Las Vegas Weekly

The Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival screens the Sherman Brothers, Gustav Mahler and the history of Nevada’s Jewish communities

The Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival is the longest-running film festival in town, and this month it returns for its 11th year, with 12 feature films showcasing Jewish history and culture. The diverse festival, which includes both documentaries and narrative films, is a treat for film fans of any religion, and festival director Joshua Abbey, an original CineVegas co-founder, always finds interesting gems to spotlight. Here’s a look at five highlights from the festival.

The Boys Filmmakers Jeffrey and Gregory Sherman will be on hand to discuss their documentary about classic Hollywood songwriters the Sherman Brothers, who wrote iconic movie songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “It’s a Small World After All.” January 14, 7 p.m.

My Australia An award-winner at the Jerusalem Film Festival, this Polish drama follows a family’s difficult journey to settle in Israel in the aftermath of World War II. January 15, 4 p.m.

Mahler on the Couch This biopic about Austrian composer Gustav Mahler focuses on his time in therapy with Sigmund Freud, as he struggles to deal with his wife’s infidelity. January 21, 7 p.m.

Dolphin Boy Abbey highly recommends this uplifting Israeli documentary about a traumatized young man whose unique psychological treatment involves forging a connection with dolphins. January 22, 4 p.m.

Jews in Nevada Reno’s PBS station produced this documentary about Jewish contributions to the history of our state, from Jewish merchants during the gold rush to the current Jewish community in Las Vegas. January 29, 4 p.m.