Jewish Film Festival circuit this year, this feel-good film offers an inviting look into the legendary Catskills resort that helped shape Jewish-American culture and hospitality. At its center is the story of three generations of visionary Jewish women, led by the iconic Jennie Grossinger, who created a welcoming haven for those excluded from elite vacation spots. Drawing a celebrated mix of comedians, athletes, entertainers, and public figures, Grossinger's grew into a bright symbol of American Jewish culture. Get ready to leave the opening film of this year's festival with a smile on your face!
Director(s): Rubika Shah
France, Germany
Year: 2026
Runtime: 83'
Southwest Premiere
Documentary
Nov 13
This gripping documentary uncovers the remarkable true story of The Mad Dog of Europe, a screenplay written in 1932 by Herman J. Mankiewicz, a decade before he wrote Citizen Kane. Conceived as an urgent warning about the rise of Nazism, the film was never made after Hollywood’s Jewish studio executives, constrained by diplomatic pressure and financial interests, refused to produce it. This compelling documentary explores the intersection of politics, censorship, and the film industry, while drawing striking parallels to today’s climate of polarization, resurgent antisemitism, and cultural silencing.
Why we like this film: Hands down one of the most compelling films to emerge from this year’s European Film Market, this riveting documentary exposes the shocking, untold story of how the Nazi regime managed to influence the golden age of Hollywood right in its own backyard. Stunningly visual and deeply eye-opening, it’s a masterclass in cinematic history and political intrigue. Whether you're a movie buff, a history enthusiast, or simply love a brilliantly crafted story, this is an absolute must-see that will change the way you think about classic Hollywood.
Director(s): Josh Aronson, Adam R. Wood
UK, USA
Year: 2025
Runtime: 77'
SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT EVENT
Central Texas Premiere
Documentary
Nov 14
A young pianist escapes Nazi occupied Vienna on the Kindertransport, carrying nothing but her music and her mother’s final words. That act of love creates an artistic legacy that resonates across generations. Directed by Academy Award nominee Josh Aronson and Emmy winner Adam R. Wood, Hold On To Your Music: A Mother’s Legacy tells the true story of Lisa Jura, a gifted Jewish pianist whose life was upended in 1938 Vienna. Forced onto the Kindertransport at age fourteen, Lisa found her way in wartime London, sustained by the music she carried with her and the memory of the family she left behind. Drawing on rare archival footage, newly digitized recordings, and the virtuosic performances of her daughter Mona Golabek, the film traces Lisa’s journey from prodigy to refugee to mother – and the enduring artistic lineage she passed on. Adapted from Golabek’s bestselling book and international stage production The Pianist of Willesden Lane, the documentary brings new cinematic depth to a story that has reached more than 10 million readers and audience members worldwide through concerts, books, and 5,000+ performances. The film bridges past and present to reveal a universal message: that memory, love, and music are forces powerful enough to sustain a life – and inspire generations.
Why we like this film: An award-winning triumph that has captivated audiences, this sweeping multi-generational saga brings Mona Golabek’s bestselling book and play, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, vividly to life on screen. An intimate portrait and a cinematic monument, the film stands as a moving testament to survival, the enduring strength of love, and the transcendent power of music. By seamlessly bridging past and present, it carries sacred memory forward to offer a deeply inspiring reminder to hold fast to what matters most. Prepare for an unforgettable, deeply moving experience that will stay with you long after the festival.
Director(s): Steven Pressman
USA
Year: 2026
Runtime: 89'
SPECIAL CLOSING NIGHT EVENT
Central Texas Premiere
Documentary
Nov 19
The name Woody Guthrie conjures images of Dust Bowl families from the 1930s fleeing their soil-ravaged farms, along with those famous lyrical phrases, “This land is your land, this land is my land. From California to the New York Island.”
However, Woody''s horizons extended far beyond the dusty Oklahoma hills of his youth. Once his wanderings and ramblings brought him to New York City in the 1940s, he was introduced – both personally and professionally – into a vibrant Jewish culture that he wholeheartedly embraced and ultimately had a deep influence on his life and his music.
Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls also weaves in the story of Aliza Greenblatt, an immigrant from Ukraine who later became a prominent Yiddish poet and songwriter -- and who also happened to be Woody''s mother-in-law.
From the dust storms of Oklahoma to the lox and bagels of Coney Island, discover a whole new side of Woody Guthrie that will forever change your view of one of America’s most celebrated songwriters and cultural icons.
Why we like this film: Who would have thought that America's most famous Dust Bowl balladeer held a deep, hidden connection to Jewish culture? Join us for an extraordinary Closing Night Event featuring “Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls,” the runaway hit of the current Jewish film scene! What began with director Steve Pressman’s surprising discovery of a Woody Guthrie Hanukkah song opened up an incredible web of history—most notably Guthrie's profound, creative bond with his mother-in-law, a celebrated Yiddish poet. Packed with captivating anecdotes and iconic music, this documentary uncovers a unique cross-cultural story you’ve never heard before. To make this grand finale truly unforgettable, the evening begins with an exclusive live musical performance by Woody Guthrie’s granddaughter, Sara Lee Guthrie. Following the screening, stay with us for an engaging panel discussion featuring filmmaker Steve Pressman alongside a guest UT Yiddishist and Sara Lee Guthrie. Don't miss this incredible night of music, history, and community—reserve your
Director(s): Ofek Moscovich
Canada, Israel
Runtime: 52'
SPECIAL FREE EVENT FOR OCT. 7 COMMEMORATION
Southwest premiere
Documentary
Oct 7
Still Dancing follows four Nova survivors as they rebuild their lives through art, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Nearly three years after October 7, each carries the trauma differently and searches for a personal way forward. Raw, intimate, and quietly hopeful, the film reveals recovery as it truly is—complex, unfinished, and deeply human. It is a story not only of what was lost, but of what can slowly be created again.
Why we like this film: Part of Austin's communal October 7th commemoration event, which will include a post film Q&A with the director as well as one of the ESEK artists whose work will be available in the on site shuk before the screening.







