Photo Credit: David Bushle
Submitted by Mayerson JCC
The Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival is a longstanding celebration of Jewish and Israeli culture, offering a unique opportunity for audiences to connect, reflect, and engage with important stories through film. The festival aims to foster community, inspire empathy, and showcase a wide array of voices and narratives that reflect the diversity of the Jewish and Israeli experiences. It offers a space for reflection, healing, and connection through the universal power of storytelling.
The 2025 festival runs from February 1 to 27 and provides an exciting mix of in-person and virtual screenings, ensuring accessibility for everyone. There are 12 in-person showings, including special events, along with four virtual film screenings available for 48-hour access. These options allow the community to engage with the films, both from the theatre and from the comfort of their homes.
The films selected for this year’s festival address a range of themes, from personal struggles and identity to social justice and activism. Among the standout films this year is “06:30″, a poignant documentary about survivors of the October 7 attack, offering an intimate, emotional look at the personal toll of this catastrophic day. Another film, “Running on Sand”, centers on an Eritrean refugee’s harrowing journey to safety, while a third, “Sabbath Queen”, tells the story of a queer rabbi on a quest to radically reinvent religion. The festival also tackles important themes of social justice with the film, “Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round”, about the allyship between the Black and Jewish communities during the Civil Rights Movement, as well as “Unspoken”, a coming-of-age story about a closeted religious teenager navigating the tension between identity and faith. The 12 feature films come from all over the world, from the United States to Israel, Hungary, Germany, and elsewhere. The festival aims to uplift marginalized voices, amplify underrepresented experiences, and create space for dialogue around issues of identity, culture, and social justice.
The films in this year’s festival provide not only a source of escapism but also a chance for meaningful reflection. The lineup includes multiple genres — documentaries, comedies, and dramas — that explore complex issues while offering moments of humor, warmth, and catharsis. Each of these films aims to provoke thought and deepen understanding of diverse cultural and personal experiences, inviting viewers into worlds that may be unfamiliar but are no less important.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated Film Festival Committee — composed of 16 community members of all ages, backgrounds, and identities — work to curate the perfect selection of films. Led by Film Festival Chair, Aaron Weiner, the committee evaluates dozens of potential films, considering everything from genres to themes, ensuring a diverse and balanced lineup. Eowyn Garfinkle, JCC Manager of Arts & Culture, remarks, “the goal is to present a festival where every attendee sees themselves represented, while also experiencing new perspectives that challenge and expand their worldview.” The festival kicks off with a high-energy opening night film, “Bad Shabbos”, directed by Daniel Robbins. This fast-paced dark comedy is sure to leave audiences laughing, offering a lighthearted start to a festival that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Opening night will also feature a dessert reception prior to the film, giving attendees the chance to mingle and celebrate the beginning of the festival together.
Recognizing the importance of engaging younger generations, the festival also features a Young Adult Happy Hour at the opening night reception, providing an opportunity for the 20s and 30s community to socialize and enjoy the film together. The festival’s inclusivity ensures that young adults are not only able to attend but are also encouraged to actively participate and contribute to the vibrant conversation around the films. This initiative helps ensure that the festival remains a vital part of the community for years to come.
Organizing the festival is a deeply rewarding experience. From the film selection process to the logistical challenges of coordinating screenings and events, the festival organizers take immense pride in their work. Garfinkle says of the festival, “At age 23, I led my first Film Festival, and I am excited to be able to continue to grow alongside it. It is very rewarding to hear the responses from filmgoers after they attend events. I love witnessing the conversations between new and old friends, connecting over the film. The sheer mass of unity that comes out of this month-long program is incredible.”
