The 34th Annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival (SDIJFF) runs in-person from January 1 through February 11, 2024, and continues virtually from Feb. 11-18. The SDIJFF showcases a selection of the best contemporary Jewish films. Thirty-four feature films and 28 short films will be screened and there will be plenty of free in-person-only screenings at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in UTC.
Film enthusiasts can attend in-person screenings at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, while virtual film screenings are available on demand beginning on Feb. 11 and will remain available through Feb 18. Limited, free in-person screenings will also be available. The Underwriter-exclusive screening of “Kidnapped,” by legendary Italian director Marco Bellocchio, will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31. It was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
This festival is known to be one of the most prestigious Jewish film festivals in the country. Tickets are $18 per program and $15 for JCC members.
All the films that will be screened at the festival were carefully selected to represent the Jewish experience, including highlights such as:
“Bella!”
Brash, energetic, and dedicated to real democracy, “Bella Abzug came to the US House with a sledgehammer” and became the voice of women the world over.
“Left Alone Rhapsody – The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless”
With a special performance by film subject and pianist John Bayless.
Opening night film. Experience the life and career of the incomparable pianist John Bayless, who faced a tremendous challenge at age 38 and returned to the concert stage.
“Remembering Gene Wilder”
With guest speaker, co-director, and writer Glenn Kirschbaum.
This is a joyous romp through Wilder’s career, including many memorable film clips and interviews exploring his background, relationships, and contribution to cinema.
“The Catskills”
Centerpiece film. Remember Grossingers, the Concord, golf, smorgasbords, entertainment, and laughs? Revisit the history of this storied summer mountain getaway for vacationing Jewish families.
“The Monkey House”
Avi Nesher, award-winning Israeli director’s new film! A once-successful novelist tries to revive his fading career by hiring an actress to play the part of a Masters literature student studying his work. A variety of twists and turns ensue. 2023 Ophir Awards (Israeli Oscars); 11 nominations.
This year’s 2024 Film Selection Committee includes: Christina Fink as Chair, Joyce Axelrod as Founding Chair, along with Francine Ginsburg and Helen Fleming as Past Chairs, as well as Herb Adelman, Judith Friedel, Michele Kipnis, Leslie Oster, Saundra Saperstein, Sarah Scott, Sandra Silverstein, Sandy Sherman, and Sheryl Nissen.
Tickets are on sale now. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.lfjcc.org/cjc/sdijff.aspx.
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