Where Culture & Cinema Come Together
Where Culture & Cinema Meet

THE WILMINGTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Incorporating Students of all ages

Educational outreach program

THANK YOU!
2026 WJFF Attendees

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR UPCOMING SUMMER SERIES

AUGUST 5Th, 12th & 19th

Welcome to the Annual Wilmington Jewish Film Festival

Our mission is to present thought-provoking and engaging films that celebrate Jewish stories, history, and culture while fostering dialogue & connection.

Each season, we carefully curate films that not only entertain but also encourage reflection, understanding, and appreciation for the richness of Jewish life. Through these shared experiences, we aim to strengthen cultural ties and highlight the common threads that unite us all.

The Ring poster
Against the Wind poster
The New Jew: Days of War poster
Ethan Bloom poster
Diane Warren: Relentless poster
Soda poster
Lost in Territories poster

the Annual Wilmington Jewish Film Festival

Our mission is to present thought-provoking and engaging films that celebrate Jewish stories, history, and culture while fostering dialogue and connection across our wider community.

Each season, we carefully curate films that not only entertain but also encourage reflection, understanding, and appreciation for the richness of Jewish life. Through these shared experiences, we aim to strengthen cultural ties and highlight the common threads that unite us all.

What We Do

Creating Cultural & Educational Experiences For The Wilmington Community

Through film, conversation, and shared experience, WJFF brings people together to celebrate stories that matter

WJFF Culture - filmmakers in discussion
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Culture

Experience the richness of Jewish culture brought to life on the big screen. We feature timeless stories, powerful documentaries & contemporary films that challenge, inspire and entertain. Our festival offers a vibrant mix of perspectives that highlight both the uniqueness and universality of Jewish life.

Our History
WJFF Community - festival reception gathering
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Community

After film screenings, our Festival offers receptions, social gatherings where audiences may connect over ice cream or other treats to discuss the films and learn more about one another. Sometimes filmmakers are present for question-and-answer sessions. New pathways to understanding emerge from these post-film interactions.

Get Involved
WJFF Education - post-screening discussion
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Education

We believe film is a powerful tool for learning. Through post-screening discussions, guest speakers, and curated programs, we encourage deeper understanding of Jewish history, culture, and contemporary issues. Our educational outreach helps foster dialogue across generations and communities.

Education & Outreach

2026 festival Countdown

Our Next Jewish Film Festival begins on April 26th, 2026. The Countdown is on! 

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WJFF Recent Events

Our Recent Past Events

A look back at our most recent screenings, series, and special events

Our 2026 Festival

Our 2026 Festival brought audiences six unforgettable films across two weeks.

The Ring — This heart-warming dramedy traced three generations of a family and the gold ring that once saved a Holocaust survivor's life. Audiences were captivated by its emotional weight and the tender father–daughter journey from modern Israel to the streets of Budapest.
Ethan Bloom — A coming-of-age comedy that had the theater laughing and reflecting in equal measure, following a thirteen-year-old wrestling with faith, family, and first love. Viewers walked out moved by its tender message that faith isn't about choosing sides — it's about honoring every messy, beautiful piece of who we are.
The New Jew: Days of War — Israeli comedian Guri Alfi's powerful documentary sequel struck a deep chord, weaving intimate stories from American Jews navigating life after October 7th. The screening sparked some of the most resonant post-film conversations of the festival — leaving audiences both heavy-hearted and hopeful.
Diane Warren: Relentless — This intimate documentary about the legendary Jewish songwriter brought the crowd to its feet. With commentary from Cher, Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Hudson, and more, viewers got a rare, funny, and inspiring look at the underdog journey behind the soundtrack of our lives.
Soda — A haunting Israeli drama set in a 1950s neighborhood of Holocaust survivors left the theater in stunned silence — then erupted in conversation. The story of a beautiful seamstress, a former partisan, and a community rocked by rumors of her past delivered one of the festival's most unforgettable emotional gut-punches.
Lost in Territories — Closing the festival on an audacious note, this darkly comic anthology found the absurd humor inside the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, in the spirit of Wild Tales. Audiences left buzzing about its sharp wit, biting irony, and the rare gift of finding laughter in impossible places.
April 26th – May 6th, 2026
Thalian Hall
The Ring poster
Ethan Bloom poster
The New Jew: Days of War poster
Diane Warren: Relentless poster
Soda poster
Lost in Territories poster

Against The Wind

Early Screening for the 2026 WJFF

We hosted a special screening of Against The Wind: The Fight To End Hate - A powerful and timely documentary examining the historical roots of antisemitism. The film explores how it developed and how it has endured over the centuries — told with urgency and clarity.

April 12th, 2026
Thalian Hall
Against The Wind: The Fight To End Hate movie poster

Among Neighbors

In Conjunction With:

WJFF Event In Honor Of International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Special screening of Among Neighbors! This event included a brief introduction by filmmaker Yoav Potash, and an in-depth post-film Q&A compilation that revealed the fascinating making-of stories, as well as the ongoing controversy behind this critically-acclaimed film.

January 27, 2026
Jengo's Playhouse Theater
Among Neighbors movie poster

Elie Wiesel: Soul On Fire

Our 2nd Time In Two Years Partnering With UNCW On A Film Screening In Kenan Auditorium.

Elie Wiesel: Soul On Fire — This compelling new documentary offered our attendees a rare, intimate portrait of one of the most influential voices to emerge from the Holocaust. Told largely through Wiesel's own words and voice, the film explores his journey as a survivor, writer, teacher, and Nobel laureate. A virtual Q&A with the film producer, Oren Rudavsky, followed the screening of the film.

September 17th, 2025
Kenan Auditorium, UNCW Campus
Elie Wiesel: Soul On Fire poster

Support WJFF's Mission

View Our Donation Options

Friends & Sponsors

Become a Friend of the Festival or 26' Sponsor & receive benefits when you donate.

Donate Directly

Donate directly to our Non-profit org. by online payment or check in the mail.

Program Book Ads

Get noticed by thousands. View our 26' Program Ads & inquire about being featured.

Friends & Sponsors

Become a Friend of the Festival or 26' Sponsor & receive benefits when you donate.

Donate Directly

Donate directly to our Non-profit org. by online payment or check in the mail.

Thank you to Our Partners

The Wilmington Jewish Film Festival is supported in part by the United Jewish Appeal of Wilmington. We could not do what we do if it was not for the UJA of Wilmington every year. 

A big thank you to The City of Wilmington, The Landfall Foundation & The N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources for providing grants and resources every year to the festival. 

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Where To Watch

FESTIVAL FAVORITES

Bad Shabbos

Now streaming on Apple TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Fandango at Home and Google Play. 

Check out the Bad Shabbos Official Website Here

Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire

Currently playing in theaters in NYC, Los Angeles, Ft Lee, NJ Check their website for upcoming theatrical releases and film festivals on their Official Website Here.

Screening scheduled in Raleigh on February 12, 2026. More details to come.

One Big Happy Family

Released to AMC Theaters on October 3; View their website for showtimes in cities they’re showing in. 

Currently not being shown in NC or SC. 

You can learn more at One Big Happy Family’s Official Website Here

Let us know what Jewish films you love by emailing us today.