The Jewish Film Festival in Long Beach will return for its 20th year, screening five Jewish-themed films including romantic comedies, dramas and animation at the Alpert Jewish Community Center from premiere night Wednesday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 21.
Each day of the festival will feature a different film that provides a window into the Jewish experience and perspective, exploring both contemporary and historical themes.
Throughout the festival, there will be prescreening receptions and guest speakers. The reception at the premiere night will feature a red carpet, gourmet popcorn, live music and a screening of the first film of the festival, “Marrying Myself.” The 2022 comedy is about a 38-year-old woman who gives up on men and decides to do exactly what the film title implies, until something unexpected happens.
The festival schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. – “Marrying Myself”
- Thursday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. – “The Story of Annette Zelman”
- Saturday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. – “Matchmaking”
- Sunday, Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. – “Farewell, Mr. Haffman”
- Sunday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. – “My Father’s Secrets”
Tickets are on sale now and can be bought here. Admission starts at $25 for premiere night ($20 for AJCC members) and $20 for all other film screenings ($15 for AJCC members).
A festival pass is also available for $118 ($85 AJCC members), which includes access to all screenings, VIP skip-the-line, unlimited drinks at receptions, a souvenir popcorn container and more.
There will also be two free screenings before the main events start. One is for teens on Saturday, Jan. 6 showing “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah,” and one on Sunday, Jan. 14 showing “An American Tail,” good for the whole family.
All festival events will be held at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus.
The Alpert Jewish Community Center is located at 3801 E. Willow St.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the correct date of the festival’s last screening day, Jan. 21.