SFFF NEWS RELEASE

“FLIX & CHOPSTIX” is back, this year with a tribute to the films of Gene Wilder. The event, movies and Chinese food on Christmas day, has become one of Santa Fe’s most anticipated  alternative Christmas traditions.  In response to our sold out screening last month of “Remembering Gene Wilder”, we’ve scheduled two of Wilder’s best films, “Young Frankenstein” and “The Producers”. 

“The tradition of Jews eating Chinese food on Christmas likely dates back to the Lower East Side in the late 1890s when Jewish and Chinese immigrants lived in close proximity,” said Festival Director, Marcia Torobin.  Supreme Court Justice Elana Kagan famously acknowledged this tradition at her confirmation  hearing. When asked where she was on Christmas, she responded, “Like all Jews, I was probably at a Chinese restaurant.” 

Not surprisingly, movies were added to the mix. Jewish immigrants were important players in the early  movie industry and in Nickelodeon and theater ownership. FLIX & CHOPSTIX continues the tradition  with two award-winning comedy classics and dinner catered by Lulu’s Chinese Restaurant.  

In the comedy, Young Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder), the son of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, learns he has inherited the family estate in Transylvania. Frederick decides to  continue his grandfather’s experiment of bringing the deceased back to life. The antics that follow are a  wonderful spoof on the horror film genre. Directed by Mel Brooks, the supporting cast is a “who’s who” of comedy with Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Peter Boyle, Cloris Leachman, and Kenneth Mars in  supporting roles. “Young Frankenstein” was nominated for two Oscars and is ranked No. 13 in the  American Film Institute’s List of 100 Funniest American Movies. 

In the black comedy “The Producers”, “impresario” Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) is convinced by his nebbish accountant (Gene Wilder) that one could make more money from a flop than a hit. Thinking that the Broadway musical “Springtime for Hitler” will be a huge flop, they oversell shares in the show, only to  find it’s a huge hit.  Dick Shawn and Kenneth Mars round out the cast in this “something-to-offend everyone satire”. Gene Wilder was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor, and the film won the Oscar for  Best Screenplay. Both films are listed in the National Film Registry which are movies that the Library of  Congress recommends for preservation. 

Capping off the screenings, is a sit-down Chinese dinner. This event favorite always sells out quickly.  

“Young Frankenstein” and “The Producers” each screen twice at the Center for Contemporary Arts.  The Chinese dinner is at Temple Beth Shalom, just around the corner.  All are welcome to attend the  dinner with the purchase of a ticket to one or both films. Tickets for the film and dinner, plus a special  “double feature” package are available at http://www.SantaFeJFF.org or by calling (505) 216-0672. Tickets for the film(s) only are also available.

About the Santa Fe Jewish Film Festival 
The Santa Fe Jewish Film Festival was established in 2010 to bring to New Mexico films that inform,  enhance understanding, and promote dialogue about Jewish art, culture, history, religion and/or identity.  Presentations are an eclectic mix of documentaries and first run features. Films are frequently preceded  or followed by a speaker, interview, discussion or other innovative programming. 

DETAILS

WHO:   Santa Fe Jewish Film Festival

WHAT: Flix & ChopStix (movies and Chinese food)

WHEN: Monday, December 25, 2023

WHERE: Center for Contemporary Arts, 1050 Old Pecos Trail     2:00 PM – “The Producers” in the Cinema     4:00 PM – “The Producers” in the Studio     2:10 PM – “Young Frankenstein” in the Studio     3:45 PM – “Young Frankenstein” in the Cinema     Temple Beth Shalom, 205 E. Barcelona Road     5:45 PM – Chinese Dinner (vegetarian and gluten free options)

TICKETS: Advance Purchase:   Single film: $8  Double feature: $14  Single film with Chinese dinner: $32  Double feature with Chinese dinner: $38  At door, if available, all film tickets $10 each  Chinese dinner only available with purchase of film ticket  Tickets for films, dinner and “double feature” package available at: http://www.SantaFeJFF.org or call 505.216.0672.

MORE INFO AT: http://www.SantaFeJFF.org or call 505.216.0672