BJFF: This Is My Mother

6:00pm – Discussion with Guest Speaker Rabbi Benjamin Shalva
Rabbi Shalva specializes in end-of-life counseling and mindfulness instruction, and serves as Manager of Jewish Care, Support, and Rabbinic Services for Gilchrist. He is the author of two books of nonfiction: Spiritual Cross-Training and Ambition Addiction, both published by Grand Harbor Press, and has written poetry and prose for publications including The Washington Post, Image, and Spirituality & Health Magazine. Rabbi Shalva lives in Baltimore, Maryland with his wife, Sara, their children, Lev and Avital, and their two hound dogs.

7:00pm – Film Screening: This Is My Mother
Pierre, a successful 33-year-old florist, has his life turned upside down by the sudden arrival of his mother Judith, whom he hasn’t seen for two years. Mercurial and extravagant, she suffers from bipolar disorder and has recently escaped from a clinic. Pierre has only one idea in mind: bring her back as quickly as possible so his life can get back on track. But nothing happens as he hoped for. Their unexpected reunion, as funny and explosive as it is heart-wrenching, will transform Pierre and Judith forever. View Film Trailer >

[ Comedy-Drama | France 2023 | Dir: Julien Carpentier | 105 minutes | French with English subtitles ]


Part of The 37th Annual William & Irene Weinberg Family Baltimore Jewish Film Festival. Film selections curated by the Festival Committee.