Jewish Press of Pinellas County

Doc series to present ‘Itzhak’ Oct. 28


Violinist Itzhak Perlman is the subject of a film about his career and challenges of being disabled. The film will be shown as part of the ‘Real to Reel’ series, put on by the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Violinist Itzhak Perlman is the subject of a film about his career and challenges of being disabled. The film will be shown as part of the ‘Real to Reel’ series, put on by the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The Real to Reel Film Series, presented in a virtual format due to the pandemic, will feature a showing of “Itzhak,” a Grammy-nominated documentary about Israeli virtuoso violinist Itzhak Perlman on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

The series is put on by the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Tickets are $10 per household. The event will feature a discussion after the film, moderated by Kara Gold-Harris, as well as a special presentation of the upcoming film selections for the 2021/2022 Real to Reel Series season.

The format of the event includes the opportunity to engage live with members from throughout the community, along with a watch party-styled screening of the film, offering both safety and flexibility. All ticket purchasers will receive a Zoom link to the event as well as an on-demand link with a two-day viewing window for guests with connectivity issues, or for those unable to make it to the event.

About the film

“Itzhak,” directed by Alison Chernick, was a Grammy Award nominee in 2019 for Best Music Film. From Mozart to Billy Joel, the Theme from “Schindler’s List” to klezmer, Perlman’s violin playing transcends mere performance to evoke the celebrations and struggles of real life. Renowned Tel Aviv violinmaker Amnon Weinstein, calls it “praying with the violin.”

This documentary looks beyond the sublime musician to see the polio survivor whose parents emigrated from Poland to Israel, the young man who struggled to be taken seriously as a music student when schools saw only his disability. Rotten Tomatoes describes the critics’ consensus of “Itzhak” as “an entertaining introduction to the life and career of a brilliant artist with a personality as warm as his music.”

“As we commemorate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we are thrilled to present a film that showcases such an iconic and inspiring Jewish musician who rose above the discrimination he faced due to his disability, to become a living legend,” said Kara Gold-Harris, director of arts, culture, and marketing for the Federation.

“For me, what became apparent after seeing my footage, over and over again, were themes of Jewish identity, Jewish history, humor and love – love for life, love between Itzhak and Toby and of course a shared love for music. These themes all emerged as unique storylines that would resonate independently,” said director Chernick.

To learn more, view the movie trailer, and purchase tickets for this virtual event at JewishGulfCoast.org/RealtoReel.

For more information about the event, go to info@jewishgulfcoast.org

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