About Us

The first Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival was held in spring 2005 and from the start it has been a smash hit. The community joyfully embraced the well-chosen feature films and documentaries that look at Jewish life through the eyes of American, Israeli and other foreign filmmakers. These high-quality offerings make us laugh, make us cry, and, above all, make us think. Months after each year's event, attendees are still discussing what they saw at the festival.

In 2008 the festival will be held May 29-June 1. It kicks off on a Thursday night with a gala reception—including full dinner and klezmer music—at the Fess Parker Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara. This party and the opening night film are generously sponsored by Montecito Bank & Trust. The festival continues on Saturday afternoon, May 31st, with a two-part showing of the remarkable Israeli TV series, “A Touch Away.” An 8 pm screening of “The Bubble” finishes off that day. On Sunday, June 1, there’s a full breakfast at Congregation B'nai B'rith with a panel discussion by industry insiders. After lunch the festival concludes with three more showings. In addition to the regular line-up, there’s a youth screening sponsored by Congregation B’nai B’rith that includes a provocative Q & A.
Please check back for updated information.