Progressive Independent Films Portray the Universal Spirit and Courage of Women

NCJW/Essex Announces the Annual Wonder of Women Film Festival

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A Palestinian child’s only hope of survival is to cross the border into Israel for a liver transplant… a Muslim spiritual leader takes an egalitarian view of Islam… and a girl refuses to let her gender define her…

These captivating stories and several others will be presented at this year’s Wonder of Women Film Festival, sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section (NCJW/Essex) on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at the Maurice Levin Theater on the Ross Family Campus of the Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, 760 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. The 15th Annual Wonder of Women Film Festival showcases the universal spirit and courage of women of all ages, manifested through short films and documentaries created by independent filmmakers. This one-day event will be held from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm.

Featured at the festival this year will be director Elizabeth Rose, whose film, Law of Averages, explores the relationship of a young woman with her mother after the death of her grandmother. Ms. Rose will be available for a Q&A after the viewing of her film.

Following are summaries of some of the planned films. The final program is subject to change.

· Grandma Learns to Drive: A determined 86-year-old grandma finally gets a license with help from her granddaughter.

· Saving Nur: Afflicted with a rare genetic disease, nine-year-old Nur has only one chance of survival: crossing the border from Gaza into Israel, where doctors are capable of performing a liver transplant.

· Everybody Else is Taken: Meet Mika, a girl who refuses to let her gender define her place in one of the harshest environments on Earth – the playground.

· Law of Averages: Following the death of her grandmother, a young woman and her mother must deal with their own relationship.

· al imam: Despite controversy and threats, a Muslim spiritual leader takes a stand for justice through activism and the progressive practices of Islam.

“Each year the film festival brings to the screen thought-provoking, relevant and entertaining films by women that shed light on many aspects of women’s lives,” says NCJW/Essex President Shari Harrison. “We are extremely proud of our line-up this year.”

The fee for all day admission is $45 per person for NCJW/Essex members and $60 per person for nonmembers. Nonmembers wishing to join NCJW/Essex can apply $15 toward a new yearly membership of $50. Included with the cost of admission is a Kosher box lunch. Reservations are required. Seats will be available on a first-come basis on the day of the festival. For tickets and directions, please call NCJW/Essex at (973) 740-0588. Registration is available online at www.ncjwessex.org, or you may mail a check to NCJW/Essex, 70 South Orange Ave, Suite 120, Livingston, NJ 07039.