Causeway Bay Times Square | 26th Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival Presents In-depth Stories of Jewish Life

Description

Now in its 26th edition, the Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival (HKJFF) will present a diverse range of Jewish films from November 8 to 16, offering audiences a unique opportunity to discover the rich and authentic stories of Jewish life from different perspectives.

Israeli actor and screenwriter Lior Raz (known for 'Chaos on the Border' and 'Gladiator II'), Israeli model and television star Rotem Sela (known for 'Bread and Love'), and award-winning Israeli director Erez Tadmor will be in attendance at the festival's opening ceremony in Hong Kong. Through the medium of film, they will provide a unique insight into Jewish culture and heritage.

Soda

The festival opens with the Hebrew-language drama 'Soda'. Set in the early 1950s, the film follows the story of Shalom Gottlieb, a suspicious and emotionally rich former WWII guerrilla played by award-winning actor Lior Raz. After the war, Gottlieb becomes a factory foreman and meets Eva, a female tailor portrayed by renowned Israeli actress Rotem Sela, in a community of Holocaust survivors. Their encounter unfolds into a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. With its layered narrative and profound emotional depth, 'Soda' delves into the heavy burden of trauma and memory in the aftermath of the Holocaust.

'Soda' premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in 2024 and subsequently received multiple nominations at the Ophir Awards, Israel's highest film honors, including Best Supporting Actor, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design.

Bad Shabbos

Directed by Daniel Robbins, 'Bad Shabbos' is a 2024 American comedy with a brisk pace. The film revolves around Jewish man David and his non-Jewish fiancée, whose tranquil Shabbat family dinner is turned upside down by an unexpected accident, setting off a series of absurd events. While depicting the Shabbat tradition, the movie faithfully presents Jewish culture and cleverly turns religious rituals into humorous and hilarious situations. Through unexpected scenarios and relatable religious dilemmas, it expresses respect and reverence for tradition.

Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire

The documentary 'Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire' pays tribute to one of the most influential voices of the 20th century. A survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp and a witness to the slaughter of Jews during WWII, Elie Wiesel's journey is told through his words, voice, handwritten notes, cherished artwork, and hand-drawn animations. The film showcases how he navigated his life with resilience, eventually becoming a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, writer, educator, and witness to history, offering viewers a glimpse into the heart of a man considered a voice for genocide survivors.

Since its premiere in early 2025, the documentary has garnered multiple awards, including the Torch Award at the Miami Jewish Film Festival and the Audience Award for Best Film at the Rochester Jewish Film Festival.

September 5

'September 5', directed by award-winning director Tim Fehlbaum, is a gripping news-based film adapted from a true tragedy. It revisits the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics in Germany, where a group of Palestinian terrorists took hostage the coaches and athletes of the Israeli team. The entire film is set within a news broadcast room, focusing on how Roone Arledge, the chairman of ABC Sports, and his team responded to the crisis with real-time reporting. The film's sharp filming and editing techniques immerse viewers in the unfolding events, exploring the importance of modern instant news while delving into the complex ethics of reporting.

The Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival is dedicated to sharing Jewish traditional culture and providing an in-depth understanding of Jewish life and history through the medium of film. It offers a window into the diverse lives and histories of the Jewish people.

Tickets will go on sale to the public starting October 3, 2025. For more program details, please visit the official website of the Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival: https://hkjff.org

Event Details: Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival Opening Ceremony - 'Soda'
Date: November 8, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: Emperor Cinemas, 13/F, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay
Ticket Price: HK$380 (Adult) | HK$280 (Student)
*Israeli actor and screenwriter Lior Raz, Israeli star Rotem Sela, and director Erez Tadmor will attend the opening ceremony. Interviews can be arranged upon request.

Broadway Cinematheque
Dates: November 9, 15, and 16
Address: 2 Percival Street, Kennedy Town

Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
Dates: November 10, 12, and 13
Address: 3/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen's Road Central, Central

Emperor Cinemas (Times Square)
Dates: November 8 and 11
Address: 13/F, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay

Individual Film Ticket Price: HK$120 (Adult) | HK$100 (Student)
Festival Pass: HK$1,800

Visiting Director:
November 8: 'Soda' Director Erez Tadmor. Interviews can be arranged upon request.