Going to California

by | Aug 5, 2015 | Screenings

Aviva Kempner took a trip to California during late July and early August to promote Rosenwald, screening the film at various theaters throughout the area to many wonderful crowds.

First, a preview screening of Rosenwald was held at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, CA on July 27th where it was warmly received in a packed house. The event was held in collaboration with the NAACP Hollywood Bureau and TheWrap. After the show, Sharon Waxman, journalist and founder of TheWrap, interviewed the director Aviva Kempner. Among those in the audience were actor Shelly Berman, who has a brief appearance in the film and director Arthur Hiller, former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with his family.

Pictured: Sharon Waxman (left) and Aviva Kempner (right)

On July 31st, Aviva Kempner returned to the Castro Theatre in San Francisco to screen her fourth film at the wonderful San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. Started as the first Jewish Film Festival in the world in 1980, the festival has gone on for over 35 years, where it has continued to be one of the largest Jewish film festivals.

The film was preceded by the “Taking a Stand” panel discussion that included Aviva herself- as well as Rick Goldsmith, Judith Helfand, and Melissa Donovan. They took the time to “discuss their filmmaking careers, Jewish identity, activist filmmaking,
empowerment and community engagement.”

In 2009, Aviva Kempner was awarded the Freedom of Expression Award from the San Francisco Film Festival for her work on Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg!

After the screening of Rosenwald, Aviva Kempner and Julius Rosenwald’s grandson, Peter Ascoli, were welcomed to the stage to answer questions by a standing ovation. In the audience were a dozen West Coast members of the Rosenwald family who enthusiastically embraced the movie.

The Marquee of the Castro Theatre in San Francisco

After the screening at the San Francisco Film Festival, on August 2nd Aviva headed over to the Official screening of Rosenwald for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The screening was followed by a Q&A with Aviva, moderated by Patt Morrison (LA Times). Among Academy members was Kempner’s favorite European actor, Armin Mueller Stahl.

The following day, Aviva attended a preview screening of the film for Reel Talk at the Landmark Theater in Los Angeles. The screening was also followed by a Q&A- moderated by Reel Talk host, Stephen Farber. Kempner’s favorite American actor, Ed Asner in the audience.

Aviva Kempner was joined by Elizabeth Varet and Ed Asner

NAACP National Convention

by | Jul 15, 2015 | Rosenwald Screenings

July 15th- The NAACP holds their 106th National Convention in Philadelphia, PA. It was an honor to have a special screening of Rosenwald for convention attendees, only hours after President Obama spoke at the convention. Board member and rabbi David Saperstein, former NAACP chair Julian Bond, and Aviva Kempner appeared on a panel after the screening. Many members of the audience were reminiscing about attending the Rosenwald Schools. Convention attendees might have recognized a familiar face in the film, as an interview with former NAACP head, Ben Jealous, is shown. The film also contains interviews with many prominent African American figures and activists.

Pictured (left to right): Rabi David Saperstein, Julian Bond, and Aviva Kempner

Screening at the Center for Jewish History

by | Jul 10, 2015 | Rosenwald Screenings

On July 19th a sneak peak of Rosenwald was shown at the Center for Jewish History. This screening was timed to coincide with part of “Allied in the Fight” a new exhibit at the Center, intended to “recount the efforts made by American Jews and African Americans to fight for the fundamental American promise of equality before and during the Civil Rights era.” Joining the discussion after the film was Aviva Kempner and Rabbi David Saperstein.

Pictured (left to right): Julian Bond, Pam Horowitz, Aviva Kempner, Maxim Thorne
Pictured (left to right): Julian Bond, Aviva Kempner, Eli Evans (interviewee), Dr. Hasia Diner (interviewee), speaking after the screening of the film.

MARCH ON IN TO YOUR LOCAL THEATRE AUGUST 14, 2015!

by | Jul 4, 2015 | Rosenwald Screenings

Aviva Kempner and her crew took to the streets on July 4 to raise awareness about her upcoming film, Rosenwald. Marching with Councilwoman Mary Cheh in the Palisades Parade, the team handed out fliers and lollipops to the many spectators who line the streets annually to view the parade. Thankfully it didn’t “rain on our parade” as it had been expected to. Rosenwald opens in theatres August 14 so be sure to check your local listings and march on in to the theatre nearest you!