The 2nd Brighton Jewish Film Festival

In 1998, the 2nd Brighton Jewish Film Festival ran from 14-22nd November. The Festival was opened with an Israeli/Swiss co-production called The Dybbuk of the Holy Apple Field, a new version of the ancient tale of spirit possession. To celebrate Israel’s Jubilee, the Festival marked the event by including a selection of films reflecting some aspects of life in Israel. This selection was called ‘Israel at 50′.

The Festival also screened its first LGBT film, Oy Gay (directed by Rosalind Haver), a documentary celebrating and examining gay Jewish life in the UK. The screening was followed by an impromptu cabaret by Dave Lynn, accompanied by John Bruzon.

The 1998 Festival was the first in UKJFF’s Celebrity Interview series. On Sunday 22nd November, Honorary President Sir Sydney Samuelson interviewed film director Lewis Gilbert (Shirley Valentine, Educating Rita, Alfie, The Spy Who Loved Me). Clips from Lewis Gilbert films were shown during the interview.

The Festival was attended by a special guest, film director Férid Boughedir.