Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 19, 2025
Boca Jewish Film Festival Expands for 2026 with Extended Run and New Venues
TLDR
- The expanded Boca International Jewish Film Festival offers networking advantages through exclusive events and early access to premieres for cultural influencers.
- The festival runs from January to March 2026 across multiple venues with pre-events, screenings, and curated programs following a structured timeline.
- This festival fosters global understanding and appreciation of Jewish culture through diverse cinematic stories that unite communities.
- Experience red carpet glamour, surprise guest appearances, and innovative short films from emerging Jewish filmmakers worldwide.
Impact - Why it Matters
This festival matters because it serves as a vital cultural bridge, promoting understanding and appreciation of Jewish heritage through the powerful medium of film. In an era of rising antisemitism and cultural polarization, events like BIJFF provide accessible opportunities for diverse audiences to engage with Jewish stories, traditions, and contemporary experiences. The expanded programming across multiple months and venues makes Jewish cinema more accessible to South Florida's diverse population, fostering community dialogue and intercultural understanding. For Jewish audiences, it offers meaningful representation and connection to their heritage, while for non-Jewish attendees, it provides educational insights that combat stereotypes and build empathy through authentic storytelling.
Summary
The 3rd Annual Boca International Jewish Film Festival (BIJFF) is set to return in 2026 with an expanded and ambitious program that promises to be the largest yet. Co-founded by Wendy Honig, Lesley Rich, and Arleen Roberts, this non-profit organization celebrates Jewish culture and heritage through cinema, featuring international Jewish and Israeli films across multiple South Florida venues. The festival kicks off with pre-festival events in January, including the Big Reveal at Movies of Delray, the glamorous Cinebash Opening Celebration at The Wick Theatre, and a popular Shorts Program showcasing emerging filmmakers.
The main festival screenings span from February through March 2026 at three key locations: Cinemark Palace 20 (February 21-28), Movies of Delray (March 1-15), and Paragon Theater Deerfield (March 18-22). Organizers emphasize their commitment to presenting diverse voices and compelling stories that reflect the global Jewish experience, promising laughter, tears, and conversation-starters. With red carpet events, intimate talkbacks, and community gatherings, the festival aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Jewish spirit, culture, traditions, and humor through thoughtfully curated programming.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by citybiz. Read the original source here, Boca Jewish Film Festival Expands for 2026 with Extended Run and New Venues
