The Dayton Jewish International Film Festival offers outstanding world cinema that promotes awareness, appreciation and pride to the diversity of the Jewish people and to the community at large. Our goal is to educate and entertain through evocative, narrative and documentary films that portray the Jewish experience from historic to current global perspectives.
Ticket Prices and Season Passes (both in-person and virtual):
• Opening Night Single Ticket $18.00 – (film and reception)
• Film Fest’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Night Single Ticket $18.00 – (film and reception)
• Individual Ticket for films $12.00 – (films other than Opening Night, 25th Anniversary Night, and Bee Movie)
• Season Pass $110.00 — (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration ~ click the Season Pass Button to purchase!)
Tickets also available for purchase at the door as space allows.
Questions? Contact Laura Smith, JCC Administrative Assistant, at lsmith@jfgd.net.
JCC International Jewish Film Festival Opening Night – Matchmaking
Thursday, June 5 at 7:15 p.m.
The film will be followed by a dessert reception
The Roger Glass Center for the Arts
(29 Creative Way, Dayton, OH 45479)
Cost:
Individual Ticket: $18
Season pass: $110 (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration)
(Israel, 2022, 96 minutes, Hebrew with English subtitles) Comedy
Like a modern-day Romeo, Moti (Amit Rahav) falls head over heels for his sister’s friend Nechama (Liana Ayoun), but isn’t allowed to date the charming, beautiful young woman because she comes from a Mizrahi (Middle Eastern) family, not an Ashkenazi (European) family like his own. To the great despair of both his parents and an exasperated matchmaker, he goes to comical lengths to pursue his one true love.
Running on Sand
Tuesday, June 10 at 7:15 p.m.
(also available virtually June 10 ~ includes online access to Periphery)
The Neon
(130 E. 5th Street, Dayton, OH 45402)
Cost:
Individual Ticket: $12
Season pass: $110 (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration)
(Israel, 2023, 104 minutes, Hebrew with English Subtitles) Drama/Comedy
Aumari, a young Eritrean refugee living in Israel, is about to be deported back to his home country. After a spontaneous escape attempt at the airport, he is mistaken for a Nigerian striker, who is supposed to arrive at the same time. Aumari seizes the opportunity and benefits from his change of identity as the new key acquisitions for the team of Maccabi Netanya. Despite the absence of any soccar talent, Aumari is able to cover up and heal the divisions of his struggling team, while a tender romantic bond with the charmingly unconventional daughter of the team owner is growing.
Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop
Thursday, June 12 at 7:15 p.m.
The Neon
(130 E. 5th Street, Dayton, OH 45402)
Cost:
Individual Ticket: $12
Season pass: $110 (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration)
Coming of age can be difficult, but is always more bearable when you have someone who connects with you on a cellular level. Shari Lewis – a children’s television pioneer before Fred Rogers, Jim Henson, and others – was one of those people. She was a dancer, singer, and magician, but was best known as the ventriloquist behind sock puppets Charlie Horse, Hush Puppy and, of course, Lamb Chop. This heartfelt and entertaining doc charts the life, loves, and career hits and misses of the spunky perfectionist who forever changed the face of children’s television. Featuring ventriloquists she inspired and nostalgia-laden clips, this upbeat portrait brims, like Lewis, with warmth and charm. Shari and Lamb Chop are the tonic we all need to reconnect with our inner children, and celebrate pure imagination.
The Blond Boy from the Casbah
Sunday, June 15 at 7:15 p.m.
The Neon
(130 E. 5th Street, Dayton, OH 45402)
Cost:
Individual Ticket: $12
Season pass: $110 (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration)
Passionate filmmaker Antoine travels to his birthplace, Algiers, with his young son to present his new film: an account of his childhood in mid-20th-century Algeria during the country’s civil war. As he wanders through the city, the filmmaker immerses us in the moments of happiness, laughter, and tears of his childhood – spent between school, friends, and his Jewish family. Growing up in the final moments of Algeria’s pre-independence period, the young Antoine discovers his profound fascination with cinema and starts to understand who he truly is.
Simone – Woman of the Century
Tuesday, June 17
Reception at 9:30 a.m.
Film begins at 10:00 a.m.
The Neon
(130 E. 5th Street, Dayton, OH 45402)
Cost:
Individual Ticket: $12
Season pass: $110 (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration)
(France, 2022, 140 minutes, French, Hebrew, and German with English subtitles) Docudrama
This film tells Simone Veil’s life story through the pivotal events of the 20th century. Touching on her childhood, political battles, and tragedies, Simone – Woman of the Century is an intimate and epic portrait of an extraordinary woman who eminently challenged and transformed her era, defending a humanist message still keenly relevant today.
Sponsored by Hadassah.
A Night of Short Films
Thursday, June 19 at 7:15 p.m.
The Neon
(130 E. 5th Street, Dayton, OH 45402)
Cost:
Individual Ticket: $12
Season pass: $110 (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration)
Films include:
Troll Storm
Sunday, June 22 at 3:15 p.m.
The Neon
(130 E. 5th Street, Dayton, OH 45402)
Cost:
Individual Ticket: $12
Season pass: $110 (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration)
(United States, 202, 83 minutes, English) Docudrama
A successful realtor and soccer mom’s life is turned upside down when neo-Nazis unleash a troll storm against her and her family. In the face of an alarming growth of American fascism, she finds solidarity with her community by standing up, fighting back and ultimately filing a landmark case for the First Amendment, setting a precedent that could shape America’s future.
Bad Shabbos
Sunday, June 22 at 7:15 p.m.
The Neon
(130 E. 5th Street, Dayton, OH 45402)
Cost:
Individual Ticket: $12
Season pass: $110 (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration)
(United States, 2024, 84 minutes, English) Comedy
Kyra Sedgwick and Cliff “Method Man” Smith lead a hilarious ensemble cast in this new comedy, winner of the Audience Award at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival! When David and his fianc
Come Closer
Tuesday, June 24 at 7:15 p.m.
The Neon
(130 E. 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402)
Cost:
Individual Ticket: $12
Season pass: $110 (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration)
(Israel, Italy, 2024, 100 minutes, Hebrew with English subtitles) Drama
Eden, consumed by grief after her brother’s death, discovers and becomes obsessed with his secret girlfriend, embarking on a journey of passion, obsession, and self-discovery, ultimately exploring the complexities of love, loss, and healing. The film showcases how the path to healing can be fraught with challenges. In September 2018, screenwriter Tom Nesher’s brother Ari was killed in a car accident shortly after his 17th birthday. She wrote the screenplay for the film, initially titled Finally, which is based on her personal story.
Shoshana
Thursday, June 26 at 7:15 p.m.
The Neon
(130 E. 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402)
Cost:
Individual Ticket: $12
Season pass: $110 (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration)
The film is set in 1930s-40s British Mandatory Palestine. If follows the tragic love story of Shoshana Borochov, daughter of one of the founders of socialist Zionism, and British police officer Tom Wilkin. Wilkin and fellow police officer Geoffrey J. Morton hunt for Zionist militant Avraham Stern who was plotting to evict British authorities. The film takes place in Tel Aviv, where tensions are high as the British, under the mandate, attemp to maintain order in a city with a mixed Arab and Jewish population.
Midas Man
Sunday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m.
The Plaza Theatre
(33 S. Main Street, Miamisburg, OH 45342)
Cost:
Individual Ticket: $18
Season pass: $110 (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration)
Meet Brian Epstein, the Jewish Liverpudlian who lived a thousand lives in a few short years, a visionary who transformed music history. From running a Liverpool record store to shaping the sound of a generation, Epstein’s journey is a roller coaster of ambition, passion, and relentless pursuit of greatness. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd stars as the mastermind behind The Beatles’ meteoric rise.
Includes a reception with light refreshments before the movie.
Bee Movie ~ Children’s Event
Sunday, July 13 at 3:15 p.m.
The Neon
(130 E. 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402)
Cost:
No cost
Barry B. Benson, a bee just graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry’s life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans actually eat honey and subsequently decides to sue them.
In partnership with PJ Library.
Ticket Prices and Season Passes (both in-person and virtual):
• Opening Night Single Ticket $18.00 – (film and reception)
• Film Fest’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Night Single Ticket $18.00 – (film and reception)
• Individual Ticket for films $12.00 – (films other than Opening Night, 25th Anniversary Night, and Bee Movie)
• Season Pass $110.00 — (includes all films, except Bee Movie, which requires separate registration ~ click the Season Pass Button to purchase!)
Tickets also available for purchase at the door as space allows.
Questions? Contact Laura Smith, JCC Administrative Assistant, at lsmith@jfgd.net.
Thank you to our 2025 Film Festival Sponsors!
(Click plus sign next to each level to view names)
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Studio Executive ($2,500+)
Sam Levin Foundation
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Screen Writer ($500+)
Renate Frydman, PhD
Michael and Rochelle (z”l) Goldstein
Jonas and Susan Gruenberg
Lisa Hanauer and Susan Spiegel
Robert and Vicky Heuman
Gary M. Holstine – Stifel Investments
Joseph and Marsha Johnston
Barbara Mendelson and Family
Marlene and Terry Pinsky
Stephen Renas
The Rubi Girls
Joel Vandersluis Neurology Diagnostics
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Crew ($36+)
Gary and Andrea Abrams
Rav Aubrey, Beth Abraham Synagogue
Dena Brisken
Leslie and Robert Buerki
Alan and Judy Chesen
Ken and Lenora Elbaum
Paula Gessiness and Jay Holland
Helen Ostreicher Halcomb
Judy Heller
Helen Markman
Annette Nathan
Nick Schmall and Bobbie Weaver
Laura K. Smith
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Producer ($1,800+)
Bernard Rabinowitz
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Actor ($250+)
Alan and Cathy Brown
Enrique and Ruth Ellenbogen
Gary and Irene Fishbein
Marni Flagel
Bob and Debby Goldenberg
Steve and Linda Horenstein
Mike Jaffe and Judy Schwartzman
Jewish War Veterans of America Post
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David and Susan Joffe
Helen and Mark Jones
Marcia and Edward Kress
Carole and Donald Marger
Jim Nathanson
Cantor Andrea Raizen
Norman and Mary Rita Weissman
Peter and Joan Wells
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Director ($1,000+)
Irvin and Gayle Moscowitz
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Supporting Actor ($100+)
Matthew and Elaine Arnovitz
Skip and Ann Becker
Ken and Lisa Blum
Stanley and Connie Blum
Detty Studios – John Detty
Buck Run Doors
Tara and Adam Feiner
Bella Freeman
Neil D. Friedman
Lynn Foster
Felix Garfunkel
Kim and Shelley Goldenberg
Judi and George Grampp
Dr. Franklin and Renee Rubin Handel
Jane and Gary Hochstein
Meredith Moss Levinson
Wendy K. Lipp
Beverly A. Louis
Linda Novak
Carolyn Rice
Michael Roediger
Doreen Rosen
Alice and Burt Saidel
Bob and Suzanne Thum
Martin and Susan Toher
Joni and Ralph Watson
Donald and Caryl Weckstein
The 2025 Dayton Jewish Film Festival is dedicated in memory of Marc Katz ~ longtime Film Festival committee member and friend.
2025 Dayton Jewish International Film Fest Committee
Meredith Levinson: Co-Chair
Gayle Moscowitz: Co-Chair
Michael Herrlein: Vice Chair
Connie Blum
Michael Caruso
Alan Chesen
Kim Dinsmore
Enrique Ellenbogen
Ruth Ellenbogen
Claudia Fried
William Fried
Renate Frydman
Felix Garfunkel
Michael Goldstein
Susan Joffe
Marc Katz (z”l)
Ryan Levin
Ryan Lechich
Bernard Rabinowitz
Andrea Raizen
Stephen Renas
Doreen Rosen
Abraham Rubin
Judy Schwartzman
Kyra Smith
Marci Vandersluis
Marc Jacob, JCC Executive Director
Virtual Tickets – Questions and Answers
For more information or help please contact Laura Smith, JCC Administrative Assistant, at lsmith@jfgd.net.
When are virtual films screenings?
Films will be available to view virtually with the following schedule
| Running on Sand | Available June 10 |
| Periphery | Available June 10 (included when you purchase Running on Sand online ticket) |
How do I play the film on my TV?
If you have an Apple TV, Chromecast (3rd gen or later), or a smart TV enabled with AirPlay or Chromecast, set your computer, mobile device or browser to “AirPlay” or “cast” to the TV device. Unlock the program on Eventive Virtual, then set your player window to full-screen using the icon at the lower right.
See our detailed instructions for our dedicated Apple TV and Roku apps below.
Chromecast will work on select Android devices, see instructions above. Chromecast on iOS devices are not compatible with the Eventive platform.
Important note: Due to content protection restrictions, the Screen Mirroring feature on Smart TVs and other devices cannot be used. Many browsers built into Smart TVs and other devices will NOT allow protected content to play.
You can also directly connect a laptop or computer using an HDMI cable by doing the following:
- Make sure your computer is close enough to your Television for the HDMI cable to reach between them safely.
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable into an available HDMI port on the TV. Take note of the HDMI input number it is being connected to.
- Plug the other end of the cable into your laptop’s HDMI out port
- Set the TV to the HDMI Input port that the computer is connected to using the source or display button on your TV remote.
- If your computer’s display does not automatically appear on your television screen, you may need to have the computer manually detect the display.
- Windows: Right-click on the desktop > Display Settings > Click Detect > Click the “Multiple displays” drop-down box and select “Duplicate these displays”) > Click Apply.
- Mac: Go to the Apple Menu > choose System Preferences > Choose the “Displays” panel > Hold down the “Option” key to show the “Detect Displays” button – note that it replaces the ‘Gather Windows’ button > Click on “Detect Displays” while holding down Option to use the function as intended.
I’m seeing a black screen where the film should be, but audio plays normally.
If you are using an external display, try disconnecting the display. Your display may not support the encryption necessary to securely stream your content. If you cannot detach the external display and are using Safari on a Mac, try switching to Google Chrome. If you are on a mobile device, try letting the film play for 15 seconds.
My film won’t play! (General troubleshooting steps)
Please confirm that you are not on a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Eventive’s content protection protocol does not allow VPN access.
Are you logged in with the correct account? Please check your login status at the upper right of the Eventive window. If you are logged in you will see a circle with the initials of the account holder. To switch accounts, click on the circle and select “sign out”, then login (using email address or facebook login) to the preferred account.
If you are not logged in, you’ll see the word “login” at the upper right of the window. Click “login” and enter the desired account credentials.
You may also login directly from the order pop-up if you click “unlock movie” while logged out.
If all you see in the player window is a black screen, please click or tap on the window to activate the player controls.
How do I use the Eventive TV app on my Apple TV device?
Please download the “Eventive TV” app from the Apple TV App Store (accessible via your TV). You must have at least a generation 4 Apple TV to access the App Store.
When you open the app for the first time you’ll see an activation code. On another device, please navigate to watch.eventive.org/tv, then login if necessary and use the code to connect your account. Now, select from the available channels on the Eventive Apple TV app to begin watching. All of your unlocked content will be available on the app. If a program has not already been unlocked, you’ll have to unlock it on another device such as a laptop or mobile device first.
If you ever need to re-activate the TV app, you can select TV app setup by hovering over the login ID circle at the upper right of the device screen.
How do I access the Eventive TV app on Fire TV or Firestick?
Open your Firestick or Fire TV app and navigate to the magnifying glass icon to search. Enter EVENTIVE TV in the search field and select EVENTIVE TV when it appears, next press the down button on your remote to navigate to “Apps and Games” where you will find the EVENTIVE TV app. You can also add the Eventive TV app to your Amazon Fire TV via the Amazon website by clicking here.
Select the app and install on your device. Once installed you will then see a 6 character code you will enter into your account settings at watch.eventive.org/tv
Once you have entered the code your Fire TV will show all of the content you have unlocked for viewing via another device such as a laptop or mobile device.
How do I access the Eventive TV channel on Roku?
Search for “Eventive TV” in the Roku Channel Store on your Roku. You can also add the Eventive TV app to your Roku via the Roku website by clicking here.
Once you have installed the app, open it and follow the instructions to login. All of your unlocked content will be available on the app. If a program has not already been unlocked, you’ll have to unlock it on another device such as a laptop or mobile device first.
Our 25th Film Festival brings to the Dayton community the very best of first-run cinema representing a diversity of Jewish experiences. This year’s line-up includes delightful comedies, uplifting and interesting documentaries, a night of shorts, a children’s event, and Israeli dramas – all celebrating Jewish life. Our Festival is a source of pride, strength, passion, and achievements.
Our dedicated Screening Committee works diligently through the year, selecting quality films that demand to be seen on the big screen. Our films may make you laugh or cry, will inspire lively conversation, and will create another unforgettable celebration of Jewish culture and cinematic storytelling. With this milestone anniversary, we are building on the last 25 years with even higher attendance and a wider range of lighter and brighter films than ever before.
In the meantime, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to our Festival. Your gift will enable us to continue offering first-class films and enhance our programming and outreach across the Miami Valley. This year, we have added an exciting 25th Anniversary special offer: Sponsor a film and receive bonus acknowledgements and gifts! Giving level details can be found below.
Your contribution shows solidarity with Jewish culture; our Festival enhances the diverse tapestry of our region.
We thank you and look forward to seeing you at the movies!
Bloomerang forms are very secure. Credit card information entered on our donation forms never passes through Bloomerang’s system or the jewishdayton.org website. It is sent directly to our credit card processor, Authorize.net.
