MARCH 11 - 19, 2000

FINAL - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2000

Turning the Camera on Racism at the Seattle Jewish Film Festival

The Seattle Jewish Film Festival, presented by the American Jewish Committee, turns the lens on bigotry and racism on Wednesday, March 15, at 7:00 PM at the Loews City Centre Theatre with the two area film premieres. The documentary "From Swastika to Jim Crow," is a fascinating portrait of two disparate communities drawn together by a common burden of oppression - students at segregated Southern black colleges and their Jewish professors, refugees from Nazi Germany. Showing with "From Swastika to Jim Crow," the US premiere of "Antiracist," a documentary profiling the innovative and effective work being done by Swedish youth activists to fight intolerance in their country.

"These films turn the lens on hate and show us how confronting anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia and homophobia can be a labor of love," explains Festival Manager Molly Sedlik. "Those of us living in the Pacific Northwest are unfortunately aware of the presence of hate groups in our area. We present these films as an antidote to hate, and hope they provide some inspiration as well."

"From Swastika to Jim Crow" is the story of German-Jewish professors expelled from prominent European universities in the 30's and 40's. Confronted by anti-Semitism in the US, these academic refugees find employment at traditionally black colleges such as Tougaloo and Howard. As mutual targets of discrimination, the Jewish professors and their African-American students forge amazing and long-lasting bonds. Based on Gabrielle Simon Edgecomb's book of the same name, the film celebrates the bonds between teachers and students and the triumph of the human spirit in a racially charged environment.

Director Liv Weisberg documents the work of youth organizers fighting intolerance in proactive ways in her film "Antiracist." The camera follows five youth activists confronting racism in committed, courageous and very different ways. "Antiracist" spotlights the energy, sacrifices and rewards involved in taking a stand against intolerance. SJFF is proud to present the United States premiere of this award-winning documentary.

At the March 15 screening, filmmakers Stephen Fishcler and Joel Sucher will be in attendance to discuss "From Swastika to Jim Crow." Also taking part in the post-film discussion, Professor Thaddeus Spratlen, co-chair of the African American/Jewish Coalition for Justice and Terry Rybovich, Executive Director of the Northwest Coalition for Human Dignity. This evening is co-sponsored by Community High School for Jewish Studies and the Northwest Coalition for Human Dignity.

The Seattle Jewish Film Festival is presented by the American Jewish Committee and is sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company. General admission tickets to the Seattle Jewish Film Festival are $7.50 for adults and $4.00 for children under 13. For tickets, call the box office at 206-390-7791 or visit the website at www.ajcseattle.org.

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Contact: Cathleen O’Connell

PR Coordinator SJFF 2000

Tel: 206-622-6315

Fax: 206-622-3015

Email: PR_SJFF2000@hotmail.com