Since 1996, the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival (EJFF) has celebrated Jewish culture, identity, religion, and history through film. The 26th annual festival will run from May 10 to 18 at the Stanley A. Milner Public Library, with online viewing options.
Organized by the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival is one of the largest Jewish cultural events in Edmonton. The Jewish Federation of Edmonton holds ideals that are precious to the heritage of Jewish people. These ideals include unity, diversity, tradition, innovation, giving, and acceptance. The foundation seeks to celebrate the uniqueness of the Jewish community and provide various resources and programs that will contribute to a vibrant and enduring community. These programs range from educational to arts and culture.
The EJFF has been made possible by the hard work of the volunteer Edmonton Jewish Film Festival Committee that spends each winter screening many films and selecting the final film lineup for the annual festival. Funding comes from generous individuals, organizations, and companies through sponsorships and donations. Much of the proceeds from the festival go to Partnership 2Gether (P2G), a bridge-building partnership between the Jewish Federation of Edmonton and the communities of the Galilee panhandle in Northern Israel.
The Films
Films presented at the festival will make their Edmonton premiere and include Jewish-themed dramas, comedies, mysteries, and documentaries from around the world. The films bring stories of politics, history, literature, and friendship. This year’s lineup features Neighbours, Masel Tov Cocktail, Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen, Persian Lessons, and Tiger Within, to name a few. All films are available online with two in-person screenings at the Stanley A. Milner Public Library. Online guest speakers and special events complement the event by engaging audiences, giving everyone opportunities to ask questions and learn about Jewish experiences.
Additionally, the 2022 Earl Parker Award for Jewish Film, a $1,500 prize, will also be announced on the opening night of EJFF.
The list of films is available online, and you can also register on the website—all you need is an email address and a computer to watch the online films and events. The best part? The festival is free and open to all! Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and learn about Jewish culture!
