Hello,
I am so glad to be able to take a moment to touch base with those of you who are such good friends of the JCC Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival. We care so very much for all of you, and we hope that you and your families and friends are safe and well.
As you can imagine, we have had many conversations about the feasibility of keeping our film festival on the calendar this summer. While our world may be back to some version of normal come July, it is anyone’s guess whether or not we will be able to – or want to – gather in large groups. Our conversations have focused on what is most important: the safety of everyone involved with the festival.
After careful consideration, we have decided to postpone the festival until late fall; we will be announcing the festival dates shortly. From now until then, we plan to stream films online, host post-film talks with filmmakers, and maybe even screen a drive-in movie. This year’s film festival, the 20th, may look a little different, but we are working to make it as engaging, meaningful, and festive as all the others have been. Connect with us via Facebook at JCC Rochester Jewish Film Festival, check out jccrochester.org, and watch your emails for details about exciting films coming soon.
You may have received the festival fund-raising letter a few weeks ago, and we hope you will continue to support the festival. Now more than ever, the arts need you. You may also receive a call or email about the JCC Emergency Campaign. Given the tremendous challenges the JCC is facing, we are asking donors, patrons, and members who are able to make an additional one-time gift to the Emergency Campaign. Your donations will allow us to open our doors and resume our programming as soon as we can.
Please know I am available at any time if you have questions. It’s best to reach me via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, stay safe, take good care of one another and, as always, a million thanks. Wishing you all a very safe, happy, and healthy Passover.
Warmly,
Andrea Miller
Director, Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival
and Lane Dworkin Rochester Jewish Book Festival
Laura Kaufman
Chair, Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival
JCC of Greater Rochester
attn: Emergency Fund
1200 Edgewood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
