The Boston Jewish Film Festival was founded by filmmaker Michal Goldman in 1989. The Festival is now one of the largest and longest-running Jewish film festivals in the world, welcoming over 10,000 attendees annually. As the Festival continues to grow (from 10 screenings in its first year to over 60), the BJFF has welcomed 300,000 audience members and screens in over 10 venues across the Greater Boston Area.

Films that have had premieres at the BJFF include Academy Award-winners such as The Pianist (2002), Nowhere in Africa (2002), and Son of Saul (2015).

Awards & Prizes

The Boston Jewish Film Festival FRESHFLIX Short Film Competition:

Every year the Boston Jewish Film Festival selects 7-10 short films with Jewish themes from around the world. We invite a group of judges to choose their favorites. We screen the films during the Festival and the audience votes for the winner via text on the night of the event. 1st place winner: $750, 2nd place: $500.

Rules & Terms

To qualify for the FreshFlix short film competition films must be made in 2015 or later, be no longer than 30 minutes, cannot have screened in the Boston Area, and must include Jewish content. Films submitted for the short film competition will be reviewed by a jury, and the winner will be selected by the audience. Films submitted but not accepted to the competition may be accepted to other sections of the Festival.

All feature films must be made in 2016 or later and cannot have screened in the Boston area, have aired on television in the United States, or be available online or on VOD to be eligible.
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  • elizabeth rynecki

    It was an honor to have CHASING PORTRAITS selected for the BJFF and to be screened at the MFA. We had a sold out crowd and a fantastic Q&A. It was an honor to be part of the Boston Jewish Film Festival.

    December 2018
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