The JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival is proud to present the Fall Virtual Fest with eight films over three weekends, including six premieres in the Midwest and Chicago, November 5-21.

Showcasing documentaries and dramas from around the world, all of these films revolve around the powerful theme of decisions. It is estimated that the average adult makes over 35,000 decisions or choices per day. While some are instantaneous, others are highly regarded and may be based on beliefs, theologies, and fears, which has little impact on the profound – and even life-changing – effects for those who have them. created.

In the Chicago premiere of “The Conductor,” 9-year-old Marin Alsop aspires to follow in Leonard Bernstein’s footsteps, a decision that takes him on an emotionally difficult life path to eventually become the conductor and curator of the Ravinia Festival. .

In “American Birthright,” the film’s producer and director Becky Tahel takes us on her journey of self-discovery to answer the question “why marry a Jew?”

For the Israeli filmmaker, artist and TED Fellow, facing the personal challenges of depression, the decision to explore the true value of art in overcoming extreme adversity is the motivation behind “8000 Paperclips”.

The Chicago premiere of “Persian Lessons” involves a split-second decision, with life and death consequences for the protagonist. In this film, Mustafa chooses to live 200 meters and a border from his wife and children for political reasons, a decision that has important implications for his family.

In the Midwestern premiere of the moving documentary “Irmi,” we are inspired by the power and strength of the human spirit to make a new decision after horrific circumstances.

Faith, determination, and the resolve to risk it all for an ultimate goal are explored in the Midwestern premiere of “Yerusalem, The Incredible Story of Ethiopian Jewry”.

The film “Betrayed”, based on a true story, reflects the result of conflicting decisions made by members of a family, with elders who stuck to Jewish traditions while their children integrated into Norwegian society.

For the past nine years, the JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival has aspired to entertain, educate and inspire thought, conversation and action by exploring issues of hatred, prejudice, cultural assimilation and inequality while striving to build tolerance, acceptance, and cultivate a sense of belonging. The Fall Festival will be virtual this year with films streaming over a specific three-day period, from Friday 9 am to Sunday 11:45 pm Each film will be accompanied by a live Zoom discussion with the filmmakers. Tickets are $ 15, with discounted festival passes available for a limited time. For more information on the JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival to purchase tickets, visit jccfilmfest.org or call (847) 763-3507.