The Jewish International Film Festival
- Written by Matt Fraser
JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL BRINGS
GLOBAL STORIES TO AUSTRALIAN SCREENS
2024 JIFF Program Announced
The Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) returns from 27 October to 22 December 2024, presenting an extraordinary line-up of films that reflect the diversity, complexity, and richness of Jewish culture.
With 41 feature-length films, 2 television series, and a special short film showcase, the festival presents the best Jewish-themed stories from 17 countries, including Australia, the United States, Israel, France, Germany and Portugal.
“This year’s JIFF is a vibrant celebration of Jewish voices,” says Artistic Director Eddie Tamir. “Our 2024 program showcases stars and change makers, offering audiences a rich tapestry of stories that explore the depth and diversity of Jewish life. We are excited to present films that span thousands of years of history and culture, reflecting on both the ancient traditions that have shaped our world and the contemporary challenges we face today.”
Opening and Closing Night Films
Kicking off the festival is A Real Pain, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. This Sundance award-winner blends dark humour and heartfelt emotion as two cousins embark on a tour of Poland to honour their grandmother, confronting family tensions and intergenerational trauma.
The festival closes with The Performance, where Jeremy Piven plays Harold May, a Jewish-American tap dancer lured into performing for Adolf Hitler in Berlin. Adapted from an Arthur Miller short story, this tense period drama examines fame, personal integrity, and artistic survival.
Centrepiece Film
At the heart of the festival is the Sundance and Berlin International Film Festival selected Between the Temples, an unconventional comedy starring Jason Schwartzman as a cantor navigating loss and rediscovery with the unexpected help of his former music teacher, played by Carol Kane.
Special Presentation
The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet and starring Adrien Brody and Australian actor Guy Pearce, tells the powerful story of Hungarian-Jewish architect László Toth as he rebuilds his life in post-war America. This Special Presentation at JIFF 2024 offers a rare opportunity to experience the film ahead of its official release in January 2025, with exclusive festival screenings in Sydney and Melbourne.
Highlights of the 2024 Program
JIFF 2024 delves into stories of survival and reckoning with history. The Commandant's Shadow follows Hans Jürgen Höss, the son of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss, as he confronts his father’s horrific legacy. In a deeply emotional meeting with Auschwitz survivor Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, the film draws a poignant parallel to The Zone of Interest, the Academy Award-winning film that centred on the Höss family’s life in chilling proximity to the Auschwitz death camp.
Tatami is the first-ever collaboration between Israeli and Iranian filmmakers. Premiering at the Venice International Film Festival, the film follows an Iranian judo athlete forced to choose between competing for gold and protecting her family’s freedom—an impossible decision set against the high-stakes backdrop of the Judo World Championship.
Several of JIFF 2024's films have garnered significant recognition on the international stage. Seven Blessings, the big winner at the Israeli Oscars, tells the powerful story of a marriage disrupted by long-buried secrets in post-World War II Israel. Running on Sand, winner of Best Debut Film at the Haifa Film Festival, brings to life a poetic and evocative tale of love and survival set against the backdrop of an Israeli coastal town. The Vanishing Soldier, the recipient of Best Israeli Feature, tells the gripping story of a young soldier grappling with the demands of duty and the haunting memories of conflict.
Australian voices take centre stage in Welcome to Yiddishland, a documentary that explores the revival of Yiddish culture, showcasing the remarkable contributions of Australian artists to this global resurgence. Pita with Vegemite: An Israeli Australian Story captures the reflections of Israeli-Australians as they navigate their identities after the October 7th attacks, offering an intimate exploration of migration and belonging in Australia.
The festival continues its support for local filmmakers with the premiere screenings of Everything There Is to Know About Me and Soft Gaze, two winning short films from the JIFF Short Film Fund which screens alongside Singing up the Past, about Polish-Australian Holocaust survivor Guta Goldstein and her journey to preserve songs from the Łódź ghetto and camps.
Shoshana, from prolific director Michael Winterbottom, is a propulsive historical thriller set in British Mandatory Palestine. It explores the volatile relationship between a young Jewish woman and a British policeman, with lasting consequences for the region. In Führer and Seducer, audiences are drawn into the dark world of Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Germany’s Minister of Propaganda. This gripping drama reveals the mechanics of the deadly propaganda machine that fuelled the Third Reich, offering powerful insights into how historical events parallel today's “fake news” landscape.
Physician, Heal Thyself presents a deeply personal portrait of Gabor Maté, the celebrated expert on trauma and addiction, whose sold-out Australian tour in 2025 reflects his immense popularity. This searing documentary explores his difficult past, his role in destigmatizing mental health, and his journey to self-awareness.
The animated epic Legend of Destruction vividly brings to life the fall of the Second Temple, blending breathtaking visuals with intense historical drama. This stunning work reimagines ancient history with modern animation, immersing audiences in a tale of betrayal, power, and the cataclysmic events that reshaped the Jewish world.
This year’s festival dives deep into the lives of iconic figures in music and literature. Janis Ian: Breaking Silence captures the life of the trailblazing Jewish singer-songwriter Janis Ian, known for her hits like "At Seventeen" and her bold stand against societal norms. Diane Warren: Relentless provides a candid look at one of the most successful songwriters in history, highlighting her journey from outsider to industry legend, with interviews from music icons such as Cher and Quincy Jones. Meanwhile, How to Come Alive with Norman Mailer chronicles the tumultuous life of the famed American author, offering rare insights into his personal struggles and literary triumphs.
06:30 is a powerful documentary capturing the harrowing events of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel through firsthand survivor accounts, bought to life using miniature models and animation. Irena's Vow tells the courageous story of a young Polish nurse who risked everything to save a dozen Jewish workers during the Holocaust. These films bring the weight of history into focus with raw emotion and profound sensitivity.
TV Series
JIFF 2024 presents two captivating TV series. Kafka offers a mesmerizing six-part journey into the mind and relationships of one of the 20th century’s most enigmatic Jewish writers, Franz Kafka, peeling back the layers of his life, love affairs, and struggles with identity. Kid Sister presents a comedic look at the chaos of modern Jewish life in Auckland, where more people claim to be Jedi than Jewish, capturing the humour and heartache of navigating tradition in a thoroughly contemporary world.
These films represent just a glimpse of the incredible offerings in JIFF 2024. With stories that span the globe, there are many more films waiting to be discovered, each one offering a unique perspective on Jewish life and culture.
Special Events
JIFF 2024 promises not only cinematic wonders but also a series of engaging events to enhance the festival experience. From the lively Opening Night celebrations to insightful post-film Q&As with filmmakers, JIFF offers audiences a deeper connection to the stories on screen.
Tickets are now on sale at www.jiff.com.au.
FESTIVAL DATES AND LOCATIONS
Melbourne
Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick | 27 Oct – 4 Dec
Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn | 28 Oct – 3 Dec
Cameo Cinemas, Belgrave | 9 – 13 Nov
Sydney
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick | 28 Oct – 5 Dec
Roseville Cinemas, Roseville | 7 – 20 Nov
Brisbane
New Farm Cinemas, New Farm | 7 – 17 Nov
Canberra
Dendy Cinemas, Canberra | 7 – 8 Dec
Adelaide
The Piccadilly, North Adelaide | 7 – 17 Nov
Perth
Luna Leederville | 14 – 22 Dec
Hobart
State Cinema, North Hobart | 7 – 17 Nov
Stay up to date with JIFF:
Website: www.jiff.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JewishIFF
X: www.twitter.com/jewishiff
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jiff_oz/
