Our 34th JFilm Festival will be held in person in May 2027. Please note that the date listed on Film Freeway is tentative.

Pittsburgh’s JFilm Festival presents international films that deepen audiences’ understanding of Jewish culture, tolerance, and our common humanity. Started in 1994, it has become the biggest Jewish cultural event in the Pittsburgh region with more than 2,500 attendees every year.

JFilm is designed for people of all races, religions, ages, and abilities and attracts lovers of international, independent, Jewish-themed films. The festival features Pittsburgh film premieres, amazing guest speakers and visiting filmmakers, inspiring conversations, parties and receptions, and other special events that celebrate the best of Jewish film from around the world!

Awards & Prizes

Audience Awards are given for Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature. The Harvey Sloan Audience Choice Award for Best Short has a $500 cash prize.

Rules & Terms

Submissions are accepted for the annual JFilm Festival, as well as other year-round programming. JFilm presents narrative, documentary, and animated films that celebrate the global Jewish community. Foreign language films must be subtitled in English. Submission fees increase over time, so submit early.

CONTENT CONSIDERATIONS:
• Films with Jewish content (cultural or religious).
• Israeli films and films from the global diaspora.
• Films by Jewish filmmakers.
• Films that embody Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World). A commitment to social justice, activism, and taking responsibility for improving the world.

CRITERIA:
• Films must have been completed in 2025 or later
• ALL films must have English subtitles (burned in or SRT files) for accessibility
• No generative AI can be used

EXHIBITION FORMATS:
DCP and in some limited circumstances ProRes

PLEASE INCLUDE WITH SUBMISSION:
• Print Source name, address, phone, e-mail, and Web site link (if applicable)
• Film synopsis
• Director's bio along with contact information (if the filmmaker is traveling with film)
• Country of origin, release year, running time, language(s) spoken in the film
• Publicity materials: press reviews, awards and nominations, screening history, and any other relevant press materials.

Entrants may submit more than one film. Each entry requires a separate entry form and fee.
8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Night Maire

    Our screening was epic. It was totally sold out, and all the films were very well received, and each had a Q&A session as well. It was fabulous.

    May 2026
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  • Lauren Greenhall

    The JFilm Fest was fantastic! I didn't get to attend in person but the communication from the team was top notch. I felt lucky to have my short alongside these other amazing films.

    May 2026
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  • Stewart Schulman

    In my year of traveling the film festival circuit with my feature documentary Left Alone Rhapsody I’ve had some truly wonderful experiences. But I have to say that the highlight of that amazing journey happened at Film Pittsburgh’s JFilm Festival this year. Working with the Executive Director and her team, in such a supportive, creative, and accommodating environment, was a total joy. Their attention to detail, and concern for the presentation of the best cinematic experience for both the audience and the filmmakers, made for one of the best nights of my life! Thank you JFilm! Thank you, Film Pittsburgh! Bravo!

    May 2024
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  • Heather Dune Macadam

    Fantastic festival! Well Organized. Lovely Administrators and Volunteers. Gorgeous Theatre. A really cool city! Pittsburgh has loads of art and artists, great food, and Independent Film Afficiandos.

    The Q&As were well moderated and audiences were inquisitive and receptive. I loved participating in Teen Screen and speaking to area high school students about my documentary and was really impressed by that program, as well. There is a lot going on here, so good luck and celebrate if you get in!

    May 2024
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  • Paul Michael Bloodgood

    Film Pittsburgh's JFilm Festival was a fantastic experience. The staff was incredibly friendly, the theatrical presentation of our film - FINDING LIGHT - was top-notch, and the Q&A with the audience was wonderful as well. You couldn't ask for more from a film festival!

    May 2023
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