The 2017 Washington Jewish Film Festival (May 17-28) includes 63 feature-length and 18 short films from 25 countries, and showcases the diversity of Jewish life through time and across the world. In addition to the film program, the Festival will host talkbacks and panel discussions with dozens of filmmakers from the U.S. and abroad. Opening Night will feature “The Women’s Balcony,” a dramatic comedy set against a gender rift in an Orthodox community in Jerusalem. “Fanny’s Journey,” the extraordinary true story of a young girl who leads a group of children through Europe to escape the Nazis, closes out the twelve-day event.

“Every year we strive to present new cinematic voices from all corners of the globe that reflect and inform the Jewish identity,” said Ilya Tovbis, Director of the Washington Jewish Film Festival. “The 2017 program includes some of the most striking international films of the past year, from both emerging and master filmmakers. In many cases, the Festival will be the only chance for Washingtonians to catch these cinematic gems on screen.”
The feature, documentary and short films in the slate touch on an array of Jewish perspectives from around the world. This year’s festival includes three thematic strands: Rated LGBTQ which explores sexuality and gender identity; Mechanisms of Extremism, films that examine extremist governments, societies and movements; and Laugh Track, a selection of comedies of all stripes.

A highlight of this year’s line-up is a special showing of “Clueless,” with director Amy Heckerling on hand to lead a discussion and a 90’s party to bring out your inner Cher.