Premiering at Temple Beth El on Saturday, March 8 at 7:00 pm, four short films about women, including the locally produced narrative If Only.

If Only is the creation of Santa Cruz resident and longtime Hollywood producer-writer-director Sherry Halperin. Shot in Santa Cruz in November 2024, the film tells the story of a Jewish woman and a Muslim woman who discover they have much in common.

The Director, cast and crew of If Only will be on hand to celebrate the movie's release. Everyone is invited to share in the celebration, dress in Hollywood glam, and enjoy the red carpet reception with dessert and beverages.

If Only will be screened along with three short films from Israel. Paddling for Life profiles the Pink Lionesses, a team of breast cancer survivors who race dragon boats competitively.  The follow-up film is Hope on the Water, which captures the club preparing to compete in Cyprus on October 7, when they learn of the massacre taking place back home. Running time of both films is 25 minutes.

Also shown, the short animated film from Israel, Final Chord, from filmmakers Ruth Blory and Itai Osterman, which artfully expresses the lost innocence and melancholy of October 7.