Film Synopsis:

The Toronto Jewish Film Festival continues its popular Chai Tea & A Movie series on November 16th with the much-talked-about and gripping thriller, 24 Days, directed by Alexandre Arcady (Five Brothers, For Sasha), which tells the true story of the kidnapping of Ilan Halimi.

Based on the book by Ilan’s mother Ruth, Arcady’s film follows the police as they try to keep one step ahead of the kidnappers, and compassionately presents a family under immense pressure of possibly losing their son. The film boasts a top-notch French cast that includes Pascal Elbé (The Other Son) Zabou Breitman (Almost Peaceful), Jacques Gamblin (The Names of Love) and Sylvie Testud (Fear and Trembling).

24 Days is part of France’s renewed interest in the Halimi affair. Halimi was kidnapped in Paris in January 2006 by The Gang of Barbarians, led by Youssouf Fofana, a professed anti-Semite who held Halimi in a cellar for 24 days. Due to Halimi being Jewish, Fofana was convinced that he was wealthy and that a huge ransom would follow. 24 Days won the prestigious Lia Award at the Jerusalem International Film Festival, where the Jury stated that “this suspenseful drama manages to avoid clichés and intricately presents the experience of anti-Jewish violence in France. This is a film of great social significance that shows the tragic consequences that arise when violence is ignored and when racist stereotypes are accepted.”

Details:
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Back-to-back screenings
Times: 1:30pm & 4:30pm

France. – RT: 110 minutes

Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk, 5095 Yonge St. (North York Centre subway station)
Coffee and tea will be served in-theatre prior to screening
Tickets: $15

On sale now at festival website or call 416-324-9121 (calls will be returned)

Cash only at the door (Subject to availability)
More information please visit festival website