Film Festival

Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause

Dates : May 14, 2025 — May 18, 2025

Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause celebrates Chuck Grodin’s hilarious acting career, as well as his decades-long, successful fight to get wrongly convicted people – most of whom were mothers of color with young children – out of prison.

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Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause

Charles Grodin’s extraordinary life and career as an actor-comedian and broadcast personality take center stage in this rich and multifaceted portrait of a consummate performer who infused humor with heart. A master of dry wit and deadpan delivery, Grodin captivated audiences with beloved performances in The Heartbreak Kid, Midnight Run, and countless sharp-witted late-night TV appearances. Raised in a Jewish household in Pittsburgh, Charles Grodin’s life embodied the concept of tikkun olam. In his later years, Grodin quietly turned his focus to championing meaningful causes, using his platform as a CNBC talk show host to advocate for justice and pressing social issues.

Through a treasure trove of film and TV clips, insightful interviews, and heartfelt reflections, this vibrant tribute remembers a singular talent who left an indelible mark on both entertainment and humanity.

Conversation with director James L. Freedman following all screenings.

Jeff Dannick, CEO of Pozez Nova to moderate Cinema Arts screening.

Dan Raviv, journalist, to moderate Cafritz Hall screening.

Dir. James L. Freedman | 2025 | United States | 93 min
Documentary
English

James L. Freedman wrote, produced and directed the HBO documentary Glickman which was executive produced by Martin Scorsese. His second film Carl Laemmle can currently be seen on TCM, Amazon Prime, and Tubi. While a senior in high school, Mr. Freedman produced Marty Glickman’s late night radio program on WNEW in New York. He went on to produce UNICEF commercials before becoming a working writer in Hollywood for over 25years. Among the many TV shows he has written for are Coach, Zoe, and Golden Globe winner Cybill (on which he was also a producer). In addition, he’s penned over one dozen pilots for CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX and UPN–-as well as feature scripts for Warner Brothers and20th Century Fox. Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause is his third film.

In March 2011, Jeff Dannick joined the Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia as its Executive Director. In that role, he combines his passion for community building with his love for Israel and for Jewish culture and traditions; his commitment to education; his belief in the importance of fitness — physical, mental and spiritual; and his expertise in management and fundraising, to help bring the Pozez JCC to new heights.

Jeff’s background is quite diverse. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Performing Arts/Theatre with a minor in Business Administration from Alfred University, and earning his Master’s Degree in Arts Administration and an MBA from Southern Methodist University, he pursued a twenty year career in theatre administration. Prior to joining the Center, Jeff served as the Executive Director of the Israel Children’s Centers, the American fundraising organization that supports the Israel Tennis Centers. Jeff and his wife Marcia live in Northern Virginia and have two grown daughters, Samantha and Rachel.

Dan Raviv, as a CBS News correspondent for 40 years, worked with Charles Grodin, airing his radio commentaries. Dan is co-author of The Quest for Significance, a new book about the universal human need to make our lives matter. He is the host of podcasts of that name, and also of The Mossad Files weekly podcast.