By Maria Esteves – March 25, 2012

The 16th New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival 2012 (NYSJFF 2012) was held at the Center for Jewish History, March 15-22, 2012. Presented by the American Sephardi Federation in collaboration with Yeshiva University Museum, this year’s festival showcased films that illuminated the scope of the Sephardic Jewish experience from filmmakers throughout the world. ASF Chair Cultural Programs Florence Tatistcheff presented writer/director Izza Genini the Lifetime Achievement Pomegranate Award at the Opening Night Premiere of FREE MEN (Les Hommes Libres), directed by Ismael Ferroukhi on Thursday, March 15, 2012. FREE MEN now in theaters.

ASF director Lynne Winters and world renowned sculptor Oded Halahmy, Pomegranate Gallery, presented Israeli recording artist Yair Dalal the Pomegranate Award at the Closing Night Premiere of IRAQ n ROLL, directed by Gili Gaon on Thursday, March 22, 2012. A special performance with Pomegranate Award winner Yair Dalal (composer/singer/violinist/oud player) and percussionist David Buchbot immediately followed the music documentary. IRAQ n ROLL and album Dudu Tassa & The Kuwaitis now available on DVD and CD.

NYSJFF 2012 Opening Night Lifetime Achievement Pomegranate Award Recipient Izza Genini

NYSJFF 2012 Closing Night Special Performance with Pomegranate Award Recipient Yair Dalal