JIFF – Between the Temples

Ben Gottlieb (Jason Schwartzman) is a cantor who’s lost his faith, his purpose and his voice following the sudden death of his novelist wife. His obtuse rabbi, his doting mother, and his overeager stepmother are all ready for him to snap out of it, start dating again, and re-engage with his community.

Bereft at a bar and drunk on mudslides, Ben confronts Carla (Carol Kane), an eccentric loudmouth who knocks him flat. They discover they once knew each other: Carla was Ben’s music teacher in elementary school. Learning of his work, Carla pursues Ben for bat mitzvah lessons. He refuses, but she refuses his refusal and strong-arms him into lessons that will transform their friendship and their lives forever.

Featuring an all-star cast at the top of their game, Between the Temples is a life-affirming, unconventional screwball comedy about friendship, family and relationships.

Festivals and Awards:
Nominee – Grand Jury Prize, U.S. Dramatic Competition, Sundance Film Festival, 2024
Nominee – Audience Award, Teddy Award, Panorama Competition, Berlin International Film Festival, 2024

“Raucous and tender. A rough-and-tumble farce.” – Variety
“Schwartzman and Kane are so wonderful. A wildly madcap romp.” – The Playlist
“Sublime. Scintillating cleverness. A splendid cast.” – The New Yorker
“A spiky, hilarious, and thoroughly unorthodox screwball comedy.” – Indiewire