JxJ is a multidisciplinary arts project that encompasses the Washington Jewish Film and Music Festivals, alongside hybrid arts programming.

Between the Festival and year-round programming, JxJ annually attracts 30,000 patrons across 180+ events held at venues throughout the DC region. One of the largest and most respected Jewish film festivals in North America, JxJ 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.

Beginning in 2019, the Washington Jewish Film Festival joined forces with the Washington Jewish Music Festival to form JxJ, a multidisciplinary event celebrating Jewish and Israeli arts. The film screenings are comprised almost entirely of regional, US and world premieres. Most screenings are followed by discussions with guest filmmakers and subject matter experts.

Recent guests have included major US and international talents such as Jake Paltrow, Nancy Spielberg, 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

JxJ (formerly Washington Jewish Film Festival) is a non-competitive festival, but does give out three audience awards: Best Narrative, Best Documentary and Best Short Film.

Rules & Terms

MISSION: JxJ exclusively looks for films that explore one or more aspects of Jewish identity, history or culture.

PREMIERE REQUIREMENT: All full-length (40min+) films included in the Festival must be at least Washington, DC premieres. Accepted films shall not be screened, released on DVD, streamed on the internet or broadcast on television in the Washington, DC-metropolitan area (Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland).

COMPLETION DATE: Films must have been completed in 2023 or later.

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

FORMAT: Full-length (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 by the JxJ Director.

12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gaylen Ross

    Fantastic festival. Great administrators and festival director. Wonderful audiences. All around a terrific experience.

    May 2026
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  • Julie Rubio

    Outstanding festival! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Overall Rating

    Attending the JxJ Washington Jewish Film & Music Festival was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The curation of films and performances was both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, highlighting a rich cultural spectrum that felt deeply personal and universally relevant.

    Quality: ★★★★★
    Every screening and concert reflected an extraordinary level of artistic excellence. The programming was bold, diverse, and deeply moving—each event left a lasting impression.

    Value: ★★★★★
    From the depth of content to the caliber of speakers and artists, the value of this festival far exceeded expectations. It’s clear that JxJ is dedicated to offering a meaningful experience to its audience.

    Communication: ★★★★★
    Organizers were responsive, clear, and kind throughout the entire process. Whether it was ticketing, scheduling, or special guest coordination, the communication was seamless and professional.

    Hospitality: ★★★★★
    The warmth and welcome extended by the entire JxJ team was unparalleled. You feel like part of a vibrant community from the moment you walk in.

    Networking: ★★★★★
    This festival isn’t just about art—it’s about connection. JxJ creates an inclusive, dynamic environment for filmmakers, musicians, and audiences to engage, collaborate, and grow.

    Highly recommend JxJ for anyone seeking meaningful cultural programming rooted in Jewish identity, yet universally resonant in scope.

    June 2025
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  • Adi Mishnayot

    Online edition it was, but still a great experience, wonderful festival, it was an honor to present our short documentary "Image of Victory" there. Very recommended!

    June 2021
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  • Ira Kerem

    Our film, "We Made Matzah B**** for the Revolution", was screened virtually at the Washington festival so I can't answer about hospitality and networking. However, I can't give enough praise for the staff of this festival. Everyone was extremely professional, thoughtful, considerate, well planned, and delightful to work with. considering the difficulty of holding a festival primarily on the internet, this was an extremely worthwhile experience.

    June 2021
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  • Josh Gerritsen

    We had a wonderful time participating in the Washington Jewish Film Festival! Great communication from the organizers and had a fantastic Q+A to boot.

    June 2021
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