From the Executive Artistic Director

Forty years ago, Ruth and Archie Perlmutter married their love of Yiddishkeit and cinema and founded the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival (PJFF). As the Gershman Y's signature program, PJFF invited Judy Golden to serve as co-chair and selected films from the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival's debut lineup. Four decades later, Philadelphia's first film festival and the nation's second Jewish film festival has transitioned into a year-round, non-profit film institution dedicated to creating connection and community through Jewish cinema and storytelling. Using film as a vehicle for exploring Jewish values, culture, and heritage, the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival (GPJFF) has presented over 750 international films highlighting the diversity and richness of the Jewish experience worldwide.

There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year for arts and culture institutions everywhere. However, with the support of passionate and loyal film lovers like you, in the past six months, film festivals, arthouse theaters, and film centers have risen to the occasion and adapted their programs to serve their communities in the age of COVID. Of course, GPJFF is no exception! Not only have we continued to bring you the best international Jewish cinema virtually: we believe we've curated one of the best lineups in the Festival's 40-year history.

For its 40th anniversary season, GPJFF has planned a fully immersive and exciting Virtual Fall Fest. From November 7-21, GPJFF will showcase over two dozen virtual programs and special events, including 18 feature film Philadelphia Premieres, two shorts programs, and an episodic Israeli TV series. Other highlights include GPJFF Big Nights, films featuring Breakout and Rising Stars Shira Haas and Rachel Sennott, and an entire day dedicated to new media programming. On Sunday, November 15, enjoy binge-watching an Israeli TV series by the writers of Shtisel, a Master Class with BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg, a Jewish visual artists showcase & panel on the intersection of art and activism, and dance performance and workshop by Ariel Rivka Dance.

The Festival will also highlight homegrown talent with FROM PHILADELPHIA TO THE FRONT. The locally produced documentary was selected from GPJFF's 40-year archive by Ruth Perlmutter in honor of her late husband, Archie, and Philadelphia artist, Judy Gelles. Judy, who passed away earlier this year, was a distinguished artist and a dear friend of the Festival. Additionally, a short film created by students from the Israel American Council's Eitanim group as a submission to GPJFF's 2019 ÔMy IsraelÕ Student Short Film Competition will screen on Closing Night.

GPJFF will offer many ways to connect, share stories, dialogue, and learn during Fall Fest. The only difference is now filmgoers will be able to watch incredible Jewish cinema, attend happy hours, and participate in live Q&As from the comfort of home. From experience, I can tell you that attending a virtual film festival is fun and easy once you get yourself set up. Whatever you do, don't let the fear of (a little) technology stop you from participating! Remember, we are here for you. We eagerly await your questions and don't mind taking the time to make sure that your festival experience is everything you wished it would be and more. Thank you for taking part in GPJFF history. We cherish your support and can't wait to (virtually) see you at the movies this fall!

Yours in cinema,

Olivia Antsis GPJFF Executive Artistic Director