Crisco hails grant for film festival at Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE - State Sen. Joseph Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, Wednesday welcomed a $4,999 grant from Connecticut Humanities for the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven – headquartered in Woodbridge – to host seven films that relate to Jewish and Israeli issues.

State Sen. Joseph Crisco

The 2016 Beckerman Jewish Film Series is a diverse collection of Jewish and Israeli films to be shown in locations that span all of Greater New Haven including Cheshire, Hamden, Woodbridge, Madison, and New Haven. 

The series will run through May 17, and scholar-led discussions exploring of the films’ themes will follow each screening. 

Films to be screened include a variety of comedy, drama, historical and modern themes, both classics and new releases.

Each month, Connecticut Humanities distributes money allocated by the Connecticut state legislature through a highly competitive, merit-based application process. The Jewish film festival grant is one of 10 organizations in eight Connecticut towns that will share more than $210,000 in Connecticut Humanities grant money.

“One of the reasons why Connecticut consistently ranks so high in national quality of life rankings is because we have the ability to balance the business, education and arts investments that make Connecticut such an attractive and vibrant place to live,” Crisco said. “I’m grateful to Connecticut Humanities for recognizing the excellent work that the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven does in seeking to expand the health of each person’s mind, body and spirit.”

“The JCC of Greater New Haven is very fortunate to have received support from Connecticut Humanities for the Beckerman Jewish Film Series,” said Mara Gross Balk, program director for the JCC of Greater New Haven. 
“This grant enables us to bring Jewish arts and culture to seven locations across our catchment area, and the selections offer something for everyone. Our 12 partners in this series are an indication of the strength of film to bring communities together for meaningful, shared experiences.”


This is a press release from Crisco's office.