The 28th Miami Jewish Film Festival, set to take place from January 9-23, 2025, promises an unparalleled cinematic experience, showcasing over 130 premieres in a unique hybrid format. This year’s festival features more than 80 films available for virtual viewing and an extensive in-theater lineup across Greater Miami, with exciting events spanning 15 days.
Opening night will kick off with the world premiere of Soul of a Nation, a poignant documentary by Jonathan Jakubowicz that explores Israel’s resilience after the October 7 tragedy. The closing night will feature Matchmaking 2, a romantic sequel to last year’s box-office success, highlighting Israel’s charm and talent.
Anticipated highlights include the Southeast U.S. premiere of The Stronghold, a gripping portrayal of an Israeli outpost during the Yom Kippur War, and the international premiere of Air War, a breathtaking aerial drama set during the Six-Day War. Other notable screenings include Midas Man, depicting the rise of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, and Miami Schmatta, a documentary celebrating the legacy of immigrant communities in the garment industry.
Daily screenings will be complemented by special guests, live performances, and a vibrant atmosphere that invites audiences to connect with filmmakers and actors. Festival badges and virtual passes are available, ensuring access to all films and events.
Enhanced security measures will be implemented to ensure a safe and enjoyable festival experience. Attendees are encouraged to plan accordingly and minimize personal items.
This extraordinary celebration of Jewish cinema, where stories of resilience, love, and laughter unite communities in the heart of Miami. Tickets are now on sale—visit the festival website to secure your spot!
Program Announcement
Special Premieres
Opening Night World Premiere
Soul of a Nation
The first great documentary of 2025 is an inspiring and eye-opening journey into Israel’s most turbulent chapter, from the depths of crisis and division to a profound movement of unity after the October 7 tragedy, offering exclusive insights and a heartfelt vision of hope.
Director Jonathan Jakubowicz & producer Claudine Jakubowicz in attendance! Opening Night Sponsored by Haber Law
Closing Night Premiere
Matchmaking 2
Israel’s biggest box office hit of the year is an endlessly witty, visually rapturous, and sweetly romantic sequel to the beloved 2022 romantic drama, featuring a Romeo-and-Juliet-like saga (sans the tragedy!) starring some of Israel’s most dazzling young talents.
Featuring a special Awards Ceremony and other surprises! Closing Night Sponsored by Evensky & Katz / Foldes Financial
Southeast US Premiere
The Stronghold
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War and featuring an outstanding performance from Israeli superstar Michael Aloni (Shtisel, The Beauty Queens of Jerusalem), The Stronghold delivers a heart-pounding portrayal of an Israeli outpost’s desperate last stand on the Suez Canal.
Israeli superstar Michael Aloni in attendance!
World Premiere
One Big Happy Family
A woman’s world is turned upside down on her 40th birthday by a surprising DNA test result sending her on a heartfelt journey of self-discovery with her mother, all while navigating the challenges of family and love in this feel-good film featuring standout performances by Linda Lavin, Lisa Brenner, and Dante Basco.
Writer, producer, and actress Lisa Brenner in attendance!
World Premiere
Swedishkayt: YidLife Crisis in Stockholm
This hilarious film follows internationally acclaimed comedy duo YidLife Crisis on a laugh-filled adventure as they uncover a vibrant revival of Jewish culture in Sweden, reveal surprising Yiddish quirks, and prove that Jewish joy—and kvelling—knows no borders.
Featuring a special performance by YidLife Crisis to bring some LIVE SHTIK to the World Premiere event!
International Premiere
Air War
Fifteen years in the making and a record-breaking box office sensation, Israel’s extraordinary answer to Top Gun delivers breathtaking aerial action and an emotionally charged story following two charismatic rival fighter pilots whose intense competition comes to a head on the eve of the Six-Day War as their nation’s fate hangs in the balance.
Director Roy Hornshtein in attendance!
Program Announcement
Marquee Screenings
Southeast US Premiere
Come Closer
Israel’s official entry to the Academy Awards and winner of four Israeli Academy Awards, including Best Picture, is an achingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and resilience, following a young woman’s journey of grief and self-discovery after her brother’s death.
Director Tom Nesher & Producer Anthony Bregman in attendance!
Miami Premiere
Bad Shabbos
Featuring outstanding performances from Kyra Sedgwick, Method Man, David Paymer, and Milana Vyntrub, this darkly hilarious, highly entertaining screwball comedy turns a Shabbat family dinner into pure comic gold as chaos erupts after an accidental death.
Director Daniel Robbins in attendance!
International Premiere
Mazel Tov
Acclaimed Argentinean actor & director Adrián Suar delivers a heartwarming and humorous tale of family, love, and second chances, as a man’s trip from the U.S. to Argentina for his sister’s wedding and niece’s Bat Mitzvah takes unexpected twists that transform his journey into a touching and hilarious quest for reconnection.
Southeast US Premiere
Bliss
Nominated for three Israeli Academy Awards, this touching drama stars Israeli screen legends Sasson Gabay (My Daughter My Love) and Asi Levi as a married couple facing the challenges of aging, family tensions, and unresolved pasts, all brought to life with acclaimed filmmaker Shemi Zarhin’s insightful and humorous touch.
Southeast US Premiere
Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire
With unique access to Elie Wiesel’s family and personal archives, this powerful film explores his life and legacy, revealing the extraordinary passion that made him a global voice for human rights.
Director Oren Rudavsky in attendance!
Southeast US Premiere
The Glory of Life
Directed with sweep, elegance, and grand passions, this beautiful and utterly heart-affecting film tells of the exquisite romance during Franz Kafka’s final year, when he finds unexpected happiness and intimacy, capturing not just the profound inner life of a literary legend, but a fragile, delicate love story for the ages.
US Premiere
Midas Man
Step back into the Swinging Sixties and witness the electric rise of Brian Epstein, the visionary who catapulted The Beatles from a scrappy Liverpool band to the biggest rock phenomenon of all time, sparking a cultural revolution that forever changed music history. Featuring a star-making performance by Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, and Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Jay Leno & Eddie Izzard.
Program Announcement
Miami Stories
World Premiere
Miami Schmatta
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami, Miami Schmatta is a touching and illuminating documentary that delves into the remarkable legacy of Jewish and Latin immigrants who transformed their lives through the American garment industry.
Directors Clare Vickery & Aaron Glickman in attendance!
World Premiere
Milk & Honey,
Blood & Tears
A deeply moving film from Miami-based filmmaker Leslie Benitah chronicling the resilience and recovery of Kibbutz Be’eri after the devastating October 7th attack, juxtaposing its peaceful past with the harsh realities of survival.
Director Leslie Benitah in attendance!
Southeast US Premiere
October H8te
A must-see documentary directed by Miami-based filmmaker Wendy Sachs and produced by Jewish-American actress Debra Messing that examines the surge of anti-Israel activism and rising campus antisemitism in America following the October 7 terrorist attack.
Director Wendy Sachs in attendance!
World Premiere
The Last Ones
of Auschwitz
This powerful film, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz, captures the testimonies of the last remaining Holocaust survivors, including Miami-based survivors David Schaecter, Saul Blau & Hedy Fladel.
Director Leslie Benitah in attendance!