Israel Premiere

February 17, 2008 - Eyes Wide Open, a documentary film that chronicles the preconceptions and revelations of American Jews as they visit Israel, will be held at the Jerusalem Cinematheque on February 28, 2008. The film was directed by veteran filmmaker Paula Weiman-Kelman and written by award-winning journalist Stuart Schoffman. (See attached invitation.)

In poignant and revealing snapshots, Eyes Wide Open tells the story of the emotional challenge Israel poses today for American Jews. The statistics back up the dramatic shifts of recent years:

Only 48% of the non-Orthodox respondents under the age of 35 agreed that "Israel's destruction would be a personal tragedy." Just 54% are "comfortable with the idea of a Jewish State."
(from a 2007 study commissioned by The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies)

The film's successful New York premiere in January sparked passionate responses and wide media interest. The Cinematheque screening and panel discussion that follows will add the unique Israeli perspective to the timely debate on the complexities of the American Jewish relationship with the State of Israel.

Says Weiman-Kelman: "I created a film that I hope will become a springboard for honest and open discussions about the emotional and communal ties that bind the American Jewish community to Israel today."

Once You Visit Israel, Everything Looks Different