HEALDSBURG, CA – A new film and cultural initiative will present a curated program of films exploring contemporary Jewish life in its many forms, its organizers announced today. Entitled “What Jewish Looks Like”, the initiative will bring together storytellers, thought leaders, and the broader community for film screenings, filmmaker conversations, small group discussions, and special events at True West Film Center in downtown Healdsburg. The program is presented by Jewish Healdsburg, The Joy Fund, Reboot, and True West Film Center.
“We are delighted by the group of organizations that have come together to launch ‘What Jewish Looks Like’, ” said Julie Rothberg of Jewish Healdsburg. “The project leverages the unique strengths of each organization – True West’s ability to bring people together for extraordinary experiences centered around film, Reboot’s deep expertise in Jewish media and storytelling, and Jewish Healdsburg’s leadership role in the community – to create a singular program that will engage audiences throughout the Bay Area.”
Jewish Healdsburg is the cultural project lead with local and regional Jewish communities. The initiative’s program is being developed and curated by Reboot. True West Film Center is producing all aspects of the convening, hosting events and exhibiting films, while also advising partners on program development and curation.
“True West was built on our belief that movies are meant to be experienced together,” said Kathryn Philip, Executive Director of True West Film Center. “We can bring people into the theater with a great film, then create space for conversation, connection, and discovery afterward. That’s what a film center can do at its best—use the joy of movies to open up the world a little wider and affirm individual experiences through stories.”
Beginning with the kick off celebration on December 5, 2026, the convening will continue with a preview event on February 7, 2027, and culminate in a weekend mini-fest with a line up of films, discussions, and festive social gatherings February 25-28, 2027.
“Hanukkah is a celebration of hope, resilience, and the joy of coming together, which makes it the ideal moment to kick off ‘What Jewish Looks Like’,” said Ariel Kelley of the project’s stewardship and funding partner The Joy Fund. “We are thrilled to gather all of our community and neighbors around stories that illuminate Jewish life and provide opportunities for connection, celebration, and deeper conversations.”
The kick off celebration will be centered around a screening of “Our Bodies & Other Shames.” the story of three estranged childhood friends. After receiving devastating news, the threesome reunites for one night in the Brooklyn of their youth, where they are haunted by their younger selves who demand that the past come achingly into the present. The film will be followed by a Q&A with director Jenny Lester and writer/producer Malka Wallick. Upon arrival, guests will be treated to a complimentary glass of sparkling wine courtesy of Longboard Vineyards. A reception at The Harris Gallery will follow the screening and Q&A.
“‘Our Bodies & Other Shames’ brings humor and honesty to the gap between the lives we’re taught to expect and the lives we actually lead,” said David Katznelson, CEO of Reboot. “Through the friendship of three Jewish women, it explores how we question the expectations we inherit and find our own ways of belonging. It also finds new meaning in familiar traditions by making room for experiences that too often go unspoken. That feels like a fitting way to begin What Jewish Looks Like.”
For younger audiences, free matinee screenings of An American Tail will be held in the North Lounge at True West on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6.
The 1986 animated classic tells the story of Fievel Moscowitz, a young Russian mouse who is separated from his family while emigrating to the United States. As he searches for his family, he also contends with surviving in a new country. A festive courtyard gathering for all guests will round out the evening.
Program details for the February events will be announced in early January.
About True West Film Center
True West Film Center brings the transformative power of cinema to Northern California. With its cinemas, year-round educational programs, and film festival, the non-profit organization offers inclusive spaces where everyone is welcome and where we look to film to enrich our understanding of the human experience. Located in downtown Healdsburg, the James Redford Campus of True West Film Center consists of True West Cinemas, spaces for educational and community programs, and administrative offices.
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