Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival is part of the annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival year-round programming.

Since its inception in 1990, the SDIJFF has become one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals of its kind, and has the highest attendance of any Jewish cultural event in San Diego County. We use various venues throughout San Diego County, playing to roughly 20,000 patrons every year.

Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival presents short documentary, narrative and animated films, along with a national and international roster of guest speakers and directors. We offer an array of films that depict elements of Jewish life, history and culture. Awards will be selected by a distinguished panel of Jurors.

7th Annual Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival Dates:
November 21-23, 2024 (Subject to change)

Awards & Prizes

Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival Jury awards:

Grand Jury Prize
Best Documentary
Best Narrative
Best Animation
Best Director

Panel of Jurors: A jury will select the top short films in the above categories.

(We do not offer cash prizes.)

Rules & Terms

For the film to be considered, it must have Jewish content: themes, culture, history or include a Jewish character. The film must have been completed on or after January 1, 2022.

The film should run 30 minutes or less.

If the film is not in English, it must have English subtitles.

Films can be screened virtually and/or in a venue (in-person).

Please note, the JFJSFF does not pay a screening fee.

Please include a notation in the film’s description which indicates the Jewish content.

Fee waiver: please understand that the Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival relies on submission fees and only grants waivers when necessary. You must fill out a waiver form in order to be considered for a waiver of the submission fee. Please contact us before submitting your short film: thejoyceforum@gmail.com

Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival; your film may be screened multiple times at the Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival and at the 2025 San Diego International Jewish Film Festival or any SDIJFF mid-season screenings, both in-person and virtually.

SDIJFF Feature films submission:
https://filmfreeway.com/festival/SanDiegoJewishFilmFestival
20 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Judy Herbstein

    I was honored and delighted when "Paddling for Life" won Best Documentary Short at the 2022 festival. It was very rewarding to read the thoughtful and insightful Jury members reasons for selecting it. Thank you so very much.
    I hope to attend this awesome festival in person in the future. I definitely plan on sending my next film to this festival.

    October 2022
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  • lyn goldfarb

    Showing EDDY'S WORLD at Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival was a great experience, although I wish I could have been there in person. Good communication with staff. We were part of a good line up. And honored to receive the Grand Jury Prize. Thank you Joyce Forum.

    October 2021
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  • Lisa Melmed

    Fabulous festival. Well organized and welcoming. Programming was varied and high quality. The JCC venue is terrific -- loved the big screen and the seating. Thanks to all for including LARRY & ME!

    October 2021
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  • Rachel Raz

    I had a wonderful experience! the community and organizers are very professional, warm and kind. It was great to see the film on a large screen:) It was also nice to meet other film makers! Thank you for having me and choosing Space Torah as the Best documentary this year!

    October 2021
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  • Gisela Chicolino

    Festivals like this are really the necessary ones. Please keep working on generating this exquisite content for the audiences.

    October 2021
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