The 33rd Edition of the Toronto Jewish Film Festival (TJFF) kicks off tomorrow showcasing a diverse array of films that explore Jewish identity, culture, and history through various lenses. Over 80 films will play at the Festival including 34 premieres from 25 countries.
Among the featured documentaries is Swedishkayt: YidLife Crisis in Stockholm, where comedy duo Eli Batalion and Jamie Elman embark on a humorous and heartfelt journey to uncover Sweden’s hidden Jewish heritage, blending cultural discovery with their signature wit. They will be in Toronto for an in-person Q&A on Sunday, June 8th.
Eli Batalion & Jamie Elman | Canada, Sweden & United States | In-Person | Toronto Premiere
Torn delves into the emotional and ideological conflicts ignited by the “Kidnapped from Israel” poster campaign in New York City, offering a poignant exploration of activism and identity amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict. Director Nim Shapira will attend the Festival for an in-person Q&A on Tuesday, June 10th.
Nim Shapira | United-States | In-person & Online | Toronto Premiere
Most People Die On Sundays is an endearing Argentine dark comedy that follows David, a gay man returning home for his uncle’s funeral, only to confront the impending death of his estranged father, leading to an introspective journey of self-discovery. Official Selection, Cannes ACID 2024.
Iair Said | Argentina, Italy & Spain | In-Person | Programmer’s Pick, Ontario Premiere
Al Khet (I Have Sinned) is a pre-war Polish Yiddish film that has been out of circulation for generations. It stars the beloved comedy team of Dzigan and Schumacher, who are the subject of a tribute in this year’s festival. “A little gem–melodrama, musical numbers, historic sweep, a woman seducing a fella not knowing he is betrothed to the daughter she abandoned!” (Yiddishist Mikhl Yashinsky) TJFF presents the world premiere of the new restoration and translation by the National Center for Jewish Film. The film will be Introduced by Dr. Diego Rotman (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, University of Toronto), author of The Yiddish Stage as a Temporary Home: Dzigan and Shumacher’s Satirical Theater.
Aleksander Marten | Poland | In-Person | World Premiere of restoration & new translation
Unkosher Nightmares: A Short Film Programme is a collection of short films from Canada, Britain, Australia, Israel and Slovakia, where the supernatural is invoked in key aspects of Jewish life, from births to weddings to shivas. Tales of Kabbalah, generational trauma and forbidden love are brought to life with originality by a group of young filmmakers who wrestle with rituals and traditions. Directors Josh Saltzman (Shiva), Sara Farb and Farhang Ghajar (The Shomer) will participate in the post-screening Q&A of their short films on Saturday, June 14th.
Short Film Programme| In-Person
The Community is a rich and compelling portrait of the Jewish life in Ukraine today, in the mirror of history and in the shadow of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Community captures the strength and resilience of Ukraine’s diverse Jewish community as they navigate the hardships of war. Director Alex Osmolovky will attend the screening for an in-person Q&A on Sunday, June 8th.
Alex Osmolovky | Israel, Ukraine | In-person & Online | Canadian Premiere
These films, among others, reflect the TJFF’s commitment to presenting a diverse and inclusive portrayal of Jewish experiences, sparking dialogue and reflection among audiences. From horror to comedy to poignant documentaries, free programmes and engaging panels, discover the unexpected at the Festival. The full Festival lineup can be found at: https://tjff.com/lineup-2025/.