Presented by the Jewish Federation of Tulsa and Circle Cinema, see the best in contemporary Jewish films from March 23-27- with the Dangoor Centre’s Enduring Support
https://www.circlecinema.org/okjff
Tulsa’s Jewish Film Festival, first launched in October 2014 through a collaborative partnership among Circle Cinema, the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, and the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, has since grown into an annual cultural cornerstone. The festival was established with a vision to celebrate the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage while fostering intercultural dialogue and community engagement through the transformative power of film. Its inception marked a pivotal moment for Tulsa’s diverse cultural landscape—an effort aimed at deepening understanding and bridging gaps between communities.
At its core, the festival was designed to be more than just a series of film screenings. It was conceived as a dynamic forum for exploring the nuances of Jewish identity and the broader human experience, using cinema as a catalyst for conversation. By presenting an array of contemporary films that delve into themes of migration, resilience, and historical memory, the festival offers audiences a unique opportunity to reflect on their own identities and to appreciate the complex narratives that shape our collective past. This commitment to cultural literacy and community education continues to resonate, particularly in an era marked by rapid social change and persistent challenges to cultural understanding.
This year, the festival enjoys an invigorated spirit of support through the leading sponsorship of the Dangoor Centre. With its robust commitment to cultural diplomacy and the humanities, the Dangoor Centre’s involvement represents a convergence of historical vision and contemporary cultural strategy. “As one of the festival’s principal backers, states Dr. Danielle Gurevitch, Director of the Dangoor Centre, we reinforce the idea that artistic expression is a formidable tool in the fight against ignorance”. Her assertion encapsulates a fundamental belief: that by embracing and sharing diverse cultural narratives, communities can challenge stereotypes and build lasting bridges of understanding.
The Oklahoma Jewish Film Festival in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA is thrilled to have the support of the Dangoor Center in sponsoring two important films at their annual film festival, March 23 – 27, 2025.
The Blond Boy from the Casbah
A celebrated filmmaker returns to Algiers with his young son in a bittersweet semi-autobiographical dramedy, reflecting on the loss of his multicultural community during the Algerian War of Independence in the 1960s. Having emigrated to France with his family years earlier, Antoine reconnects with his roots in a neighborhood of Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Nostalgic memories flood back—school, friends, his Sephardic upbringing, and his early fascination with cinema—as he presents his newest film, an account of his childhood shaped by the unrest that ultimately forced them to flee. As father and son bond over shared history, this sentimental sojourn, adapted to Alexandre Arcady’s memoir, is brought to life on the vibrant streets of Algiers, evoking a bygone time.
Running on Sand
Nominated for the Israeli Academy Award for Best Film, Running on Sand is a feel-good tale of mistaken identity. Aumari, a young Eritrean refugee in the process of being deported, is mistaken for a professional soccer player being brought to Israel to help save the struggling Maccabi Netanya team. Despite having no soccer experience, he plays along and somehow manages to reinvigorate the floundering squad. Amid their quest for victory, he finds himself falling for the team owner’s daughter and worrying if his true identity will be uncovered. Starring the charismatic Congo-born actor Chancela Mongoza and a group of other African migrant actors, Running on Sand has both humor and heart and sheds light on the challenges faced by refugees.
The Dangoor Centre’s sponsorship not only lends financial and organizational support but also enhances the intellectual and cultural scope of the festival. Its backing has allowed for an expanded program that includes thought-provoking films, panel discussions, and community workshops—each designed to stimulate dialogue and promote educational outreach. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the festival remains both accessible and impactful, engaging audiences from varied backgrounds in conversations about identity, history, and cultural resilience.
Moreover, the integration of the Dangoor Centre’s vision with the longstanding mission of Tulsa’s Jewish Film Festival underscores the evolving role of cultural institutions in our society. “By marrying historical legacy with visual arts, asserts Dr. Gurevitch, the festival serves as a living example of how art and humanities can drive social change. It provides a platform for filmmakers to share stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and it encourages viewers to see beyond preconceived notions. This shared commitment to cultural education and dialogue is essential in cultivating an informed and empathetic community.”
In celebrating the power of film to illuminate and unite, Tulsa’s Jewish Film Festival continues to build on its foundational ideals while adapting to the challenges of the contemporary world. The collaborative energy generated by the festival’s origins and the Dangoor Centre’s proactive involvement paves the way for an enriched cultural experience—one that promises to inspire, educate, and transform audiences year after year.
Ultimately, the festival stands as a testament to the enduring belief that culture and the humanities are indispensable tools in the pursuit of social understanding and cohesion. As Tulsa welcomes audiences to this year’s edition, the festival not only honors its heritage but also reaffirms the power of art to reshape perceptions and foster a more inclusive future.
