Film Screenings at the JCC Indianapolis
One of our most popular arts events at the JCC Indianapolis is film screenings. We feature films that pack a punch, are thought-provoking, funny, engaging, and inspiring. Our films feature diverse perspectives to inspire continued dialogue. We bring the world, and a world of diverse viewpoints, to those in Indianapolis and central Indiana
The JCC partners with organizations like Heartland Films and WFYI to premiere or show films with significant themes that relate to the Jewish experience. For many film screenings, we host a conversation afterward with the writer, producer, and/or subject if a documentary.
Upcoming Films
For information and registration for upcoming film screening events, visit the Events page. Please remember to scroll through the months to find our offerings. We also send arts-only emails to those interested in arts events at the J. The emails are sent about twice a month. Visit our Stay Connected page to sign up or learn more.
Past Films
- Eva A-7063. A film by Ted Green for WFYI, the local PBS station that was picked up by PBS stations across the country about the true, astonishing story of Eva Kor, who survived Auschwitz and as a twin, survived experiments by Josef Mengele. Narrated by Ed Asner, the film follows her journey from pain to rage and ultimately to forgiveness.
- We Shall Not Die Now. A film by 18-year-old Ashton Gleckman that explores the Holocaust through moving interviews and images. Following the film, Gleckman was joined by Frank Grunwald, a local Holocaust survivor featured in the film. This was an audience Choice Award winner at the 2019 Heartland Film Festival.
- Heartland Film Award Winning Shorts. Every year, three to five films are selected from among Heartland Film Festival’s award-winning shorts.
- Dough. “An old Jewish baker struggles to keep his business afloat until his young Muslim apprentice drops cannabis in the dough and sends sales sky high.”
Friends of the Arts
In addition to foundations and corporations, support for arts programs at the JCC comes from a group of active, engaged arts enthusiasts called J Friends of the Arts. As an example, the group provided more than $50,000 in funding to purchase new, more comfortable seating for the Laikin Auditorium. To become a member of J Friends of the Arts, contact Camille Arnett at 317-715-9240 or carnett@JCCindy.org.
About Irwin and Ann Katz
Programs like these are made possible with funding from the Irwin and Ann Katz Cultural Arts and Education Endowment Fund. Irwin “Irv” Katz was devoted to the JCC for more than 70 years, serving as president of the JCC board of directors at its old location from 1950-52 and again from 1958-61 during a pivotal time: its move and construction at its current location. The resulting 24,000-square-foot facility boasted meeting rooms, nursery school facilities, a gym, locker rooms, and outdoor space for summer camp. Katz’s wife, Ann, was an inveterate reader and lover of books and literature.
Lifelong Learning is a Core Jewish Value
The story of the Jewish people is one of freedom from tyranny and oppression. As a people, we believe that true freedom is experienced in a community’s ability to educate, to expand minds and perspectives, and to tolerate opposing ideas rooted in truth. The goal of JCC programs is to educate and inform and also to forge and strengthen partnerships, e.g., The Unity Project whose mission is to build respect and understanding between various communities, especially the black and Jewish communities, through dialogue and the arts. Other partnerships include The Indy Jazz Foundation for our Jazz at the J series; Dance Kaleidoscope and Indiana Writers Center for Spirit & Place events; Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library for our Circle City Authors series and many others.