By Reporter staff
The Binghamton Jewish Film Fest will hold a virtual showing of the film “All About the Levkoviches.” Bill Simons, Ph.D., professor emeritus of American history at SUNY Oneonta, will moderate a Zoom discussion of the film. People will be able to register for links to the film and discussion through this link. The film will be available for viewing from Thursday-Sunday, December 5-8. The discussion will be held on Sunday, December 8, at 7 pm. The film is in Hungarian with subtitles. The film fest is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton and the Ithaca Area United Jewish Community.
The film tells the story of Tamás, a generous but stubborn boxing coach, who gets along well with everyone except his own son, Iván. The two have not spoken since Iván moved to Israel and became Orthodox. When Tamás’ beloved wife, Zsuzsa, dies unexpectedly, Tamás tells his son that he can sit shiva in his house if he brings his grandson, Ariel, with him. As past conflicts resurface, the father and son embark on an unexpected journey of self-reflection and reconciliation. They must not only face their old grievances during the one-week religious mourning, but help Ariel, who believes his grandmother’s spirit is still in the house, deal with his own grief.
The Budapest Reporter said of the film “a clever blend of comedy and drama, ‘All About the Levkoviches’ is one of the rare movies that offer a little bit for everyone. The story... is captivating and educational, offering a great insight into the life of the Jewish community in Hungary, and the characters are definitely memorable.” The website Film at Lincoln Center said the film is “told with delightfully mordant humor and a genuine warmth... [director Adam] Breier’s film is masterfully acted and directed, maintaining a perfectly balanced tone between comedy and pathos.”
The film was nominated for the George Gund III Memorial Central and Eastern European Film Competition at the Cleveland International Film Festival; and a nominee for the Grand Prix International Competition and a winner of the FIPRESCI Prize for Best Film.
“Join us for an intimate look at a Jewish family struggling with grief and animosity,” said Shelley Hubal, executive director of the Federation. “This film is sure to speak to everyone.”