L.A. Jewish Film Festival Opening Night Gala & Mansion of Blood

The historic Saban Theatre in B.H. was the perfect venue for the 10^th Annual LA Jewish Film Festival Gala.  We were  treated to the premiere of the award-winning documentary, The Outrageous Sophie Tucker.  This film produced by Susan & Lloyd Ecker, features appearances by Tony Bennett, Carol Channing, Michael Feinstein and Mamie Van Doren (who attended  the opening night Gala.

Sue & Lloyd Ecker

Even Sophie herself (the Last of the Red Hot Mamas) was in attendance,  in the form of iconic drag impersonator, Worthie, “Momma” Meacham.  Others feasting on fabulous noshes included Actresses Rhada Mitchell, Beverly Todd, Judy Tenuta, Francine York & the still glamorous beauty France Nuyen, who made us feel “ Younger Than Springtime” (as she did in South Pacific)!

France Nuyen

The Festival will run until May 7^th, and you still have time to purchase tickets to an amazing array of films – for which you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy & appreciate!  Kudos to Kim Cavallo & Michelle Kaufman, the festival’s first chairmen;  Hillary Helstein, Festival Director, John Fishel, Honorary Chair & tireless work of a myriad of volunteers & the Jewish Journal, who contributed greatly to this celebration of Jewish life and culture. For further info, check out their website www.lajfilmfest.org

Sybill Danning

For another film happening,  keep May 19^th open for the premiere of Mission of Blood, at Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre.  This campy, horror-comedy film stars Oscar nominees Gary Busey, Terry Moore, Star Trek’s Robert Picardo and Tom Tangen, who also produced this hilarious horror film.  In addition, the Southern California Motion Picture Council will bestow Golden Halo Awards to Renee Taylor &Joe Bologna, Marty Ingels, Michelle Tomlinson & George Barris (creator of Monster Koach and Batmobile).

Hilary Helstein & Curt Lowens

Some of the celebs expected to attend include Margaret O’Brien, Tippi Hedren, (The Birds}  Valerie Harper, Billie Dee Williams, Frances Fisher (Titanic), and Linda Blair – star of  the greatest horror film of all time, The Exorcist.   Hope to see you there!

Ken Davitian (Photo Credit for the above images to Billy Bennight)

Mission of Blood movie poster