MJFF in the Classroom

The Maine Jewish Film Festival, in partnership with the Harward Center for Community Partnerships and members of the Bates College men’s cross country track team, hosted a screening of the Israeli documentary film “Freedom Runners” for members of the Lewiston High School track team and their coaches.

The film centers on a young Jewish teacher in Tel Aviv who starts a running club for his students, the sons and daughters of African asylum seekers.  Their talent and commitment bring them to national races, but their lack of Israeli citizenship denies them the trophies and recognition they earn.

Following the film, the Bates athletes facilitated an engaging, timely and relevant dialog the with members of the Bates College men’s cross country track team and the Lewiston High School track team.

The Maine Jewish Film Festival, in partnership with the Harward Center for Community Partnerships and members of the men's cross country track team, host a screening of the Israeli documentary film "Freedom Runners" for members of the Lewiston High School track team and their coaches in Pettigrew 200. After the screening, the Bates athletes facilitated a conversation in small groups about the film, using two starter questions to get the discussion moving. Present: LHS track and field coaches Paul Soracco, Carolyn Court Menendez and William K. “Kim” Wettlaufer ’80. Darby Ray, director, Harward Center for Community Partnerships, and Donald W. and Ann M. Harward Professor of Civic Engagement Brenna Callhan '15, Harward Center for Community Partnerships, Maine Campus Compact Civic Leadership Post-Baccalaureate Fellow Barbara Merson, executive director of the Maine Jewish Film Festival Bates track athletes: Ben Tonelli '18 of Seattle, Wash. (blue North Face hoodie); Michael Horowitz '17 of Montclair, N.J. (NKRC jacket), Ryan Betz '19 of Indianapolis, Ind., (striped jersey with white collar) and Sam Glenn '20 of Boston. Film Summary: An Israeli high school teacher establishes a running team for his students, young African refugees and asylum seekers who live in South Tel Aviv, aiming to make a change in their lives and help them with their struggle to believe in a better future and find a place and of their own, out of the margins of society.
mjff_great-films_green