Gaylen Ross's documentary Killing Kasztner: The Jew Who Dealt With the Nazis examines the life of Rezso Kasztner, a Hungarian Jew who helped many other Jews escape the concentration camps but who was also accused of collaborating with the Nazis and withholding information about Auschwitz. Ross will be in town this weekend when the film opens at the Cedar Lee Theatre (2163 Lee Rd., 216.321.5411, clevelandcinemas.com). She'll lead question-and-answer sessions after the 1:30, 4:15 and 7 p.m. screenings on Friday, April 16, Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 18. Anna Rubin, a local woman who survived because she rode on a truck transport Kasztner arranged, will also attend the screenings.
The Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland will present Yes, Miss Commander!, a documentary about the female commanding officers who run basic training for the Israeli Defense Force at the Havat Hashomer Army Base, at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at the Cleveland Museum of Art's Gartner Auditorium (11150 East Blvd., 216.421.7350) clemusart.com). After the showing, psychologist Amnon Shai, retired chief professional officer of Bellefaire JCB, will lead a panel discussion with four Havat Hashomer officers — Deputy Commander Major Asaf Cnaan, Education Corps First Lt. Orit Freidson, Platoon Commander Second Lt. Liat Shaked and First Lt. Lioz Shasha — and Bellefaire clinical director Jeffrey A. Lox. Admission is free.
Local writer-director-musician Shawn Mishak is trying to raise $4,000 by April 30 to finish shooting Long Way to Oblivion, a film about three musicians struggling to become famous. Contributors are eligible to receive various gifts — even walk-on roles. Follow his progress at longwaytooblivion.com or make a donation at kickstarter.com.
Former adjunct professor of screenwriting at University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, Gordy Hoffman (Love Liza, A Coat of Snow) leads a screenwriting workshop from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at the Lit (2750 Superior Ave.). Full registration is $75; it's $45 to audit. Go to bluecatscreenplay.com/workshop for info.
The cult stoner flick Friday, with Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, shows at midnight Saturday, April 17, at the Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65th St., 216.651.7295, clevelandcinemas.com) as part of Cleveland Cinemas' Late Shift series. Tickets: $5.
