-The 8th Annual San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival, announces it’s lifetime achievement award to the female casting and producing duet, Susan Arnold, and Donna Roth. Each year, the festival recognizes an outstanding member of the film community, whose contributions the Motion Picture Industry has made a difference in the pursuit of filmmaking excellence – this year, we are thrilled to honor two women!

Arnold’s filmography is exceptional with more than 40 credits since 1979. She is well known as a casting director in her work such as Gremlins, Revenge of the Nerds, National Lampoon’s Vacation and Top Secret! Ms. Roth and Ms. Arnold’s work as co-producers is just as impressive with such wide-range hits as 13 Going on 30, Grosse Point Blank, The Haunting, Unstrung Heroes, and Benny & Joon, among their many credits. The presentation of the award, a Q&A with Arnold and Roth, and a screening of Unstrung Heroes will take place on Saturday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m., at the Palm Theater (817 Palm Street, SLO). Tickets for this event are available through the San Luis Obispo Jewish Community Center website jccslo.com.

The San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival includes award-winning narrative and documentary films from around the world, along with intimate conversations with the filmmakers sharing their stories about the magic of the filmmaking process. You don’t have to be Jewish to join the celebration, it is for everyone! The weekend festival begins Saturday evening, at 5:15 p.m. with the Filmmakers Welcome Reception at SLO Provisions before heading over to the Palm Theater.

Screenings always sell out, so you’re encouraged to buy your tickets early. Sponsorship packages that include tickets to the all the events are still available. For tickets and more information, visit jccslo.com. Start your year off right, and experience the crown jewel in the Jewish Community Calendar this Jan. 6-7 & 15, 2018 at the San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival.