Film and music courses for cinephiles and music lovers.
Film Classes
SLIPPING INTO DARKNESS:
The Jewish Influence on Film Noir
Registration deadline: January 8
Taught by George Robinson
Mondays, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
6 Sessions, January 11 – February 15
$169 ($149 for JxJ Donors of certain levels*)
A survey of the Jewish influence on Film Noir, and the filmmakers—mostly emigres seeking refuge from the Nazis—that came to define the genre.
Teacher: George Robinson recently finished 26 years as the film critic at The Jewish Week (NYC). An adjunct assistant professor of media arts and technology at Borough of Manhattan Community College, he has been writing about film for almost 50 years. He is also the author of Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs and Rituals (Simon and Schuster/Atria) and Essential Torah: A Complete Guide to the Five Books of Moses (Schocken).
HOW TO WATCH FILM CRITICALLY
Registration deadline: January 8
Taught by Ilya Tovbis
Wednesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
6 Sessions, January 13 – February 17
$169 ($149 for JxJ Donors of certain levels*)
Building off the skills and concepts discussed in How Movies Are Made (participation in that class is a pre-requisite), we take a deeper dive into film criticism.
Teacher: Ilya Tovbis is the Artistic and Managing Director of JxJ, and for 8 years the Director of the Washington Jewish Film Festival. He has been a guest programmer at the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) and the Virginia Film Festival (VAFF). His film reviews and industry breakdowns have been published in indieWire, Slant Magazine, and Flavorpill.
This class is only open to those who have taken the How Movies Are Made course.
HOW MOVIES ARE MADE
Registration deadline: January 8
Taught by Ilya Tovbis
Tuesdays, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
5 Sessions, January 12 – February 9
$149 ($129 for JxJ Donors of certain levels*)
Ever wonder why your favorite filmmaker takes so long to come out with new work? Why Hollywood is obsessed with sequels? How a film is birthed from the kernel of an idea, nurtured in the screenwriting process, made tangible during shooting, refined through editing, and eventually brought to the silver screen?
Teacher: Ilya Tovbis is the Artistic and Managing Director of JxJ, and for 8 years the Director of the Washington Jewish Film Festival. He has been a guest programmer at the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) and the Virginia Film Festival (VAFF). His film reviews and industry breakdowns have been published in indieWire, Slant Magazine, and Flavorpill.
PAGE TO STAGE TO SCREEN
Registration deadline: January 11
Taught by Adam Immerwahr and Ilya Tovbis
Thursdays, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
6 Sessions, January 14 – February 18
$189 ($169 for JxJ Donors of certain levels*)
A look at the artistic process, challenges and magic that occurs when adapting a play into a film. Co-taught by Theater J’s Adam Immerwahr and JxJ’s Ilya Tovbis.
Teachers:
Adam Immerwahr is a director and theater producer. He is currently the artistic director of Theater J, the nation’s premier Jewish theater. He served as the Associate Artistic Director at McCarter Theatre, a Tony Award-winning regional theater in Princeton, NJ.
Ilya Tovbis is the Artistic and Managing Director of JxJ, and for 8 years the Director of the Washington Jewish Film Festival. He has been a guest programmer at the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) and the Virginia Film Festival (VAFF). His film reviews and industry breakdowns have been published in indieWire, Slant Magazine, and Flavorpill.
Music Classes
SEPHARDIC MUSICAL JOURNEY
Registration deadline: January 11
Taught by Susan Gaeta and Gina Sobel
Thursdays, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
5 Sessions, January 14 – February 11
$149 ($129 for JxJ Donors of certain levels*)
An exploration of Sephardic music across time, including live performances, a discussion of language and a bit of singing, too!
Teachers: Vocalist and guitarist Susan Gaeta is an important member of a new generation of musicians who are exploring the rich and varied traditions of Sephardic music. Gina Sobel is a natural improviser. A virtuoso on multiple instruments (flute, sax, voice), she exudes energy and excitement in her live performances and is sought after as a soloist with national and international performers. Together, Susan and Gina have a modern Sephardic fusion band called Minnush.
THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON
Registration deadline: January 11
Taught by Seth Kibel
Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
6 Sessions, January 12 – February 16
$169 ($149 for JxJ Donors of certain levels*)
A survey and celebration of the music and legacy of one of Washington, DC’s most legendary musicians—Edward Kennedy “The Duke” Ellington.
Teachers: Winner of 28 Washington Area Music Awards, Seth Kibel is a highly acclaimed clarinet, saxophone, and flute player (The Kleztet, Bay Jazz Project, Music Pilgrim Trio, The Natty Beaux). Kibel also lectures on music history at Johns Hopkins and Towson Universities.
Previous Classes
18 Aliyot: Israeli Folklore and Music of the Diaspora
Behind the Screen: How Movies are Made
The Jews of American Jazz
Klezmer, American Music
Masterworks of the New Israeli Cinema
The Jews of Tin Pan Alley
What’s Not to Like? Hollywood’s Love Affair with Jewish Humor
Shoah on Screen: Through the Eyes of Children
Hidden Gems of Jewish Cinema
Discounts & Policies
*The following JxJ Donors are eligible for class discounts:
- JxJ 2020 Donors, Patron Level ($1,100) and Above
- Fan Level ($175) and above donors renewing their donations for the 2020/2021 Season (gifts received after July 1, 2020).
- New Donors at the Fan Level ($175) or Above
Use the email address attached to your JxJ account and your donor discount will automatically be taken in your cart. If you have questions, call 202.777.3210 and we will be happy to help you complete your transaction.
Policies
It is preferred that participants log in via computers (with microphones and speakers), but if need be they can call in by phone. Registrants will receive detailed instructions from JxJ within a few days of registering.
Each individual in a household must register separately.
All students MUST register for class. It is easiest to do this online, but can also be done over the phone if necessary.
JxJ reserves the right to cancel classes that do not have the minimum required number of students. Students may request a full refund for the cancelled class or apply the money toward future JxJ classes. JxJ can refund tuition up to 10 days prior to the class starting. Students may only apply one discount per class per registration period.
Please feel free to contact JxJ at 202.777.3210 or boxoffice@jxjdc.org with any questions or concerns.
JxJ is not responsible for providing make-ups or issuing credit or refunds for programs missed as a result of personal scheduling conflicts, illnesses, emergencies, or other circumstances beyond JxJ’s control. If you are unable to attend a program for any of these reasons, we encourage you to consider your registration fee a form of support, helping JxJ sustain our programs.