On the big screen – Jewish Film Festival reuturns to Baton Rouge

Going on seven years showcasing fascinating Jewish films, the Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival even has its name in the credits of a documentary screening this year. Named after the founder of the festival who died in 2011, the Harvey Hoffman Film Fellowship Fund provided some financing to the film Hava Nagila, which traces the history of the famous song with interviews from Harry Belafonte, Glen Campbell, Regina Spektor and others. “I’m glad to say it’s the first time we’ve been able to do something like this,” says festival co-chair Ara Rubyan. Screenings begin Wednesday, Jan. 16, with Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story at the Manship Theatre. The festival is giving away a select number of free tickets to that opening night feature at brjff.com/free.