OU to preview the 13th annual Jewish Film Festival May 11-12

Oakland University will preview the 2011 Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival with a showing of four films specially selected to engage student viewers. The selections are among the festival's full lineup of 40 feature presentations.

The preview will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, May 11-12, and admission is free for those with a student ID. General admission is $7 per film or $10 for a double feature.

"It's going to be a nice variety of films appealing to the young demographic, yet thought provoking," said Mike Pytlik, a special lecturer in OU's Judaic Studies program. Attendees can share their thoughts about the films and their themes in discussions following each presentation.

Carol Segal Ziecik, a member of OU's Judaic Studies Community Committee and the Jewish Film Festival Planning Committee, said the preview reflects the diversity of films at the full festival being held May 15-26.

"The Oakland University Jewish Film Festival Preview resonated with us as an opportunity to share the Jewish experience through the films with the student body at OU and the community at large," Ziecik said. "We believe that film is a great way to learn about other people, cultures and their beliefs."

The Merton J. and Beverly Segal Support Foundation, the College of Arts and Sciences Judaic Studies program and the Jewish Community Center are sponsors of the preview, which will include:

• "Howl" at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11 — America's commitment to free speech is put to the test in 1957 San Francisco when the propriety of poet Allen Ginsberg's work is questioned. The film features Oscar nominee James Franco. A discussion will be facilitated by Elliot Wilhelm, curator of film at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

• "Keeping Up with the Steins" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 — A Bar Mitzvah is an honored Jewish celebration that signifies the point where a boy becomes a man. However, young Ben Fielder is confused when his parents are determined that Ben's party should be much better than the Stein boys recent Bar Mitzvah. A discussion will be facilitated by Keren Alpert, rabbinic associate at Temple Beth El.

• "Holy Rollers" at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 12 — Inspired by events in the late 1990s when Hasidic Jews were used to smuggle ecstasy from Europe to the United States, the film features Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenberg. A discussion will be facilitated by Mike Pytlik, an OU special lecturer in sociology and anthropology.

• "The Yankles" at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12 — An ex-con finds redemption by coaching an upstart, disorganized Orthodox Jewish baseball team in this feel-good comedy about overcoming bigotry and self-doubt. A discussion will be facilitated by Rabbi Stephen Polter, an OU lecturer in Judaic studies.

• After-glow reception from 9:30-10 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 — Join fellow film buffs for refreshments courtesy of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Oakland County Film & Digital Media.

The preview will take place in Varner Recital on the campus Oakland University. Interactive and printable maps are available at www.oakland.edu/map. Seating is limited and advance ticket purchase is recommended. For advance tickets, contact Kristen Clark at (248) 370-2650 or klclark@oakland.edu. For more information on the Jewish Film Festival, visit the website.