The Weinstein JCC is proud to host the 16th Annual Israeli & Jewish Film Festival from January 7-26, 2025, as part of the 2024-2025 Arts + Ideas Season. This popular film festival is dedicated to fostering an understanding of Israeli and Jewish culture while introducing viewers to Israel’s young but thriving film industry.
“We are excited to expand the reach of this film festival into diverse areas of the community,” said Leslie McGuigan, Director of Cultural Arts at the Weinstein JCC. “In 2025, six films can be screened in person at locations throughout RVA including the Byrd Theatre, the University of Richmond, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and the Weinstein JCC.” Weinstein Properties is the presenting sponsor of the film festival.
McGuigan also shared that the festival received financial support from the University of Virginia through a Virginia Humanities Grant. This grant supports projects that explore the stories of Virginians as well as issues and questions impacting the lives of Virginians today. Films were selected based on various considerations such as awards and nominations, timely subject matter and input from the film community.
Tickets are included in the Arts + Ideas subscription. Nonsubscribers can purchase tickets for $12 (Weinstein JCC members) or $15 (nonmembers). An all-films pass can be purchased for $65 (JCC members) or $84 (nonmembers).
The schedule of films, along with a brief synopsis of each, plus information about screening locations, viewing times and ticket purchasing, can be found on the Weinstein JCC website.
16th Annual Israeli & Jewish Film Festival Line-Up
We Will Dance Again
Tues., Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St.
Co-presented by Jewish Community Federation of Richmond; a 90-minute documentary in English and Hebrew with English subtitles; recommended for ages 16+ due to some images and content that may be disturbing; pre-registration is required and must present government-issued ID at check-in; free for students; parking at the deck directly behind the theatre off Colonial Avenue is recommended (cost is $1 for 12 hours).
Running On Sand
Sun., Jan. 12 at 1 p.m.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
Co-presented by the VMFA; a 108-minute drama in Hebrew with English subtitles.
Moses Ezekiel: Portrait of a Lost Artist
Sun., Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
Co-presented by the VMHC; a 56-minute documentary; post-screen discussion with film director Steven Pressman will share additional insights
All About the Levkoviches
Wed., Jan. 22 at 7 p.m.
Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Ave.
An 85-minute drama in Hungarian and Hebrew with English subtitles
Israel Swings for Gold
Sun., Jan. 26 at 2 p.m.
Jepson Alumni Center, University of Richmond, 442 Westhampton Way
Presented in partnership with University of Richmond Hillel; a 77-minute documentary in English; post-screening discussion with Nate Mulberg (coach for U of R and Team Israel); pre-registration is required; free for U of R students
999: The Forgotten Girls
Sun., Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.
Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Ave.
In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day; co-presented by the Virginia Holocaust Museum; an 86-minute documentary; post-screening discussion with Heather Dune Macadam – director, author, and historian whose acclaimed book 999 was adapted into this powerful documentary.
Photo Credit to Adam Breier
