From star-studded features, gripping historical dramas, and stories of iconic Jewish trailblazers and innovators, the Jewish International Film Festival (February 17 – March 24) returns for another year of spectacular Jewish cinema from around the world.

Featuring 51 films from 19 countries, the Festival builds on more than 30 years of bringing the best of Jewish cinema to Australia, presenting 29 features, 19 documentaries, and episodes from 3 TV series to audiences in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Canberra.

“I am delighted to present our vibrant 2021 program, now back in cinemas. This year’s program celebrates the richness and diversity of Jewish culture around the world. The line-up includes Australian premieres of 50 films and three series; as usual, split equally between Israeli and diaspora productions, with nineteen countries represented on screen. From deeply personal documentaries on the trailblazers who changed the world, to touching true stories illuminating the untold stories from our history, as well as some truly impressive star-studded films, JIFF 2021 will reach all ages across the full spectrum of politics and religion,” said Jewish International Film Festival Artistic Director, Eddie Tamir.

Kicking off the Festival is the winner of Best Film at the Ophir Awards (Israeli Oscars), Incitement – a timely film mirroring the radicalised final days of the Trump-era, revealing the forces which incited a young Orthodox law student to assassinate the Israeli Prime Minister in 1995 and effectively doom the peace process that would have changed the Middle East.

With immense star power present, female representation, a collection of true stories and dramas, alongside special events available for all, this is one film festival audiences won’t want to miss. The Festival will close by premiering the first two episodes of the global phenomenon, Shtisel, season three. Starring Shira Haas (Orthodox), the series, follows a Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) family in Jerusalem as they reckon with love, loss, and the daily doldrums of life.

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