LIA 
Israel, 2011, documentary
65 minutes
Hebrew with English subtitles
Director: Taly Goldenberg

DC Premiere

Lia van Leer has led a remarkable life. Born in 1924 in what is now Moldovia, her parents sent her to live in Israel, where she survived the war, but never saw them again. This compelling portrait traces van Leer’s life and passion for cinema beginning in the 1950s when she and her husband Wim founded several film clubs followed by the Israel Film Archive and cinematheques in Haifa, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. In 1984 Lia created the Jerusalem Film Festival and still serves as director of its board. Throughout the years, van Leer brought the glamorous world of movies to Israel, often casually entertaining famous actors and directors in her Jerusalem home while maintaining her dedication to supporting emerging filmmakers. 
 
PRECEDED BY

MY MOTHER WAS A COAST GUARD SPAR          
USA, 2010, short                     
8 minutes                
English
Director: Marilyn Johnston

Mid-Atlantic Premiere

The SPARS (Semper Paratus, Always Ready) were Coast Guard Women Reservists recruited during WWII so that men could go to war. One of the initial twelve recruits, the filmmaker’s mother remembers the experience including discriminatory policies of the time.

December 6 screening
POST-FILM DISCUSSION WITH filmmaker Aviva Kempner and Fred Lazin, Schusterman Visiting Israeli Professor at American University; moderated by Laura Cutler, Acting Director, AU Center for Israel Studies

CO-SPONSORED BY the Embassy of Israel, American University Center for Israel Studies and America Israel Cultural Foundation

December 7 screening
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH the DCJCC's Behrend-Adas Senior Fellowship