Jewish Film Festival

Arts & Entertainment Film Festivals Screen Screen What's On

Mark Morellini
October 18, 2023

Image: MATCHMAKING. Image: film still

The Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) returns to Sydney this year, proudly presenting a program of 55 Australian premiere films from 19 countries. There are 30 feature films, 20 documentaries, 2 television series and 6 short films for festival attendees to choose from.

JIFF has a rich history of presenting Jewish cinema to Australian audiences and patronage was on the increase from year to year until Covid-19 forced its shutdown.

“It peaked in 2019 and then obviously Covid-19 smashed everything that was fun to smithereens. We’ve been building back up from that point,” explained Artistic Director, Eddie Tamir.

The films at this festival tell stories of contemporary Jewish society around the world. Israel’s biggest blockbuster of 2023, romantic comedy Matchmaking opens the festival, with a pre-party where festival-attendees can indulge in falafel and drinks.

When asked whether it’s a misconception that the Jewish Film Festival only concerns the Holocaust, Tamir was quick to respond.

“Yes absolutely. To that point though it is unfortunate and sad for humanity that there is such a film genre as a Holocaust genre, but there is a Holocaust genre and films continue to be made in that genre by Jewish and non-Jewish filmmakers.”

Many of the themes in these Holocaust films may serve as cautionary tales: what can happen if one is not vigilant; fears of abandonment; and society trauma.

“These themes continue to matter in society so holocaust films continue to be made.”

When asked what he hopes audiences should learn about Jewish life and traditions from attending this film festival Tamir paused momentarily.

REVENGE: OUR DAD THE NAZI KILLER. Image: film still

“Fostering an understanding, even within the Jewish community, across many areas including religiously, politically and also an understanding of Jewish experience and contribution to society.”

The Australian film element features profoundly in this year’s festival. Proudly presented are two world premiere Australian feature length documentaries that lovers of this genre should not miss.

Revenge: Our Dad The Nazi Killer and The Jewish Nazi? Both are very special and tell compelling stories which are best classified as ‘you just can’t believe they’re true stories’.

A companion piece to Oppenheimer is The Compassionate Spy which tells the true story of Ted Hall, an 18 year old Harvard physicist in the Manhattan Project who believed that nuclear knowledge and secrets should not have been kept by one country alone as it would be dangerous for humanity in general.

This film festival should appeal to all audiences, Jewish and non-Jewish and especially to the cinephile community who enjoy high rated art house critic darlings such as The Goldman Case and Valeria Is Getting Married. People in the general community who would also like a deeper understanding of Jewish story and perspective should also attend.

Tamir explained that even though warfare has escalated rapidly between Israel and Gaza, the film festival will proceed as scheduled.

“Film festivals in general foster understanding and openheartedness and we believe that’s very important – if not more important today. We look forward to people sharing in this very difficult time and continuing to focus on living and on the positive elements of humanity.”