How to Fest

Everything you need to know about attending WinterFest 2023, including venue information, our COVID and accessibility policies, and JFI's code of conduct.

The Jewish Film Institute is committed to ensuring in-person experiences are as safe as possible for our patrons. We continue to monitor city public health guidelines and recommendations regarding COVID-19.

Masks must be worn inside all JFI venues when not eating or drinking. When at a screening, masks may only be removed when actively eating or drinking once seated. Masks must be worn in theater lobbies and restrooms. Masks may be removed by filmmakers and presenters during introductions and Q&As.

At this time, JFI is not requiring attendees to present proof of vaccination for entry. For any further questions about JFI's COVID policies please contact us.

What can I expect when I arrive at the theater?

All JFI venues have pass holder and ticket holder holdout lines where pass holders and ticket holders wait until the theater is ready to seat. When you arrive at a festival venue, please look for a JFI staff member or volunteer who will direct you to the appropriate line. While waiting in line, please be considerate of our neighbors and local businesses. We remind patrons that it's now illegal to smoke while waiting in line or near entrances to venues.

All seats are general admission, and multiple seat-saving is not permitted. Select seats may be saved by the festival for filmmakers and other guests of the festival. We ask that you observe reserved seating signage by not removing signage. Please choose a seat in an unreserved section.

JFI believes in everyone's right to choose the restroom they are most comfortable using; please disregard any exclusionary signage that may be visible at our venues.

Please refrain from wearing perfumes and other scented products so that attendees with environmental sensitivities can comfortably enjoy the films.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed in any SFJFF venue. We ask that you respect the venue policies and purchase food and beverages from the venue's concession stands.

I have mobility challenges. What should I do?

The Jewish Film Institute is committed to accommodating audience members with disabilities, offering seating waiting areas and early seating as needed and wherever possible. Upon arrival at the venue, please check in with a venue manager for assistance. All screening venues have wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms.

Anything else I should know?

• All programs are subject to change without notice. Refunds and exchanges will only be issued in the rare case of program cancellations.
• The majority of films are unrated and may not be suitable for ages 17 and under unless otherwise noted. Parental discretion is advised.
• Each film will be shown in its original language (with English subtitles for non-English films), unless otherwise noted.
• All audience members must vacate the theater following each screening. Leaving belongings and/or saving seats between shows is not permitted.
• Recording devices of any type are not permitted in the theaters.
• Please silence all phones when in theaters.

The Jewish Film Institute welcomes a diversity of opinions and ideas at our events. In doing so, JFI is committed to providing our audiences, guests, and partners an experience that is free of harassment and discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender performance, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, class, age, or ability. JFI has a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment, threatening behavior, rule-breaking, and violence for any reason. We reserve the right to revoke, without notice or refund, tickets, passes, credentials, or access to JFI events and venues. Our aim is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all who wish to attend the screenings and other events that are presented by the Jewish Film Institute.