Though it cannot compare to the senseless loss of human life, art and culture are also often casualties of war. Paintings and sculptures that took years to create – and that were cherished for centuries – can be vaporized in seconds, either accidentally by an errant shell or as a deliberate, sadistic message from conquering soldiers.
There was no doubt of the intentions of the Nazis, who burned the majestic wooden 18th-century synagogue in Gwozdziec, Poland (now part of Ukraine) to the ground. There were an additional 200 wooden synagogues like it scattered across Poland and Lithuania. All of them were torched. Along with the murdered Jews of Eastern Europe, Hitler wanted to wipe out any evidence they ever existed.
More than six decades after the end of World War II, Massachusetts College of Art professors Rick and Laura Brown decided they wanted to bring the Gwozdziec Synagogue – and its ornate interior Michelangelo-esque ceiling mural – back to life. The documentary that tells their story, Raise the Roof (watch the trailer here), is one of nine movies making their New Hampshire premieres this week and last during the New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival, tells their story.
As an added bonus, there are three New Hampshire residents who actually worked on the synagogue with 300 other random volunteers and were a part of the documentary.
“Our screening committee has chosen the best of the best of hundreds of submissions,” said says Linda Gerson, NHJFF co-chairwoman and co-artistic director. “Hopefully introducing you to some lesser-known, but riveting historical moments – and new people and places you otherwise might not have ever encountered.”
The 2016 NHJFF includes entries from the following countries: France, Hungary, Israel, Poland, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States. Movies will be screened statewide in the following cities: Bedford (Southeast Regional Educational Service Center), Concord (Red River Theatres), Keene (Keene State College), Manchester (SNHU), Merrimack (Cinemagic) and Portsmouth (The Music Hall Loft).
This year’s special programming began in Bedford, Portsmouth and Merrimack and makes its way to Red River Theatres in Concord this weekend. There will be a film screening tonight and Saturday night, with three screenings on Sunday. A gala closing reception will be held in conjunction with the final film, Rock in the Red Zone.
The film is about the heart of the Israeli music scene, which just so happens to be in Gaza, where people live every day in the path of rockets, Gerson said. She said the film shows how children are taught music as a way to cope with stress. The film’s director will join the event by Skype to do a question-and-answer session with the audience afterward.
Gerson said the key to this festival is the broad scope of genres with their selections, and the pick for Saturday night is a far cry from these important documentaries.
Frank vs. God is the story about a man whose wife and dog just died and when he seeks damages, he’s told it was “God’s will.” So, he decides to serve God with a lawsuit.
The film festival gives out fan favorite awards once the festival wraps up. Gerson said they will survey the audience after each screening, and based upon those results they will announce who was the favorite.
Gerson also points out that the festival is all-inclusive.
“All of the films are understandable. You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy the festival,” she said. “We welcome everyone.”
For ticket information, movie trailers and more, visit NHJewishFilmFestival.org.
Thursday, April 7
“Once in a Lifetime”
7 p.m., Red River Theatres, Concord
French w/English subtitles
Admission: $10
Saturday, April 9
“Frank vs. God”
8 p.m., Red River Theatres, Concord
English
Director: Stewart Schill (USA)
Admission: $10
Sunday, April 10
“Raise the Roof” (Documentary)
12:30 p.m., Red River Theatres, Concord
English & Polish w/English subtitles
85 minutes (Recommended for teens and older)
Admission: $10
“Is That You?” (Drama/Romance)
3 p.m., Red River Theatres, Concord
English and Hebrew w/English subtitles
81 minutes (Mature Content)
Admission: $10
Closing Event: Film & Wrap Party
“Rock in the Red Zone” (Documentary)
5 p.m., Red River Theatres, Concord
English and Hebrew w/English subtitles
Admission: $15 includes film and Festival Wrap Party