DC Jewish Film and Music, presenting year-round at Cafritz Hall
(23)
Presented by the Edlavitch DCJCC, JxJ is a multidisciplinary arts project that encompasses the Washington Jewish Film and Music Festivals, alongside hybrid arts programming. The public programming of JxJ is split between 8+ weekly programs that take place in Cafritz Hall—a state-of-the-art performance and cinema venue in the Dupont area of Washington, DC—and an annual Festival (May 23-30, 2021) th
at is presented on stages and screens throughout DC and Maryland. Between the Festival and year-round programming, JxJ annually attracts 30,000 patrons across 180+ events. The 2021 Festival is taking place May 23-30 as a hybrid edition, combining outdoor screenings and concerts with a full virtual programming slate.
JxJ was in the news on local NBC4 around our screening of the groundbreaking documentary Ain't No Back To A Merry-Go-Round, beginning September 15. || Get your tickets to this September for this cross-culture civil rights film today: https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/show/aint-no-back-to-a-merry-go-round/
The Times of Israel calls JxJ Festival alum June Zero "Riveting" and "Brilliant"! Catch the return of Jake Paltrow's groundbreaking film at Landmark's E Street Cinema starting July 5. https://www.landmarktheatres.com/movies/305689-june-zero/
NOW OPEN! $16,000 Award || SUBMIT YOUR FILM HERE: https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/filmfund/ 🎥 🎞️ Two filmmaking teams will be awarded $16,000 each to make a short film up to 10 minutes in length. Please present a proposal of a maximum of two pages detailing your project using the submission link below and ready full requirements below.
JxJ, the Edlavitch DCJCC’s film and music program is excited to announce the launch of a first-of-its-kind Jewish Film Fund. The Matthew Harris Ornstein JxJ Short Film Fund aims to create new opportunities for filmmakers in the United States to encourage and support the production and exhibition of short films on themes that engage with Jewish life, history, and culture.
The Fund will support two emerging filmmakers over the course of one year. Applications are now open and the two winners will be announced in August. The winners will work with JxJ artistic leaders and mentors to finalize and produce their films over the span of September 2024, through April 2025. The two films will then premiere as feature screenings at the 2025 JxJ Festival.
Acceptable genres include narrative, documentary, or animated films. Submissions must contain an essence of Jewishness as represented by theme, history or culture.
Learn more / submit film here:
https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/filmfund/
Presented by the Edlavitch DCJCC, JxJ encompasses the Washington Jewish Film and Music Festivals, alongside a year-round film and music program.
For the first time in American history, a tax-funded reparations bill targeted for Black Americans is passed in Evanston, IL. The Big Payback follows the fight of rookie alderman Robin Rue Simmons as she leads the community in an uphill battle to obtain this ‘big payback’.
Join our Juneteenth screening and conversations featuring Founder and Executive Director of FirstRepair Robin Rue Simmons and activist Nkechi Taifa, moderated by Linda Adams, a racial justice advocate in the DMV’s Jewish community.
jxjdc.org/show/juneteenth-screening-the-big-payback/
Volunteer EDCJCC
A classic of European cinema and winner of 15 international prizes, Mephisto plays this Thursday 6/13 at the Edlavitch DCJCC. We're pairing the film with an exceptional conversation with Susan Rubin Suleiman, author of the new book István Szabó: Filmmaker of Existential Choices, and former host of NPR ’S All Things Considered Robert Siegel.
jxjdc.org/show/mephisto/
This is your chance to catch JxJ alum Farewell Mr. Haffman!
The legendary Daniel Auteuil gives one of his most superlative screen performances in FAREWELL MR. HAFFMANN, extended in Washington DC by popular demand, exclusively at The Avalon Theatre. Watch the trailer and learn more at Menemsha Films!
"Superb! One of the finest French films ever made." - The Times of Israel
https://www.theavalon.org/films/farewell-mr-haffmann/
Our friends over at are looking for a new Artistic Director who's passionate about the arts and building and delivering an inclusive festival. Learn more and see if you or someone you know might want to apply at https://thej.org/about/job-opportunities/
For the first time in American history, a tax-funded reparations bill targeted for Black Americans is passed in Evanston, IL. The film follows the fight of rookie alderman Robin Rue Simmons as she leads the community in an uphill battle to obtain this ‘big payback’.
Meanwhile, in Washington DC, the formidable Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee continues the fight to pass HR 40: a national bill to examine the merits of introducing reparations for slavery to African Americans.
Together, they pressure the government to deliver monetary justice and appropriate remedies for Black Americans harmed by centuries of chattel slavery, state-sponsored terrorism, systemic injustice, and corporate exploitation. Will the debt ever be addressed, or is it too late for a reparations movement to finally get the big payback?
We are delighted to present a post-screening conversation with Robin Rue Simmons and Nkechi Taifa, moderated by Linda Adams.
Presented with the EDCJCC's Center for Social Responsibility -
The Center for Social Responsibility offers both hands-on volunteer opportunities as well as learning about systemic inequality in our communities. At the core of our work is Judaism’s sacred mandate to create justice and repair the world. Join us at www.edcjcc.org/volunteer.
Co-sponsors:
Adas Israel Congregation
Bet Mishpachah
B’nai Israel Congregation
Linda Adams
Sixth & I
Washington Hebrew Congregation
Screening next week at JxJ:
The Last Drop is a 40-minute sci-fi film about relationship abuse inspired by the memories of real survivors. This gripping journey reveals what the lesser known forms of abuse look like BEFORE a relationship turns violent. The screening will be followed by a discussion on Relationship Safety.
Find your tickets at https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/show/the-last-drop/
The results are in and we have some winners!
Congratulations to RUNNING ON SAND for winning the 2024 JxJ Festival Audience Choice Award for narrative film, and SHARI AND LAMB CHOP for winning the Audience Choice Award for documentaries!
And the biggest thanks of all goes to you - to all who attended and voted these films their favorite, thank you so, so much for coming and spending time with us this Festival. We're glad you loved these movies as much as we did.
It was such a joy to have The Maccabeats join us for the Festival this year! Their incredible songs and uplifting spirit really brought the house down. Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed their performance!
'capella
It's a TICKET GIVEAWAY!
We're so excited to be partnering with The Anthem to give away tickets to three of their upcoming programs - Ben Schwartz, The Black Eyed Peas, and The Totally Tubular Music Festival. Leave a comment below with which program you'd like up to two complimentary tickets for. Can't wait to see you down at the Wharf!
Links to programs and further details here:
https://buff.ly/3Kerkae
https://buff.ly/3KeTv9i
https://buff.ly/3KdcSQ0
From all of us at JxJ, thank you for making the 2024 JxJ Festival one to remember! With 60+ screenings and concerts over these past few weeks, thank you for sharing in these incredible, urgent, and meaningful stories. Keep posted for more photos to come soon!
A message from Mr. G himself!
Come join this Saturday for some joyful songs, featuring dynamic, interactive bilingual performances aim to dissolve borders and foster cross-cultural connections. Learn more and find your tickets at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/mister-g/
Polyphony Quartet brings community together this weekend!
Composed of Israeli Arab AND Israeli Jewish musicians, the concert features a variety of music aimed at connecting us in the most divisive of times. To learn more and find your tickets, check out https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/show/polyphony-quartet/
The 2024 JxJ Festival starts TOMORROW! With 60+ screenings and concerts to choose from these next two weeks, you're sure to find something that excites you. Learn more and find your tickets at https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/
“The 21%: The Lives Of Arab Citizens Of Israel” features a screening of Israeli TV show MADRASA followed by a conversation on the challenges explored in the film.
MADRASA created by Arab-Israeli TV writer Sayed Kashua, follows the Arab and Jewish students at a bilingual school in Jerusalem. Based on the real-world Hand in Hand, a bilingual program with six schools across Israel, Madrasa offers an approachable way to understand the Israeli/Palestinian conflict through small, real, moments, sidestepping the high-level government and political maelstrom to focus on everyday life.
Catch the JxJ screening at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/the-21-the-lives-of-arab-citizens-of-israel/
The Festival starts THIS WEEK! And who better to kick us off than Mayor Bowser herself! A huge thanks goes out to for her letter welcoming everyone to this year's Festival.
Don't have tickets yet? You heard the mayor - take a look at the full festival programming and find your tickets at JxJDC.org/shows
Join us for a presentation of the second annual JxJ Teen Film Contest-winning shorts for their premieres at the Festival.
Students from across Washington, Maryland and Virginia — ages 13 to 18 — submitted a one-to-three-minute film answering the question, “What’s the future?”
The winning filmmakers have their world premiere at the JxJ Festival. Cheer on the teens during this special screening of this year’s Contest winners!
Tickets at https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/show/teen-film-contest/
The Maccabeats have entertained and inspired hundreds of audiences worldwide, from Alabama to (New) Zealand and everywhere in between. Using nothing more than the unadulterated human voice, a clean-cut presentation, and a little Jewish humor, this unique group of singers is able to connect with fans of all backgrounds and ages.
Originally formed in 2007 as Yeshiva University’s student vocal group, The Maccabeats have emerged as both Jewish music and a ca****la phenomena, with a large fanbase, more than 20 million views on YouTube, numerous TV appearances, and proven success with four albums: 2010′s Voices From The Heights, 2012′s Out Of The Box, 2014′s One Day More, and 2015′s A Maccabeats Hanukkah.
Learn more and find your tickets at https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/show/the-maccabeats/
Ben Gundersheimer is a Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist, author and educator. Hailed as “a bilingual rock star” by The Washington Post, MISTER G has released 14 albums of original, multicultural music and is acclaimed as one of the world’s most widely distributed Jewish artists for children across North America. His dynamic, interactive bilingual performances aim to dissolve borders and foster cross-cultural connections.
MISTER G will be performing songs from his PJ Library-commissioned albums The Mitzvah Bus and Seeds of Shalom.
Following the concert, MISTER G will be signing copies of his books, including his PJ Library book Lilah Tov Good Night.
Children under the age of 12 can attend free of charge.
Learn more and find your tickets at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/mister-g/
Daryl Davis & Seth Kibel Present: Rhythm & Jews – The Story of Chess Records and the Chess Brothers
Lejzor and Fisze Czyż (Leonard and Phil Chess) were Polish Jewish immigrants who, with their upstart little record label, managed to transform American music in the 1950’s. In this live performance and multimedia presentation, Daryl, Seth, and a host of other area music luminaries will bring the story of Chess Records to life with the songs of Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Etta James, Bo Diddley, and more. B. Goode, get your Mojo Workin’, and prepare to be rockin’ in the aisles at the Edlavitch DCJCC!
Learn more and find your tickets at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/daryl-davis-and-seth-kibel-present-rhythm-jews/
The Polyphony Quartet that will perform at the JxJ Festival is comprised of two students, a teacher, and an alumnus of Polyphony’s Music and Society Seminar, a chamber music, dialogue, and leadership program in partnership with the Polyphony Conservatory in Nazareth, the Israeli Conservatory of Music, and Tel Aviv University.
This program will feature masterpieces of the classical repertoire for solo cello and violin, duets, and the string quartet. The program will conclude with a selection of traditional Arab and Jewish music.
Learn more and find your tickets at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/polyphony-quartet/
In ALL ABOUT THE LEVKOVICHES, a generous but stubborn boxing coach, Tamás gets along well with everyone but his own son. They have not spoken since his son, Iván, moved to Israel and became religious. When Tamás' beloved wife Zsuzsa dies unexpectedly, Tamas agrees that Ivan can come and sit shiva in his house as long as he brings his grandson, Ariel with him.
Catch the JxJ screenings at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/all-about-the-levkoviches/
Presented by the Edlavitch DCJCC, JxJ encompasses the Washington Jewish Film and Music Festivals, alongside a year-round film and music program.
From all of us at JxJ, wishing you the happiest of Passovers!
RABBI ON THE BLOCK profiles the transformative and visionary Rabbi Tamar Manasseh, who is devoted to building bridges between the Black and Jewish communities on Chicago’s South Side. With verité intimacy, filmmaker Brad Rothschild shows how the issues playing out within these Chicago neighborhoods reflect larger realities across contemporary America, at a moment when antisemitism and racism are on the rise.
Catch the JxJ screening at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/rabbi-on-the-block/
RABBI ON THE BLOCK profiles the transformative and visionary Rabbi Tamar Manasseh, who is devoted to building bridges between the Black and Jewish communities on Chicago’s South Side. With verité intimacy, filmmaker Brad Rothschild shows how the issues playing out within these Chicago neighborhoods reflect larger realities across contemporary America, at a moment when antisemitism and racism are on the rise.
Catch the JxJ screening at https://buff.ly/3QcBHyW
1529 16th Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20036
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when JxJ - Washington Jewish Film and Music Festival posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to JxJ - Washington Jewish Film and Music Festival:
JxJ was in the news on local NBC4 around our screening of the groundbreaking documentary Ain't No Back To A Merry-Go-Round, beginning September 15. || Get your tickets to this September for this cross-culture civil rights film today: https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/show/aint-no-back-to-a-merry-go-round/
For the first time in American history, a tax-funded reparations bill targeted for Black Americans is passed in Evanston, IL. The film follows the fight of rookie alderman Robin Rue Simmons as she leads the community in an uphill battle to obtain this ‘big payback’. Meanwhile, in Washington DC, the formidable Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee continues the fight to pass HR 40: a national bill to examine the merits of introducing reparations for slavery to African Americans. Together, they pressure the government to deliver monetary justice and appropriate remedies for Black Americans harmed by centuries of chattel slavery, state-sponsored terrorism, systemic injustice, and corporate exploitation. Will the debt ever be addressed, or is it too late for a reparations movement to finally get the big payback? We are delighted to present a post-screening conversation with Robin Rue Simmons and Nkechi Taifa, moderated by Linda Adams. Presented with the EDCJCC's Center for Social Responsibility - The Center for Social Responsibility offers both hands-on volunteer opportunities as well as learning about systemic inequality in our communities. At the core of our work is Judaism’s sacred mandate to create justice and repair the world. Join us at www.edcjcc.org/volunteer. Co-sponsors: Adas Israel Congregation Bet Mishpachah B’nai Israel Congregation Linda Adams Sixth & I Washington Hebrew Congregation
Screening next week at JxJ: @thelastdropfilm The Last Drop is a 40-minute sci-fi film about relationship abuse inspired by the memories of real survivors. This gripping journey reveals what the lesser known forms of abuse look like BEFORE a relationship turns violent. The screening will be followed by a discussion on Relationship Safety. Find your tickets at https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/show/the-last-drop/ #jxj #thelastdrop #relationshipsafety #filmforgood #scifi
It's a TICKET GIVEAWAY! We're so excited to be partnering with The Anthem to give away tickets to three of their upcoming programs - Ben Schwartz, The Black Eyed Peas, and The Totally Tubular Music Festival. Leave a comment below with which program you'd like up to two complimentary tickets for. Can't wait to see you down at the Wharf! Links to programs and further details here: https://buff.ly/3Kerkae https://buff.ly/3KeTv9i https://buff.ly/3KdcSQ0 #theaterj #jxj #theanthem #artspartners #dcarts
From all of us at JxJ, thank you for making the 2024 JxJ Festival one to remember! With 60+ screenings and concerts over these past few weeks, thank you for sharing in these incredible, urgent, and meaningful stories. Keep posted for more photos to come soon! #jxj #jxjfest #closing #jewishfilm #jewishmusic
A message from Mr. G himself! Come join @mistergsongs this Saturday for some joyful songs, featuring dynamic, interactive bilingual performances aim to dissolve borders and foster cross-cultural connections. Learn more and find your tickets at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/mister-g/ #jxj #mrg #concerts #jewishmusic #joy
Polyphony Quartet brings community together this weekend! Composed of Israeli Arab AND Israeli Jewish musicians, the concert features a variety of music aimed at connecting us in the most divisive of times. To learn more and find your tickets, check out https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/show/polyphony-quartet/ #jxjfest #jewishmusic #arabmusic #bridgebuilding #polyphony
The 2024 JxJ Festival starts TOMORROW! With 60+ screenings and concerts to choose from these next two weeks, you're sure to find something that excites you. Learn more and find your tickets at https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/ #jxjfest #opening #tomorrow #jewishfilm #jewishmusic
The Festival starts THIS WEEK! And who better to kick us off than Mayor Bowser herself! A huge thanks goes out to @mayor_bowser for her letter welcoming everyone to this year's Festival. Don't have tickets yet? You heard the mayor - take a look at the full festival programming and find your tickets at JxJDC.org/shows #jxjfest #mayorbowser #dcmayor #welcome #filmfestival
RABBI ON THE BLOCK profiles the transformative and visionary Rabbi Tamar Manasseh, who is devoted to building bridges between the Black and Jewish communities on Chicago’s South Side. With verité intimacy, filmmaker Brad Rothschild shows how the issues playing out within these Chicago neighborhoods reflect larger realities across contemporary America, at a moment when antisemitism and racism are on the rise. Catch the JxJ screening at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/rabbi-on-the-block/ #jxjfest #filmfestival #jewsofcolor #blackjews #rabbiontheblock
RABBI ON THE BLOCK profiles the transformative and visionary Rabbi Tamar Manasseh, who is devoted to building bridges between the Black and Jewish communities on Chicago’s South Side. With verité intimacy, filmmaker Brad Rothschild shows how the issues playing out within these Chicago neighborhoods reflect larger realities across contemporary America, at a moment when antisemitism and racism are on the rise. Catch the JxJ screening at https://buff.ly/3QcBHyW #jxjfest #filmfestival #jewsofcolor #blackjews #rabbiontheblock
VISHNIAC tells the true story of Roman Vishniac, a Russian-Jewish photographer who captured the daily lives of Jews in pre-World War II Berlin, introduced to the audience through his daughter, Mara Vishniac Kohn. Catch the JxJ screening at https://buff.ly/4dcPSOm #jxjfest #filmfestival #vishniac #jewishfilm #photography
In NO NAME RESTAURANT, a spirited and absurdist culture-clash comedy, two men of different strict religious faiths must work together to survive in the Sinai Desert. Catch the JxJ screenings at edcjcc.org/jxj/showno-name-restaurant/ #jxjfest #dcfilm #jewishfilm #nonamerestaurant #comedy
In SILVER’S UPRSING, Orthodox-raised Amos Dov Silver dreams of becoming Prime Minister of Israel. But when the State continues to shun him, he finds unexpected solace in the velvety smoke of marijuana. Spreading his new Torah, he establishes an online community using a mobile app that turns into the largest marketplace for drugs in Israel, raising Silver to Messiah status. Through exclusive footage of Silver, his family, and his partners’ investigations, as well as secretly filmed footage of Silver in a Ukrainian prison, a polarizing portrayal of the man charged with heading a crime organization emerges. SILVER’S UPRISING asks - is Silver a champion of the people, or a lost soul corrupted by power? Learn more and find your tickets at http://edcjcc.org/jxj/show/silvers-uprising/ #jxjfest #filmfest #silversuprising #israelifilm #polarizing
Winner of Best Israeli Film, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography at the Jerusalem Film Festival, and nominated for an additional 8 Israeli Academy Awards (The Ophir Awards), ON THE ROAD TO ELIAT tracks the story of, Albert, an aging war veteran, who makes a drunken bet and Ben, his grumpy, unemployed son, who is obligated to join him. Their funny and bittersweet journey towards forgiveness and understanding takes them on a road trip from their kibbutz through Israel, meeting others along the way who also strive for a better life. Catch the JxJ screening at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/on-the-road-to-eilat/ #jxjfest #filmfestival #ontheroadtoeliat #jewishfilm
ELIK AND JIMMY is an Israeli drama that charts the romantic destiny of Elik and Jimmy, two distinct souls brought together by fate during the last hours of their military service. It’s a beautiful chronicle of the love of two souls and an exploration of cinematic time as it captures their relationship as it begins, begins again, and deepens over the years. Catch the JxJ screening at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/elik-and-jimmy/ #jxjfest #filmfestival #romcom #jewishfilm #elikandjimmy
One of Israel’s musical giants, Yehuda Poliker, looks back at his life. His introspective, direct, and honest gaze inwards is full of humor and self-acceptance. THE CHILD WITHIN ME serves as a concentrated guide to an amazing music career and the complex, remarkable person that is Yehuda Poliker. Learn more and find your tickets at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/the-child-within-me/ #jxjfest #filmfest #jewishfilm #israelifilm #thechildwithinme
Winner of Best Director and the Best Editor Award at the Jerusalem Film Festival, SAVOY tells the gripping true story of Kochava Levy, a young housewife who becomes a fearless hostage mediator. The forgotten heroine of the deadly 1975 Savoy Hotel terror attack in Tel Aviv, Levy transforms herself from a mother and hostage into a negotiator using her fluent Arabic to save countless lives over the course of one night. Tickets and more at https://www.edcjcc.org/jxj/show/savoy/ #jxjfest #dcfilm #jewishfilm #SAVOY
Join JxJ for a coming of age story not to be missed by celebrated filmmaker and Festival darling Matan Yair in A ROOM OF HIS OWN. Uri makes a mistake in his interview for the army - he tells the truth. He says he's been sharing a room with his mother, his father is about to leave them, and he doesn't think he'll fit in in the army. In his last year of high school, Uri will have to find his path in life and a room of his own. Tickets and more at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/a-room-of-his-own/ #jxjfest #dcfilm #jewishfilm #comingofage
Norman Mailer, a towering figure in American literature, had a life that was certainly stranger than fiction. From his formative years in Brooklyn, through his career as a preeminent cultural voice, we follow Mailer’s life through six marriages, nine children, eleven bestselling books and two Pulitzer Prizes as he solidifies his place in the literary pantheon. With access to Mailer’s family and never before seen footage, HOW TO COME ALIVE WITH NORMAN MAILER details the life and times of an American icon. Learn more and find your tickets at edcjcc.org/jxj/show/how-to-come-alive-with-norman-mailer/ #jxjfest #filmfest #normanmailer #comealive #documentary
Presented by the Edlavitch DCJCC, JxJ is a multidisciplinary arts project that encompasses the Washington Jewish Music Festival and the Washington Jewish Film Festival alongside original cutting edge hybrid arts programming—all presented as one massive three-week experience, taking over the greater Washington region.
One of the largest and most respected Jewish film festivals in North America, the Washington Jewish Film Festival (WJFF) is an international exhibition of cinema that celebrates the diversity of Jewish history, culture and experience through the moving image. The WJFF was established in 1990.
Established in 1999 with a lead gift from the Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation, the Washington Jewish Music Festival (WJMF) promotes a broad appreciation of Jewish culture through presentations of extraordinary performing artists who preserve and invigorate Jewish music in contemporary culture.
JxJ at Cafritz Hall
In early fall of 2019, JxJ moved into the newly constructed Cafritz Hall, a state-of-the-art cinema space within the Edlavitch DCJCC. The new 140 capacity venue features DCP projection, 7.1 sound and Dolby servers. Cafritz Hall is centrally located at 16th St and Q St NW, in the Dupont neighborhood of Washington DC.
Building off 30 years of success as one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious Jewish Film Festivals, JxJ’s year-round programming in Cafritz Hall offers a vibrant mix of 1-2 week long theatrical runs, one-off special events with leading industry talent, and WOM preview screenings arranged with major independent film distributors.
The Dojo Expansion w/ Fleetwood DeVille and B
Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Monday After Dark Live Session
14th Street NW
