The Movie – literally – opened Nashville's 2012 Jewish Film Festival before passing on the torch to other Jewish films and following on the heels of a reception with renowned film director Roberta Grossman. The festival is set to continue until November 15th.

Maybe this sounds like the punchline to a Borscht Belt comedian’s gag, but no: The opening night film of the 2012 Nashville Jewish Film Festival is indeed Hava Nagila (The Movie). Roberta Grossman’s audience-pleasing doc traces the history of the bar-mitzvah staple, from the tune’s Ukrainian origins to the repertoires of Harry Belafonte and Connie Francis. Studded with unusual celebrity appearances (Leonard Nimoy, Rabbi Yisreal Friedman … Chubby Checker?), it’s a fittingly merry kickoff for a fest that’s as much about food and fun as film.

Read More on nashvillescene.com