Welcome to the Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida

 

 

Celebrating our 28th year, the Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida presents a diverse selection of outstanding Jewish films. 

In February 2024, join us for another year of engaging films that examine Jewish history, heritage, and culture. 

 

Flims will be screened at

 Regal Belltower Stadium 20 Theaters

13499 Bell Tower Dr. | Fort Myers, FL | 33907

 

Open seating at all films for general admission tickets.

Reserved seating available with your sponsorship.

 

Your tickets will be available at Willcall each evening!

 

For more information contact Danielle Bernstein 239.481.4449 ext.4 or danielleb@jfedlcc.org

 

11 Film Series / $130 ~ Individual Films / $13 each

Festival Passes and Individual Tickets on sale

Festival Pass

On sale Now!

Individual Tickets

On sale Dec. 1st

Be a "REEL" Supporter

2024 Individual Sponsorship Opportunities now available

SNEEK PREVIEW....

View Movie Trailers Below

Dead Sea Guardian

Thursday, February 1

7:15 P.M.

Documentary, 75 minutes, English and Hebrew 

MATINEE

Remembering Gene Wilder

Sunday, February 4

3:00 P.M.

Documentary92 minutes, English

The Dead Sea - the lowest place on earth and one of the wonders of the world - is dying. Three historic enemies join forces on a heroic journey to stop this catastrophe and save the Dead Sea from disappearing.

In this captivating biographical drama, follow the remarkable life of the legendary actor and comedian, Gene Wilder. From his early struggles to his iconic collaborations with Mel Brooks and his unforgettable portrayal of Willy Wonka, the film takes viewers on a heartfelt journey through the man behind the laughter, revealing the complexities and brilliance of a true Hollywood icon.

Children of Nobody

Tuesday, February 6

7:15 P.M.

Drama108 minutes, Hebrew with English Subtitles

The Jews and The Blues

Thursday, February 8

7:15 P.M.

Documentary67 minutes, English

In a heartfelt drama based on a true story, troubled boys living on the outskirts of Israeli society unite to protect a shelter for at-risk youth, led by the compassionate surrogate mother Margalit. When tragedy hits, Jackie, her right-hand man, must defend the home from corrupt developers and navigate social worker scrutiny. With Jackie's guidance, the young men learn to take responsibility for their lives and preserve their refuge, shedding light on the often overlooked and neglected voices at society's periphery.

This new documentary by filmmaker, musician, and talk show host Drew Stone takes us on a musical adventure to understand how the blues can be found in a number of Israeli cultures, including Ethiopian, Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, and others. Learn how the blues ties Jews together all over the world.

Lost Transport

Tuesday, February 13

7:15 P.M.

Drama, History, War, 100 minutes, Dutch, German, and Russian with English Subtitles 

Israel Swings for Gold

Thursday, February 15

7:15 P.M.

Sport Documentary, 78 minutes, English and Hebrew

In the spring of 1945 a train deporting hundreds of Jewish prisoners gets stranded near a small German village occupied by the Red Army. Condemned to each other and in a context of deep mistrust, desperation and revenge, an unexpected friendship emerges between Russian sniper Vera, village girl Winnie and Jewish-Dutch woman Simone.

In 2021, Israel's baseball team competed in the Olympics for the first time. With no media allowed in Tokyo's Olympic Village, the players record their own experiences. Mostly newly minted Israelis, they log unexpected battles against anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. Victory for Israel comes on the playing field, even if not on the podium.

Matchmaking

Tuesday, February 20

7:15 P.M.

Comedy, 96 minutes, Hebrew

Farewell, Mr Haffmann

Thursday, February 22

7:15 P.M.

Drama, 115 minutes, French with English Subtitles 

An entertaining and good-hearted romantic comedy that gives a light Orthodox twist to "Romeo and Juliet".

"Mr. Haffmann" is a gripping World War II drama set in Nazi-occupied France, centered on a Jewish tailor who risks everything to forge identities and documents, helping others escape the horrors of the Holocaust. The film explores moral choices, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.

MATINEE

Imordecai

Sunday, February 25

3:00 P.M.

Comedy and Drama102 minutes, English

The Shadow of the day

Tuesday, February 27

7:15 P.M.

Drama​,125 minutes, Italian and French with English Subtitles 

A Holocaust survivor, born and raised in a different time, must face the realities of modern world. When confronted with an unfamiliar object, an iPhone, will Mordecai be able to fit into a world that has changed so much around him?

Italy, after the promulgation of the racial laws (1938). Luciano, a Fascist-abiding restaurateur, nonetheless believes he can still live by his own rules inside his business. However, everything changes when Anna, a girl with a dangerous secret, starts to work at his restaurant.

The Catskills

Thursday, February 29

7:15 P.M.

Documentary85 minutes, English

With a trove of lost-and-found archival footage and a cast of characters endowed with the gift of gab, "The Catskills" journeys into the storied mountain getaway north of New York City that served as refuge for Jewish immigrants fleeing poverty as well as a lavish playground for affluent Jewish families. As bungalow colony proprietors, guests, waiters, comedians, hoteliers, and beauticians share colorful tales of Catskill farms, boarding houses, and luxury resorts, they paint a picture of vibrant American Jewish life and culture in the 20th century.

Marsha & Mike Kistler      Brian & Mindi Simon      Phyllis & Berny Aronson