L.A. Jewish Film Festival week of screenings premieres with tribute to Bernie Schwartz (a/k/a Tony Curtis)

The L.A. Jewish Film Festival premiered a week of screenings with "Tony Curtis: Driven to Stardom." A panel discussion, moderated by Hollywood columnist and historian, Pete Hammond, brought out anecdotes from family and actors who co-starred in Tony Curtis / Bernie Schwartz pictures, including Mimi van Doren and Sally Kellerman. Several movie colleagues and friends, such as Stella Stevens, also attended, through the coordination of motion picture and television research archivist, Marvin Paige.

Hansen's Cakes of Fairfax Ave designed nice, custom cake

Mimi van Doren welcomed by Hilary Helstein, Festival Director

Bio-pic "Tony Curtis- Driven to Stardom"

Jewish Journal's David Suissa with "righteous gentile," social activist, Jon Voight

L.A. Jewish Film Festival moderator, Pete Hammond, discusses 'Tony Curtis: Driven to Stardom" and the history of Jewish people in Hollywood.


Tony Curtis' co-star Sally Kellerman speaks on the panel of Tony's co-stars- sharing raw stories of working with him- onstage at US premiere of "Driven to Stardom."



Jill Curtis was married to Tony during the latter part of his life. She shares personal details of  Tony's Jewish identity during his longest marriage.



Jon Voight, ("National Treasure") discusses Hollywood's founding by Jewish immigrants and his respect for Jewish contributions to American entertainment culture.