Jewish Film Festival screening documentary 'Jews and Baseball,' presenting humanitarian award

The Jewish Film Festival, created by the Charleston Jewish Experience, kicks off this October with a screening of a documentary titled "Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story."

This iconic film about the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews since the 1860s will light up the screen of The Sottile Theatre on October 24th, at 7:45 p.m. Prior to the movie screening, the organizers will host a dessert and champagne reception at 6:30 p.m. and present the Melvin and Judith Solomon Humanitarian Award for the Arts to Judith Solomon.

The documentary that debuted earlier this year in Israel is produced and directed by Peter Miller, narrated by Dustin Hoffman, and written by the Pulitzer Prize winning former New York Times sportswriter, Ira Berkow. More than a film about sports, Jews and Baseball is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, and the shattering of stereotypes. The film features a rare interview with the legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax as well as interviews with Larry King, Kevin Youkilis, Shawn Green, Yogi Berra, Ron Howard and many others.

The Melvin and Judith Solomon Humanitarian Award for the Arts was created to honor the Solomons as lifelong supporters of the arts in Charleston and Jewish culture and to inspire others to do the same. Melvin Solomon, a successful businessman, played a key role in establishing Spoleto Festival USA, contributed to medical research and care at MUSC, and both he and Judith were recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals by their Lowcountry Philanthropy Award.

“We have many reasons for establishing a Jewish film festival in Charleston, but first and foremost we hope to inspire a greater appreciation and long-lasting connection among members of the broader Charleston community by showcasing our rich traditions but also our modern Jewish culture. We also strive to instill pride in the members of our congregation,” says Stanley Baker, president of BSBI Synagogue. “The event will start a tradition of featuring iconic Jewish filmmakers and movies as well as honoring individuals devoted to supporting the arts and Jewish culture in our city.”

Tickets are $50 for the film and reception, and $20 for the film only. The Sottile Theatre is located at 44 George Street.