Next Wave

SFJFF45's Next Wave selections address the complicated, conflicting, and empowering elements of contemporary life, Jewish identity, and expression through a showcase of remarkable stories that touch on art, social justice, relationships, politics, and more.

JFI Next Wave is the home for films, filmmakers and film lovers who like to explore new horizons and storytelling. SFJFF45 Next Wave programs can be found throughout the festival but are primarily concentrated at the Roxie Theater in the heart of San Francisco's Mission District. Purchase a next wave ticket package to enjoy films at the Roxie and other perks such as a complementary JFI supporter membership.

Next Wave Selections

Next Wave Spotlight: Oh, Hi!

Next Wave Spotlight: Oh, Hi!

Iris and Isaac’s first romantic weekend getaway goes awry in a most unexpected way.

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Sunday July 20, 2025
8:30 p.m.
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Wednesday July 23, 2025
8:30 p.m.
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Next Wave Party at the New Farm

Next Wave Party at the New Farm

Come together with fellow film lovers at The New Farm, a one of a kind community and creative space in San Francisco's Bayview District.

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Friday July 25, 2025
8:30 p.m.
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Comedy Spotlight: An Evening with Noam Shuster-Eliassi

Comedy Spotlight: An Evening with Noam Shuster-Eliassi

Enjoy an evening of stand-up comedy presented by the subject of Coexistence, My Ass!—the indelible, brilliant, and hilarious Noam Shuster-Eliassi—and friends.

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Friday July 18, 2025
9:00 p.m.
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Come Closer

Come Closer

When Eden’s beloved brother suddenly dies, she takes desperate measures to fill the void. Once she discovers he had a secret girlfriend, these measures assume a passionate and dangerous twist.

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Friday July 25, 2025
5:00 p.m.
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Wednesday July 30, 2025
8:30 p.m.
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Take Action Spotlight: Heightened Scrutiny

Take Action Spotlight: Heightened Scrutiny

Amid the surge in anti-trans legislation that Chase Strangio battles in the courtroom, he must also confront media bias, exposing how narratives in the press influence public perception and the fight for transgender rights.

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Friday July 25, 2025
6:00 p.m.
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Lost Cause

Lost Cause

A film about an allegorical musical about a Yom Kippur service that goes off the rails and transforms into an attempted community therapy session.

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Sunday July 27, 2025
3:30 p.m.
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An Evening with Tommy Dorfman

An Evening with Tommy Dorfman

Join author, actor, and filmmaker Tommy Dorfman for a reading from her new book Maybe This Will Save Me: A Memoir of Art, Addiction and Transformation.

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Friday July 25, 2025
7:00 p.m.
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Secret Screening!!

Secret Screening!!

Take a chance on this special Secret Screening and add the element of surprise to your day. Get ready to take a leap into the unknown–trust us, it's worth it.

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Saturday July 26, 2025
8:30 p.m.
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Closing Night: The Floaters

Closing Night: The Floaters

A struggling musician takes a last-resort job supervising misfits at her childhood Jewish summer camp. Counselors and campers alike must overcome their differences to save the camp.

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Sunday August 3, 2025
5:30 p.m.
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Sunday August 3, 2025
8:30 p.m.
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Local Spotlight: The Feeling Remains

Local Spotlight: The Feeling Remains

A filmmaker unravels decades of family secrets and distorted memories, confronting the painful truths of a violent past in a compassionate search for understanding.

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Saturday July 26, 2025
3:30 p.m.
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Tuesday July 29, 2025
3:30 p.m.
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Bulldozer

Bulldozer

An under-medicated, chronically impassioned young woman lurches from crisis to crisis—of her own making.

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Sunday July 27, 2025
6:30 p.m.
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Next Wave Package

$125 General Public

Available for cinephiles ages 18–35 to enjoy 5 tickets redeemable to any SFJFF45 programs at the Roxie Theater, the Festival's home for Next Wave, forward-thinking programming

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