One of the largest and most respected Jewish film festivals in North America, the Washington Jewish Film Festival (WJFF) is an international exhibition of cinema that celebrates the diversity of Jewish history, culture and experience through the moving image. In addition to the annual festival, the WJFF presents an ongoing, year-round film series.

The WJFF annually serves over 18,000 people through 100+ screenings, nearly all of which are regional, US or world premieres. Most screenings are followed by discussions with guest filmmakers and subject matter experts.

Last year's festival included panels, discussions and presentations with over 60 visiting filmmakers from around the world.

Recent guests have included major US and international talents such as Eytan Fox, Roberta Grossman, Elliot Gould, Agnieszka Holland, Carol Kane, Barry Levinson, Marceline Loridan-Ivens, Natalie Portman, Eran Riklis, James Schamus, John Turturro, and Liv Ullman.

Awards & Prizes

The WJFF is a non-competitive festival, but does give out three audience awards: Best Narrative, Best Documentary and Best Short Film.

Additionally, the Festival annually spotlights the career of an exceptional film artist through the WJFF Visionary Award, which recognizes creativity and insight in presenting the full diversity of the Jewish experience through moving image. The 2018 honoree was Roberta Grossman.

Rules & Terms

MISSION: WJFF exclusively looks for films that explore an aspect of Jewish identity, history or culture.

PREMIERE REQUIREMENT: All films included in the WJFF must be at least Washington, DC premieres. Accepted films shall not be screened, released on DVD, webcast on the Internet or broadcast on television in the Washington, DC-metropolitan area (Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland) prior to June 30, 2019.

COMPLETION DATE: Films must have been completed in 2017 or later (2018 or 2019).

SUBTITLES: All films should be fully subtitled in English (if the original language is not English).

FORMAT: Full-length (over 40min) films must be made available on DCP. Short films can be provided on DCP or via a pro-res file.

***Any exceptions to the qualifications above must be made and agreed upon in writing in advance by the WJFF director.

3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Pearl Gluck

    Great experience, as always, being at the Washington Jewish Film Festival. Always a terrific line-up of films, good to connect with other filmmakers, and generous hospitality. Thank you!

    July 2018
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  • Mili Ben Hayl and Tamar Shippony

    We weren't able to physically make it to the festival but from the correspondence it is noticeable that this is a top-notch festival!

    Very nice, very professional, and they really go the extra mile to shine the most light they can on your film and on the filmmakers. From all the Jewish Film Festivals I've been in touch with, this festival is my number 1!

    Thank you again Washington Jewish Film Festival for the great experience and communication, we really recommend your festival!

    May 2018
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  • Amir Ragporker

    Such a great Film Festival. My short film got selected. I came from Israel to participate in the screening and it was awesome. They even had a short Q&A with me, which was an incredible experience. I recommend everyone to put their film in the festival, it's in good hands.
    I want to thank, Ilya Tovbis for selecting my film, And also Lily Singer that had so much patience and helped me a lot getting a hotel room and everything else. Tnx guys and see you in the future :)

    June 2016
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