By Reporter staff 

The Binghamton Jewish Film Fest will hold a virtual showing of the Israeli comedy “Greener Pastures” in January. The film is in Hebrew with English subtitles. Registration is required prior to Thursday, January 12, which is when the link will be sent out. A discussion moderated by Neisen Luks will take place on Sunday, January 15, at 5:30 pm. Registration is free, but donations are welcome. Register here. 

The films tells the story of 79-year-old Dov, whose family has forced him to move into a nursing home. Dov can’t remain his home because he has no money due to having lost his pension savings. He dislikes the nursing home and dreams of finding a way to make money so he can buy back his old house. After noticing his fellow residents smoking legal medical cannabis, he decides that if he sells the weed, rather than smoking it, he may be able to raise enough money to move back home.

“Greener Pastures” was nominated for 12 awards in 2020 by the Israeli Film Academy. Alan Ng, https://filmthreat.com, called the film “a touching and, in a way, cathartic tale about family and loss.” In Moment magazine, Dina Gold wrote, “This is a gentle and amusing movie, wholly suitable for family viewing.”

Luks, who will moderate the discussion, has been an active member of the Jewish community since arriving in town in June, 1966. He is a past president of Temple Concord and the Jewish Federation of Broome County (now known as the Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton). “I’ve agreed to be the moderator of this film since it is a ‘light’ comedy and relatable to a person of my age,” he said. “Additionally, it appears to be fairly benign, thus not requiring any in-depth analysis or profound movie expertise.”

“A comedy is the perfect film for a dark winter night,” said Shelley Hubal, executive director of the Federation. “I’m looking forward to viewing the film and participating in the discussion.”