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Jewish Film Festival Kicking Off 34th Season

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The 34th annual Jewish Film Festival kicks off Saturday -- showcasing nearly two dozen films over the course of two weeks throughout the Philadelphia area.

"Nine countries total represented," says director Olivia Antsis.

She says the Jewish Film Festival opens with Anywhere Else at the Gershman Y -- about an Israeli women who moves to Berlin then goes back home, but realizes she's changed.

"This feeling of not knowing where you belong and not knowing where you fit in and sort of reclaiming who you really are," explains Antsis.

Listen to the complete interview with Olivia Antsis in this CBS Philly podcast (trt: 9:30)...

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Another highlight is The Sturgeon Queens about the 100 year history of Russ and Daughters -- the famed lox and herring emporium on New York's Lower East Side.

"For anyone who loves New York, is a foodie, or loves American immigrant history," Antsis says.

She adds there's also suspense films like 24 Days -- about Elan Herami, who was kidnapped and tortured in France because he was Jewish:

"This film is extremely gripping...even if you know how it's going to end...you are going to be on the edge of your seat."

Other mentions include The Best of Men as well as Famous Nathan -- about an immigrant family who came to America with nothing and created an iconic hotdog.

The festival runs through November 15th and also includes receptions, panel discussions and other special events.

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