Outing to Ojai 

Film festivals are coming fast and furious in the middle of fall, with the Jewish Film Festival continuing for four more days through November 5, and the Ojai Film Festival set to hit the theater November 2-6. The latter fest found in the mountain community will screen more than four score films from around the world at the Ojai Art Center, but launches with the free opening night presentation at Libbey Bowl of Isle of Hope, a new drama that stars longtime Ojai resident Diane Ladd. The story of a university professor who tries to reconcile with her mother after the older woman suffers a life-threatening stroke, Isle of Hope also stars Mary Stuart Masterson, Sam Robards, and Andrew McCarthy; Spencer the Gardener, subject of the film More Than Just a Party Band screening on closing day, is opening act for the free event. 

The 85 additional films in both short and feature length encompass documentaries, animation, comedy, drama, and special sections on the Gold Coast and the Earth, while affiliated events include seminars, awards, and tribute. All festival films will also be available for on-demand streaming November 7-19. Visit https://ojaifilmfestival.com.