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CSUN Jewish Studies Program to Host Documentary Film Screening

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Feb. 20, 2006) — The CSUN Jewish studies program will host a screening of Ronit Avni’s award-winning documentary "Encounter Point", at Laemmle’s Fallbrook 7 Theater on Sunday, February 25, at 10:30 a.m.

"The documentary shows points of view that most people have never heard from the popular media," said professor Jody Myers, coordinator of the Cal State Northridge Jewish studies program.

The film chronicles a group of deeply distressed people in a challenging search for peaceful resolution through the Palestinian-Israeli Bereaved Families Forum. "Encounter Point" illustrates the perspectives of an Israeli settler, a Palestinian ex-prisoner, a mourning Israeli mother and a wounded Palestinian bereaved brother.

"Encounter Point" is part of a film series hosted by the Jewish studies program. "The overarching purpose…is to showcase films that present different aspects of the Jewish experience, and to showcase faculty of the Jewish studies program who can help people interpret the experiences," explained Myers.

A discussion and Q & A will take place directly following the screening.

Presented in Hebrew, Arabic and English with English subtitles, "Encounter Point" is suitable for teens and runs 85 minutes long.

Laemmle’s Fallbrook 7 Theater is located at 6731 Fallbrook Ave, West Hills. As seating is limited, please call (818) 677-4724 or email jewish.studies@csun.edu for reservations.

The event is sponsored by Valley Beth Shalom, Adat Ari El, Temple Judea, Shomrei Torah Synagogue and Temple Aliyah.

For more information, contact Jody Myers jody.myers@csun.edu or visit the CSUN Jewish Studies Website at http://www.csun.edu/jewish.studies/.

Cal State Northridge offers both a major and a minor in Jewish Studies. The program explores the rich heritage of the Jewish people. Using the methodology of different academic disciplines, it examines the experience of Jews in the many lands in which they have lived over the past 4,000 years as well as contemporary Jewish life in Israel, Europe, Asia and the Americas.