– Since 1995, the Montreal Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) has presented an array of outstanding films that have left their mark on all peoples of the world. How can one forget that life is beautiful after watching Roberto Benigni’s film, or that a man’s struggle to survive can be so poignant, as Roman Polanski’s pianist reminds us, or that marriage can come late in life, as Hatuna Mehuheret demonstrates? We have experienced a spectrum of emotions, we have travelled great distances, and this year’s festival will take viewers even further. For its 10th edition, the MJFF is presenting films focus on the theme of humanity. The objective? To offer another way to see the world!

Susan Alper, the director and founder of the MJFF, has assembled her most ambitious program yet: 41 films from 15 countries, including 5 from Canada, and for the first time, 2 films on Brazil. Twenty-one shorts and 20 feature-length films, including 7 films in French or subtitled in French and 34 films in English, Spanish, Arab, Italian, Hebrew, Yiddish, Portuguese, German, Russian, Flemish and Norwegian, subtitled in English, will be presented at Montreal’s four most striking theatres. LOST EMBRACE by Daniel Burman (Grand Jury Prize and Silver Bear for Best Actor—Daniel Hendler—at the 2004 Berlin Film Festival) will open the MJFF at the Imperial Cinema on May 10, after which the festival will continue at the Cinémathèque québécoise, the NFB Cinema and Ex-Centris until May 19. Now a fixture on Montreal’s cultural landscape, the MJFF will unfold from May 10 to 19, 2005. For further information, phone (514) 448-5610 or visit our website at http://www.mjff.qc.ca

For its 6th edition, Elektra is still set on introducing works and artists that crossbreed leading electronic music and visual art. Tonight, the acclaimed Sheffield, England duo Autechre will open Elektra as part of their ongoing North American tour. They will treat Montrealers to live manipulations of the angular, disjointed rhythms found on their new album. Autechre will be preceded by a live performance by snd and a set by Rob Hall. Presented in collaboration with Gillett Entertainment Group.

As one of the largest events in North America dedicated to the digital arts, Elektra is broadening its horizons for this new edition by integrating into its program interactive works set in public venues, sound installations, new media and conferences on motion design. So, Elektra also welcome Belgium’s Front 242 to Metropolis on May 14. This will be their first performance in North America in several years, a benefit show marking the eagerly awaited return of one of electronic music’s most influential groups. These pioneers of “EBM” (electronic body music) will undoubtedly wow fans with their blend of synthesized voices, military marches and pop.

Over the entire course of the event, a number of audio and interactive installations will be presented across the city.

Animation Students present their 2005 Animation Festival at Hall Building, Tuesday, May 10th from 7pm to 10pm EDT, although please give generously at the door as they modestly suggest a $2 donation.