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35th Annual JxJ DC Jewish Film & Music Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Joy

The JxJ DC Jewish Film & Music Festival is back for its 35th installment, ready to showcase an impressive array of films and programs from May 8 to 18, 2025. This renowned festival is organized in collaboration with the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center (EDCJCC), highlighting the vibrancy of Jewish cultural arts and bringing together a diverse audience from Washington, Maryland, and Virginia.

Festival Highlights

This year's festival promises to be engaging and enriching, featuring more than 25 international film screenings, alongside an eclectic lineup of concerts spread across various top-notch venues. The screenings will be held at the EDCJCC's two advanced theaters as well as at Landmark's Bethesda Row Cinema in Maryland and the Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax, Virginia.

Opening and Closing Nights

The festival will kick off with its Opening Night on May 8, showcasing the film BAD SHABBOS, directed by Daniel Robbins. This film won the Audience Award for Narrative at the Tribeca Film Festival and has been praised for its sharp dialogue and compelling performances. As the audience anticipates an ordinary Shabbat dinner, an unexpected event leads to a comedic turmoil that forms the crux of the film.

Capping off the festival will be the screening of MATCHMAKING 2 on May 18, a romantic comedy from Israeli director Erez Tadmor. This heartfelt film captures the essence of love and dreams in the Jewish culture, ensuring audiences leave with a smile after an emotional rollercoaster.

Concerts and Additional Programming

In addition to the incredible films, the festival features a vibrant concert lineup, including performances from acclaimed artists such as Gili Yalo and Grammy Award-nominated musician Anat Cohen. The concerts, particularly Gili Yalo's performance, are set to celebrate the spirit of 2025 World Pride, showcasing a harmonized blend of music and message.

Additionally, the festival will introduce two short films through the new Matthew Harris Ornstein JxJ Short Film Fund, aimed at fostering talent and storytelling within the Jewish film community. This fund represents a step forward in creating platforms for unique narratives surrounding Jewish life, history, and cultural experiences.

Engaging Conversations

Audience engagement is prioritized with conversations following several screenings, including discussions with directors such as Tom Nesher, who is recognized as 'one of 10 directors to watch in 2025' by Variety. This fosters a deeper understanding of the films' thematic elements and cultural aspects.

Collaboration with Embassies

The festival also partners with various embassies to offer a more comprehensive cultural experience. Films like THE ZWEIFLERS, a comedic drama about life in a Jewish deli in Frankfurt, and THE TRUE STORY OF TAMARA DE LEMPICKA, a documentary about the renowned painter, represent the importance of global Jewish narratives.

Conclusion

The JxJ DC Jewish Film & Music Festival not only highlights films but serves as a cultural hub for the community, celebrating resilience and joy through music and cinema. Tickets for this anticipated event are available online at www.jxjdc.org, inviting everyone to partake in this enlightening cultural experience that promises to resonate long after the festival concludes.

Mark your calendars for May 8 through May 18, 2025, and join us in celebrating the richness of Jewish culture, creativity, and community!