The 15th Annual Pittsburgh Jewish-Israeli Film Festival

The festival starts off Thursday evening, with an Israeli film, in honor of 2008 being the 60th anniversary of Israeli statehood. The film, titled Noodle, focuses on the main character, Miri who is a twice-widowed, El Al flight attendant. Her well-regulated existence is suddenly turned upside down by an abandoned Chinese boy whose migrant-worker mother has been summarily deported from Israel.

Advance ticket sales have been so robust that "Noodle" is sold out. However, organizers have started a waiting list for the seats closest to the screen at the SouthSide Works Cinema where the movie will play. If interested, call 412-992-5203.

Other films that will be shown during the festival, which runs through April 13th, includes films from Brazil, Mexico, England, France, Germany, Israel, and the USA. that depict historical moments and variations in the practice of universal Jewish rituals and culture

Films will be shown at 8 local theaters. Although there are some exceptions, tickets are $8 for general admission; $7 for patrons 65 and over; $6 for groups of 12-plus, purchased in advance; and $5 for students with valid IDs.

For tickets, please call 412-992-5203 (purchases not processed on Saturday and Sunday).

You can also pay cash at the box office 30 minutes before showtime if seats are available.

For more information on the screening times of films at this year's festival and to learn more about this year's festival go to: www.ujfpittsburgh.org