Jewish Film Festival

From February 4-15, the 19th annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival will showcase 50 contemporary Jewish-themed films from around the world celebrating life, human rights, and freedom of expression. In addition to the short-subject, documentary, and feature-length films, the festival will also offer an international roster of visiting actors, filmmakers, and scholars who will introduce their work, participate in panel discussions, and meet and greet with festival patrons. Stars of films include Alfred Molina and Lainie Kazan, with Meg Ryan and William H. Macy bringing the festival to a close in The Deal, in which director Steven Schachter takes a comic look at the twisted side of Hollywood politics. Visit the Web site for ticket and location information. (858/362-1348, www.lfjcc.org/sdjff)   MIA STEFANKO