By Sharon Wisch-Ray

When Ahavath Sholom screened the last in its film series, “Crossing Delancey,” moviegoers were in for a Lower East Side treat. Hedy Collins, Anita Davidson, Sheila Stocker and Lajean Sturman decked out the synagogue with signs and authentic kosher pickle barrels in addition to the kosher hot dogs, pickles and Dr. Brown’s soda. A highlight of the event was Carole Rogers’ appearance as a kosher hot dog. She also led the post film discussion. I’m told that the 2013-2014 Film Series was a huge success in no small part due to the dedicated committee of Michal Bloom, Liz Chesser, Bootsie Coggan, Hedy Collins, Kim Goldberg, Lisa Laudato, Foster Owen, Jane Pawgan, Debby Rice, Reggie Rog, Jayna Sosland, Jim Stansbury, Sheila Stocker and Roz Vaden. The film series will reconvene in October.

Jerusalem comes to the Omni IMAX

Speaking of movies, the Omni Theater, an IMAX Dome at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will premiere “Jerusalem,” a captivating new film that explores on a grand scale the intersection of science, history and religion in this enigmatic city, Friday, Sept. 12. Now, for the first-time ever, a new 2D giant screen film adventure immerses audiences in a spectacular cinematic journey — soaring high above the Holy Land and plunging deep into the vibrant Old City — so they can experience as never before the iconic sites cherished by billions.
Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch (“Star Trek into the Darkness,” PBS’s “Sherlock”), “Jerusalem” gives audiences a rare glimpse of the ancient, storied city, as well as exclusive access to iconic holy sites and little-known parts of the region — including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock, the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee and the mountain fortress of Masada. Filmmakers were granted special permission in the region’s strict no-fly zone, enabling them to capture the first-ever large format aerial images of the Old City and throughout the Holy Land.

Audiences will discover why this tiny piece of land is sacred to three major religions through the stories of Jewish, Christian and Muslim families who call Jerusalem home. They will also join renowned archaeologist, Dr. Jodi Magness, as she travels underground to solve some of this city’s greatest mysteries. Find out why, after thousands of years, Jerusalem and the Holy Land continue to stir the imagination of billions of people.
An original production from Cosmic Picture and Arcane Pictures and distributed by National Geographic Entertainment, the 43-minute large format film was executive produced by the late Jake Eberts, legendary producer of movies such as “Gandhi,” “Chariots of Fire,” and “Dances with Wolves”; produced by Taran Davies, George Duffield and Daniel Ferguson; and written and directed by Daniel Ferguson. Large format industry veteran Reed Smoot, ASC is Director of Photography.
“With this extraordinary film’s immersive experience, audiences will feel as if they are really walking the streets of this beloved and iconic place,” said Lisa Truitt, president of National Geographic Entertainment.
“Through the unrivaled beauty, visceral nature and incredible technology of the giant screen format, you feel as if you are experiencing Jerusalem up-close and first-hand,” said writer/director Daniel Ferguson.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for children (2-12) and seniors (65+); Museum members receive a $3 discount. Find show times and ticket information on the Museum’s website www.fortworthmuseum.org or by phone at 817-255-9540.