Congregation Temple Israel is hosting its 12^th annual Israeli Film Festival from 3:30 to 8:15 pm. Sunday, March 31. Guests will enjoy two Israeli films and Israeli-style refreshments and cuisine during intermission, and are welcome to attend one film or stay for both. The event is free and open to the entire St. Louis community. A donation of $5 per person is suggested to help cover the cost of refreshments. RSVP is also required at www.ti-stl.org/Films or by phone to Jody Gerth at 314-432-8050. Temple Israel is located at #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive in Creve Coeur. 

The first film, screening at 3:30 p.m., is “One Week and a Day,” a humorous and touching film about a father who cannot seem to get back to normal after the death of his son. He and his wife cope in their own way, trying to regain control over their own future as they struggle to discover that there are still things in life for which are worth living. In the process, the father befriends some young kittens, and a teenage neighbor boy introduces him to marijuana and musical escapes. 

This award-winning film runs 98 minutes and is in Hebrew with English subtitles. The filmis suitable for middle school and above.

After the first film, guests can enjoy an intermission with Israeli-style fare and refreshments.

The second film, “The Cakemaker,” begins at 6 p.m. The  critically-acclaimed romance tells the story of Thomas, a young German baker who has an affair with Oren, a married Israeli man. After Oren unexpectedly dies in an auto crash in Israel, Thomas travels to Jerusalem seeking answers about his death. Using a false identity, he goes to work for Oren’s widow, Anat, in her floundering café. His much-in-demand baked pastries make the cafe famous and Thomas becomes deeply involved in Anat’s life, which stretches the lie about himself to the point of no return.

The film runs 113 minutes and is in Hebrew, English and German with English subtitles. The film is suitable for high school and above, according to event organizers.

This program is co-sponsored by TI’s Israel Engagement Committee and the St. Louis Israeli community.