One of the best parts of attending a film festival is the opportunity to listen to filmmakers and other guest speakers discussing a film after a screening. This year, the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival has an outstanding group of directors, writers, and experts appearing after select films.

The GPJFF will screen a total of eleven films and five shorts at three Harkins theaters in the Valley: Harkins Camelview 5, Harkins Crossroads 12, and this year, Harkins Arrowhead 18. The Premiere Gala event takes place at Congregation Beth Israel on Saturday, February 12th at 7:30 PM, and the Festival continues with screenings at Harkins theaters through February 27th.

Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story is a film that’s getting a ton of buzz, from mentions in Sports Illustrated to Variety. Howie Siegel, of the Society for American Baseball Research, will be appearing at the 3 PM screenings of the film at Harkins Camelview 5 on Feb. 13 and at Chandler Crossroads 12 on Feb. 20. Marc Kligman, MLB Player Agent, will appear at Arrowhead 18 Feb. 20 at their 3 PM screening.

Against the Tide is a documentary that tells the little known story of Peter Bergson, a young activist, who tirelessly stood up against American Jewish leaders and challenged Washington in the late 30s and early 40s in an effort to save the Jews of Europe. The film is narrated by Dustin Hoffman. Fellow Phoenix Holocaust Survivor Association member, Paul Wieser, a Holocaust Scholar, will appear at the Camelview, Feb. 13 at 3 PM, and will lead the discussion at Chandler Crossroads on Feb. 16 at 7 PM.

On Valentines Day at 7 PM, you’ll love the musical hit The Klezmatics. Writer/Director, Erik Greenberg Anjou, will appear after the film at Camelview. Klezmatics is about the Grammy Award winning New York based Klezmer band whose restless energy, infectious concert performances and on-camera candor, make for a rousing behind the scenes documentary.

Berlin 36 plays Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 7 PM at Camelview and at Chandler Crossroads Wed. Feb. 16 at 3 PM. It is inspired by the true story of what happens when the Nazis conspire to replace Jewish high jumper, Gretel Bergmann, considered a top contender for the gold medal at the 1936 Summer Games in Nazi- controlled Berlin, with an unknown uber-athlete, who years later is the subject of a revelation that will have you shaking your head in disbelief. Dr. Murray Henner, ASU and Embry-Riddle University Professor will speak at Camelview, and the Arizona Republic’s own Film Critic, Bill Goodykoontz, will lead the discussion in Chandler.

Finally, Where I Stand: The Hank Greenspun Story is a “you’ve gotta’ see it to believe it” previously untold account of fearless American hero, Hank Greenspun – Las Vegas visionary, crusading newspaper publisher, target of the Watergate burglars and gun runner in Israel’s War of Independence. The writer and director, Scott Goldstein, best known for his work on television series, L.A. Law and Doogie Howser, M.D. will appear at the festival closing event on February 27 at a 2 PM screening at Chandler Crossroads. “I feel it’s my best work to date,” Goldstein recently confided, and corrected himself “for all of us who were involved. It’s about the power of the press,” Goldstein said.

Be sure to check out all the films on the website: http://gpjff.org. In addition, you can also follow the Festival on Facebook.com/greaterphoenixjewishfilmfest or @GPJFF on Twitter.

WHAT: The 15th Annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival
WHEN: Saturday, February 12th through Sunday, February 27th
WHERE: Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 North 56th Street at E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale
Harkins Camelview 5, 7001 E. Highland Ave., Scottsdale
Harkins Chandler Crossroads 12, 2980 E. Germann Road, Chandler
Harkins Arrowhead 18, 16046 N Arrowhead Fountains Ctr. Dr., Peoria
Ticket Prices: $30 per person for Opening Gala
$9.50 for adults/$5 for students on all other dates
For more information about tickets, ticket packages or group discounts, call Bob Segelbaum at 602.908.8007.

Scott Goldstein at Clementine in LA