The Walk

Sunday, October 18 @ 7:00pm
The Walk is the story of a Jewish man stuck living in Germany to be with his only daughter. Every day he is faced with reminders of the Holocaust as he walks his dog through the city which was known for antisemitism and was a beehive of Nazi activity during World War II.

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The JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival mission is to showcase culturally-diverse, Jewishly-inspired films that will entertain, educate and inspire audiences.

Irena’s Vow

Wednesday, November 8

Through the eyes of a strong-willed woman comes the remarkable true story of Irena Gut Opdyke and the triumphs of the human spirit over devastating tragedy.

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Submissions Open

Feature Film

At the CJFF, our goal is to inspire movie-goers to expand their understanding of Jewish culture and to bring a wide-variety of entertaining films, with a Jewish lens, to our community. We promote films that have a Jew-ish connection to life, culture, history both on-screen and behind-the-scenes. To qualify as a CJFF submission, films must meet the basic category requirements and resonate with our Jewish community. Film must have a connection to the Jewish values or themes of – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, community, kindness, positivism, role modeling, stewardship of the earth, any Jewish holiday or historical event. Feature Film submissions must be over 60 minutes. Note: you must agree to your film being presented virtually.

 

Short Film

To qualify as a CJFF submission, Short Films must meet the basic category requirements and themes of the film festival. Film must have a connection to the Jewish values or themes of – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, community, kindness, positivism, role modeling, stewardship of the earth, any Jewish holiday or historical event. Short Film Submissions must be under 30 minutes including all intros and credits. Note: you must agree to your film being presented virtually.

 

Student Filmmaker Competition

Student filmmakers of all experience levels (all are welcome, you don’t need to be Jewish to apply!)

WHAT: New or previously created documentaries or narrative short films running 3-10 minutes in length, including credits.

WHERE: Filmmakers must reside in the Chicagoland area, surround suburbs or the state of Illinois or be a participant in a JCC Chicago program (including Camp Chi, Springboard, Jewish Student Connection, etc.)

WHY: Celebrate the Jewish experience connecting your film to (one or more) of the Jewish values or themes of – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, community, kindness, positivism, role modeling, stewardship of the earth, any Jewish holiday or historical event. Teens through College undergraduates encouraged to apply.

Submissions are accepted through Film Freeway:

Deadline: February 2, 2024 at 11:59pm

Thank you to our Premier Sponsor

jelmar

Thank You to our Multi-Year-Sponsors

Community members and businesses providing sustaining support:

Robin & Allen Berg
Lisa & Lee Bloom
Marci Horowitz
Laurie F. Lieberman

Lisa Reisman & Jason Busch
Vicki & Gerald Tenner

2021- 2022 Festival Teaser

Contact Us

For more information about the JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival, call 847.763.3507 or email cjff@jccchicago.org.