“Roni does a superb job – she devotes many hours to researching, viewing, reading reviews, and selecting the best of hundreds of films to find those that meet our high standards before presentation to our Screening Committee for final approval.  Her leadership in and dedication to the Film Festival are unmatched.”
Jerry Mittleman, Executive Director, Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival

Roni Zee is in the role of artistic director for the third year now. She has been working with the Phoenix Jewish Film Festival since 2004. The organization has merged with the Sun Lakes Jewish Film Festival to become the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival in order to grow, have the ability to promote and reach more people as one strong valley-wide organization.  There are about 27 board members and a handful of volunteers that make the festival happen.

The 2010 Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival is fast approaching with the opening gala on Feb. 20 running through March 4. Films will be shown at the Camelview in Scottsdale as well as the Harkins Chandler Crossroads.

Roni is no stranger to the entertainment industry. She was a successful make up artist based in the San Fransciso area for more than twelve years. Her “breaking into the industry” story happened when she and her family lived in Kansas City. After raising her family for several years, Roni was ready for a new challenge. She knew of a professional make up person in the area and called him to ask if she could apprentice for him. He was very rude initially. Roni told her husband when he got home from work that evening. Mr. Zee called him back and must have made a very strong case, because Roni soon started working with the man.  When Roni relocated to the Bay Area, she approached KTVU and offered to do someone’s makeup for free. That led to her first commercial.  She was in the Union originally and eventually became a free lance artist. Her favorite project was “Over Easy with Hugh Downs.” Roni worked on that PBS show for 3 years, and met people from all walks of life in that position.

Roni is very proud that this year there is a selection of high caliber films. We have two Arizona premiers, and several area premiers which was a goal,” she says.  The process begins in February, when the selection committee starts to research what’s available on the Internet and make a list of films they want to review.  Roni even reads international press to keep the festival on the cutting edge.  She says sometimes a film she is interested in will be released before the timing of the Phoenix festival, which happened recently with Waltzing with Bashir. “It’s extremely disappointing when that happens.”  Roni also vows not to show any films that you could already get on Netflix or Blockbuster to keep the festival choices fresh and exciting.  She wants to share these films outside the Jewish community and extends a warm invitation to anyone who is interested in great cultural independent films.

We asked her about her favorite snack as a movie buff.
“Red Vines, red licorice!”   she smiles.
Roni’s definitely earned some Red Vines this year. Check out the schedule, attend a flick, and be to let Roni know your feedback on this year’s festival.