Jewish film festival ends with documentaries

Two documentaries exploring very different aspects of Jewish life conclude the seventh annual Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival on Sunday at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

At 1 p.m., "De Bessarabia A Entre Ríos" focuses on Jewish families from the eastern European region of Bessarabia (now primarily in Moldova) who settled in early 20th-century Argentina. Filmmaker Pedro Banchik, a chemical engineer from Buenos Aires who originally made the documentary for a family reunion, is expected to attend the free screening, which is sponsored by Midbar Kodesh Temple and co-sponsored by UNLV Hillel.

At 4 p.m., "Rape of Europa" -- which was short-listed for an Academy Award -- explores how the Nazis plundered Europe's art treasures during World War II, and how art patrons and ordinary citizens tried to save prized artworks. Sponsored by Congregation Ner Tamid and co-sponsored by Hillel, admission to the screening is $10. (Call 733-6292 for tickets.)

Both screenings will take place in the UNLV Student Union theater, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway.

More information about the festival is available online at www.desertspace.org.