Skip to main content

Jewish Film Festival 2026 | Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls (2026)

Date: Sun, Oct 11, 2026

Time:

Venue: Chelsea Theater, Chapel Hill

Price: Individual Tickets $15 | Festival packages available

Category: Community

Join us for our annual Jewish Film Festival including six award-winning and critically acclaimed first-run films that sample a range of international subjects and filmmakers, historical moments, and contemporary issues. Each film will include an introduction and talk back with a special guest. - The name Woody Guthrie conjures images of Dust Bowl families from the 1930s fleeing their soil-ravaged farms, along with those famous lyrical phrases, “This land is your land, this land is my land. From California to the New York Island.” However, Woody's horizons extended far beyond the dusty Oklahoma hills of his youth. Once his wanderings and ramblings brought him to New York City in the 1940s, he was introduced – both personally and professionally – into a vibrant Jewish culture that he wholeheartedly embraced and ultimately had a deep influence on his life and his music. Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls also weaves in the story of Aliza Greenblatt, an immigrant from Ukraine who later became a prominent Yiddish poet and songwriter -- and who also happened to be Woody's mother-in-law. From the dust storms of Oklahoma to the lox and bagels of Coney Island, discover a whole new side of Woody Guthrie that will forever change your view of one of America’s most celebrated songwriters and cultural icons.

Community · Chapel Hill

Jewish Film Festival 2026 | Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls (2026)

Grab coffee next door at Joe Van Gogh before the film starts.

When
Oct 11
Sun, Oct 11, 2026
Where
Chelsea Theater
Chapel Hill, NC
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
Individual Tickets $15 | Festival packages available
chapel hillfamily friendly

Jewish Film Festival 2026 | Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls (2026) is a documentary screening and discussion event that explores folk singer Woody Guthrie's deep connection to Jewish culture after his move to New York City in the 1940s. This event is best suited for parents and teenagers who enjoy history, music, and documentary filmmaking. Tickets are $15 for individuals, with festival packages available for those who want to see multiple films. The Chelsea Theater is located in north Chapel Hill with plenty of free parking in the Timberlyne shopping center lot. Plan to arrive about fifteen minutes early to secure your concessions and find your seats before the introductory remarks begin. It makes a great weekend pick because it offers a quiet, intellectual break from the usual outdoor rush, complete with a post-film discussion that will give you and your teens plenty to talk about on the drive home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this film screening appropriate for young children?
This documentary and the following discussion are best suited for teenagers and adults who can sit quietly through a feature-length film and historical analysis.
Where is the best place to park at the Chelsea Theater?
You can park for free in the large surface lot directly in front of the theater in the Timberlyne shopping center.
Are tickets available at the door or should I buy them in advance?
While individual tickets are $15, festival screenings often sell out, so purchasing your tickets online ahead of time is highly recommended.

Last updated

Individual Tickets $15 | Festival packages available

Oct 11

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Jewish Film Festival 2026 | Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls (2026) runs Sun, Oct 11, 2026.

Getting There

Chelsea Theater is at 1129 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, Chapel Hill, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at Chelsea Theater

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen and water bottles — this one's outdoors
  • A blanket or low chairs for staking out a spot
  • Tickets or entry money — admission is Individual Tickets $15 | Festival packages available

Community Guides

All guides →