Hershey Felder presents his new film on Jewish history in Italy and will perform historic music on Oct. 10. (photo courtesy of Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival)

The Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival and Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts will welcome pianist, actor, playwright and filmmaker Hershey Felder to the Saban Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m. for a screening of “Musical Tales of the Venetian Jewish Ghetto” and a discussion and musical performance based on the film.

Felder will present the special event at the theater focusing on the history of Jewish culture in Italy and the community’s contributions to history. Audiences will discover moving stories of Venice’s centuries-old Jewish past and will enjoy historic music. Felder, who lives in Venice, Italy, explores the relationship between the Jewish community and Venetian society throughout the centuries.

“It’s very exciting to present this film and music,” said Rabbi David Baron, of Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts. “The temple’s mission is to present Jewish cultural events and other community events for the public to partake in, and this is part of that mission. He is very popular, and we are excited to have him at our venue and to welcome him.”

The event marks the West Coast premiere of the film. Hilary Helstein, executive director of the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival, said the evening will provide insight into a period of Jewish history that is sometimes overlooked. She said many people may not know that the word “ghetto,” which is often associated with World War II and Nazi persecution, is an Italian word. The original ghetto was created in Venice 500 years ago and was a place where Jews were protected for persecution, she said.

Helstein added that the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival and Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts have enjoyed a long relationship, and the festival has previously held film premieres at the Saban Theatre. She welcomed the community to enjoy the film, discussion and performance by Felder, who she added will be joined by a surprise guest.

Tickets are $20. The Saban Theatre is located at 8440 Wilshire Blvd. For information and tickets, visit lajfilmfest.org.