The Jewish Film Festival of Southwest Florida returns for it's 30th Anniversary-
and it's BIGGER than ever!
Regal Belltower | 13499 Bell Tower Dr | Fort Myers, FL 33907
Open seating at all films for general admission tickets.
Reserved seating available with your sponsorship.
There are NO paper tickets. Your confirmation email is your TICKET!
Please print or show on phone at the theatre for every film.
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SNEEK PREVIEW....
View Movie Trailers Below
Welcome to Yiddishland/Jews in Music
Thursday, February 26
6:30 P.M.
Documentary
96 minutes, English, Yiddish
Pink Lady
Thursday, March 5
6:30 P.M.
Narrative
106 minutes, Israel
Welcome to Yiddishland offers an upbeat, witty, and timely exploration of a global community of artists rediscovering and revitalizing the endangered Yiddish language through progressive and provocative creative works. As we journey through Yiddishland—not a homeland, but a heartland without borders—we travel across continents, from Melbourne to Berlin, New York to Haifa, meeting a diverse array of individuals who find solace, identity, and inspiration in Yiddish language and culture.
In an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem, Bati has a seemingly perfect life. She is happily married to Lazer and the young couple have three children. But their world starts to crumble when Lazer is blackmailed and Bati discovers his secret affair with his male study partner. Desperate to protect her family and keep the man she loves, she supports Lazer as he attempts to “cure” his homosexuality, whilst uncovering her true desires.
Marathon Mom
Wednesday, March 11
6:30 P.M.
Documentary
90 minutes, English, Hebrew with English Subtitles
Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause
MATINEE
Sunday, March 15
3:00 P.M.
Documentary
93 minutes, English
Marathon Mother tells the inspiring story of Beatie Deutsch, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish mother of five who, after a pause from athletics to focus on her family, reignites her passion for running. In 2015, driven by a personal promise and the challenges of motherhood, Beatie embarks on a rigorous journey to complete a marathon. As she trains with dreams of becoming an Olympian, her remarkable journey transcends the track, embodying a powerful message of perseverance and empowerment. Through her story, Beatie inspires other women to embrace their dreams and overcome their own challenges.
Raised in a Jewish household in Pittsburgh, Charles Grodin’s life embodied the concept of Tikkun Olam. Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause not only celebrates his hilarious acting career, but also his remarkable, decades-long, successful fight to get wrongly convicted people -- most of whom were mothers of color with young children out of prison.
The Road Between Us
Thursday, March 19
6:30 P.M.
Documentary
95 minutes, English
Song of Ascent / Alon My Brother
Tuesday, March 24
6:30 P.M.
Documentary
86 minutes, English
Retired Israeli general Noam Tibon rescues his family from Hamas terrorists who invaded their home during a massacre, sparking an ongoing conflict.
In the wake of the October 7th massacre in Israel, acclaimed singer-songwriter Matisyahu finds himself at the center of a cultural storm. This powerful documentary/concert film follows Matisyahu’s journey as he performs three sold-out shows in Israel while facing cancellations and protests at his US tour dates due to rising anti-Israel sentiment. Thrust into a role he never sought, Matisyahu becomes a powerful voice for Jewish people worldwide, navigating the complexities of identity, faith, and resilience amidst a global crisis.
Turn Left at the End of the World/Cut Off
Thursday, March 26
6:30 P.M.
Narrative
108 minutes, Hebrew /French, English subtitles
A group of families emigrates from India to Israel in the late sixties, seeking a better life in what they believe to be the first outpost of the West in Asia. To their surprise, they are sent to a new settlement in the middle of the desert, populated mostly by Moroccan Jews. The two cultures clash as the group tries to integrate into the community, and are faced by harsh realities. But despite the conflicts and prejudices, young love develops between two girls from opposite sides of the struggle. The film finds a perfect combination between humor and sentiment in a very real and very difficult situation.
Turn Left at the End of the World was selected as a "New Israeli Classic" in a special event by the Tel Aviv Cinemateque in October 2024 exhibiting the new digitally restored version made for the film's 20th anniversary.
For more information contact David Garonzik at [email protected]