Welcome to the 39th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival!

The Jewish Film Institute is thrilled to showcase 65 films from 13 countries amplifying the voices of our gifted filmmakers and artists. From the curtain-raiser Fiddler: Miracle of Miracles to Closing Night with The Red Sea Diving Resort, you are in for a terrific ride!As we celebrate our 39th year, it is an inspiring time to be a part of the global film culture and the Jewish Film Institute is participating in that conversation. The changes of the past few years have resulted in the incredible diversity of films and filmmakers that are reflected in this years' lineup at the first and still the largest Jewish Film Festival. We are committed to discovering and supporting films and filmmakers that expand understanding of Jewish life and we deeply believe in the power of film to illuminate Jewish experience. 

JFI is now an official partner of the Sundance Film Institute, an Academy Award Ⓡ  qualifying festival, and a home to the only Filmmaker Residency in the country devoted to supporting filmmakers working with Jewish themes. You are a part of our story as you asked for access to the highest quality content and we responded with JFI on Demand and our Online Shorts series, with 2.3 million views worldwide. 

As we head into our 40th anniversary year in 2020, communities have become more polarized, anti-Semitism is on the rise and artists are creating groundbreaking work to interpret our contemporary landscape. We've designed this year's festival to encourage collectively coming together to engage with the filmmakers and guests in intimate interviews, parties, panels and conversation over fine food and drink. We wish for you a dynamic and transformative Festival experience. We hope that these 18 days of world-class cinema will bring many opportunities for open communication, connection and celebration. 

L'Chaim!

Lexi Leban
JFI Executive Director