The Cleveland Jewish FilmFest is an eleven day festival featuring a diverse selection of dramas, documentaries and shorts that explore educate, entertain and provoke discussion on the Jewish and Israeli experience.

An annual, popular community event, films are screened at several local venues. Talk backs with local experts and out of town guests (filmmakers, producers) enhance the film viewing experience.

The 2025 festival was almost entirely in-person with just a few virtual screenings. We plan to be continue in-person screenings with a limited virtual component in 2026.

Awards & Prizes

The Jack & Minda Jaffe Audience Award winning film receives an encore community screening following the festival annually at the Mandel JCC. The audience favorite film is voted on through the Eventive online balloting platform.

Rules & Terms

Films must have a connection to the Jewish/Israeli experience. Films produced within the past two years are eligible for consideration. Films need not be local premieres but those that have had wide exposure in the Cleveland market are less likely to be accepted.

Film screeners should be submitted via FilmFreeway. Submission fees are non-refundable. Submission does not guarantee inclusion in the festival.

By submitting a film to the Cleveland Jewish FilmFest, applicants certify that they possess the legal rights to submit and exhibit the work.

Projection format for accepted films is in DCP or ProRes format. Some venues require an MP4 or .mov file.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Simcha Shtull

    It was a pleasure to work with the folks at the Cleveland Jewish Film Fest. All queries and requests were easily addressed, and the festival itself ran smoothly and was fun!

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Gisela Chicolino

    A festival of this topic is really a necessary one. Please keep working on generating this exquisite programming for the audiences.

    October 2021
    Helpful
  • Asaf Yecheskel

    While we didn’t get the chance to attend the festival (obviously, due to the COVID19) communication was great and we were well informed. Thank you for selecting "Code Name: Ayalon" and I look forward to collaborating with you again in the future.

    November 2020
    Helpful