Edit Content
Where Culture & Cinema Come Together
Where Culture & Cinema Meet

THE WILMINGTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Edit Content
Incorporating Students of all ages

Educational outreach program

12th ANNUAL

WILMINGTON
JEWISH FILM
FESTIVAL

APRIL 12 | 26 - 29

MAY 3 - 6

THALIAN HALL

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

- WILMINGTON, NC -

APRIL 26 · 27 · 29
MAY 3 · 4 · 6

THALIAN HALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

WILMINGTON, NC

12th ANNUAL

WILMINGTON
JEWISH FILM
FESTIVAL

APRIL 12 | 26 - 29
MAY 3 - 6

THALIAN HALL

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

- WILMINGTON, NC -

We are pleased to announce a special edition screening on April 12th,
as part of our upcoming spring festival

Against The Wind:
The Fight To End Hate

Sunday, April 12, 2026  ·  7:00 PM

🎭 Documentary 🎬 Director: Doug Adams 📍 Thalian Hall, Wilmington NC Runtime: 1 Hour  ·  Admission: Free
View The Trailer

A powerful and timely documentary examining the historical roots of antisemitism — how it developed and how it has endured over the centuries — told with urgency and clarity.

Following the screening, join us for a Q&A and dessert reception. We are especially honored to welcome Jeff Schoep, a former neo-Nazi featured in the film, and director Doug Adams for the discussion.

Get your tickets by clicking the link below, or by phone or in person at the Thalian Hall Box Office (Mon–Fri, 12 PM – 5 PM · 910.632.2285 · 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington NC).

Made possible through the generous support of Howard Stein, a champion of Holocaust education, human rights, and the values of tolerance and inclusion.

Reserve Your Ticket to Against the Wind Here
Special Edition Screening

Preceding the 2026 Spring Festival

Against the Wind – The Fight to End Hate movie poster

Against The Wind: The Fight To End Hate

Sunday, April 12, 2026  ·  7:00 PM

🎭 Documentary 🎬 Director: Doug Adams 📍 Thalian Hall, Wilmington NC  ·  1 Hour 🎟 Admission: Free
View The Trailer

A powerful and timely documentary examining the historical roots of antisemitism — how it developed and how it has endured over the centuries — told with urgency and clarity.

Following the screening, join us for a Q&A and dessert reception. We are especially honored to welcome Jeff Schoep, a former neo-Nazi featured in the film, and director Doug Adams for the discussion.

Get your tickets by clicking the link below, or by phone or in person at the Thalian Hall Box Office (Mon–Fri, 12 PM – 5 PM · 910.632.2285 · 310 Chestnut St, Wilmington NC).

Made possible through the generous support of Howard Stein, a champion of Holocaust education, human rights, and the values of tolerance and inclusion.

Wilmington Jewish Film Festival

2026 Festival Films

Six extraordinary films — April 26 through May 6  ·  Thalian Hall | Center For The Performing Arts

The Ring film poster

The Ring

Sunday, April 26  ·  3:00 PM

🎭 Comedic Drama 🎬 Directors: Adir Miller, Doron & Yoav Paz 📍 Israel  ·  2024  ·  122 min 🗣 Hebrew & Hungarian · English Subtitles
View The Trailer

A heart-warming dramedy about three generations and the family history that reconnects them. The Ring is based on Adir Miller's Holocaust survival story.

Arnon Noble is a religious man with a strong bond to his mother, a Holocaust survivor. He usually drives her to school lectures where she tells the students how she saved the lives of her baby boy and herself with the help of a thin gold ring. When the mother's health deteriorates, he travels to her old hometown, Budapest to search for the mythical ring that saved her life in the past. He turns for help to his estranged daughter who is a TV researcher and offers her to go on this journey together. Will the search for the ring be successful? Will the ring save the mother's life again and will the same ring that saved his mother also succeed in saving Arnon's relationship with his own daughter?

Ethan Bloom film poster

Ethan Bloom

Monday, April 27  ·  7:00 PM

🎭 Comedy 🎬 Director: Herschel Faber 📍 USA  ·  2026  ·  94 min 🗣 English
View The Trailer

Thirteen-year-old Ethan Bloom is supposed to be preparing for his bar mitzvah - but despite his Jewish family, Ethan is convinced his spiritual calling is with the Catholic church.

Thirteen-year-old Ethan Bloom is supposed to be preparing for his bar mitzvah - but despite his Jewish family, Ethan is convinced his spiritual calling is with the Catholic church, where he secretly finds solace under the guidance of Father Diaz. Through the wisdom of an unconventional rabbi, the love of his complicated father, and his first romance with a cowboy-boot-wearing girl who can put him in a headlock, Ethan must confront his lies and grief to discover that faith isn't about choosing sides—it's about honoring all the messy, beautiful pieces of who we are.

The New Jew: Days of War film poster

The New Jew: Days of War

Wednesday, April 29  ·  7:00 PM

🎭 Documentary 🎬 Director: Eyal Elisha 📍 Israel/USA  ·  2025  ·  92 min 🗣 English & Hebrew · Subtitles
View The Trailer

"The New Jew: Days of War" follows Israeli comedian Guri Alfi as he embarks on a journey to explore the profound impact of October 7th on the identity, security, and status of Jews in the United States.

"The New Jew: Days of War" follows Israeli comedian Guri Alfi as he embarks on a journey to explore the profound impact of October 7th on the identity, security, and status of Jews in the United States. Through intimate personal stories—from families of hostages and individuals confronting rising antisemitism to young Jews grappling with intergenerational divides on Israel—the film makes these complex issues accessible to a broader audience. It delves into key developments after October 7th, including the isolation felt by many American Jews, the rise in hate crimes, and the growing quest for renewed belonging within their communities. Guided by Guri Alfi's signature mix of empathy and humor, the film masterfully balances deep emotional resonance with moments of levity, offering a message of hope in challenging times. This film serves as a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2021 TV miniseries "The New Jew", which earned widespread praise in Israel and at film festivals across the United States.

Diane Warren: Relentless film poster

Diane Warren: Relentless

Sunday, May 3  ·  3:00 PM

🎭 Documentary 🎬 Director: Bess Kargman 📍 USA  ·  2024  ·  91 min 🗣 English
View The Trailer

Diane Warren, a prolific Jewish songwriter with an unparalleled track record of writing mega-hits for industry giants, emerges as a force to be reckoned with in Diane Warren: Relentless.

Diane Warren, a prolific Jewish songwriter with an unparalleled track record of writing mega-hits for industry giants, emerges as a force to be reckoned with in Diane Warren: Relentless. Boasting 17 Academy Award nominations, an Honorary Oscar along with Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards, Diane Warren has etched her name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and is responsible for the soundtrack of our lives. In this intimate documentary, filled with Warren’s signature humor, audiences get a rarely seen glimpse into her life and underdog journey to where she is today. Marked by a distinctive songwriting approach, unconventional life choices, and an exceptional work ethic with a touch of irreverence, the narrative unfolds, delving into her most remarkable collaborations with first-hand commentary from Cher, Gloria Estefan, David Foster, Jennifer Hudson, Kesha and many more to showcase the creative genius that is Diane Warren.

Soda film poster

Soda

Monday, May 4  ·  7:00 PM

🎭 Drama 🎬 Director: Erez Tadmor 📍 Israel  ·  2025  ·  99 min 🗣 Hebrew · English Subtitles
View The Trailer

A beautiful tailor moves to a neighborhood of Holocaust survivors in 1956. Rumors about her past shake up the neighborhood and especially Shalom, a former brave resistance fighter.

Eva, a beautiful seamstress, arrives with her daughter in a Israeli working-class neighborhood in 1954. Shalom Gottlieb, a former partisan leader and current factory foreman, falls for Eva, who offers him a chance at happiness and a life filled with beauty and laughter. But rumors of Eva’s past as a Kapo during the Holocaust shake the community. Shalom’s choice to be with Eva now means not only betraying his family...

Lost in Territories film poster

Lost in Territories

Wednesday, May 6  ·  7:00 PM

🎭 Comedic Drama 🎬 Director: Nadav Shlomo Giladi 📍 Israel, France  ·  2026  ·  108 min 🗣 Arabic & Hebrew · English Subtitles
View The Trailer

A series of dark comedic tales, hilariously exposing the absurdity of living amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Neighboring is a complex thing. Add to it a bloody multinational, inter-religious confrontation, stuffed with soldiers, terror organizations, fences, rockets, guns, knives and rocks, and you have a complete mayhem. Or as we all call it: "The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict". In the vein of the Oscarized Argentinian movie Wild Tales, Lost in Territories extracts the humor out of absurd situations where living together becomes a tricky challenge. It happens in the West Bank, the Wild West of the Middle East…

2026 Festival Ticket Information

Individual Tickets

$10 per film plus Thalian fees & tax

$7 for students with ID & active military plus fees & tax

All tickets must be purchased through the Thalian Hall Box Office — either in person or on their website.

Box Office Hours: 12 PM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and one hour before scheduled events.

Phone: 910-632-2285

Purchase Tickets at Thalian Hall

Vouchers

If you are receiving a voucher as a thank-you for your Friend of the Festival donation, you will receive these vouchers in the mail this week.

Each voucher may be exchanged for one ticket at the Thalian Hall Box Office.

For all inquiries, email us at loading... and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Support the 2026 Festival

Get Involved

For Individuals & Families

Become a Friend of the Festival

Support the festival and enjoy exclusive perks, from ticket vouchers to full cinema passes. Packages start at just $36.

  • Packages from $36 to $500
  • Includes cinema passes & ticket vouchers
  • Recognition in the program book
  • Support Jewish film & culture in Wilmington
Become a Friend

For Businesses & Organizations

Advertise in Our 2026 Program Book

Get your business in front of thousands of engaged festival-goers. Our program book is distributed at every screening.

  • Multiple ad size options available
  • Reach a highly engaged local audience
  • Distributed at every screening
  • Support the arts & your community
View Ad Packages

Welcome to the Annual Wilmington Jewish Film Festival

Our mission is to present thought-provoking and engaging films that celebrate Jewish stories, history, and culture while fostering dialogue & connection.

Each season, we carefully curate films that not only entertain but also encourage reflection, understanding, and appreciation for the richness of Jewish life. Through these shared experiences, we aim to strengthen cultural ties and highlight the common threads that unite us all.

WJFF Upcoming Event in Honor of
International Holocaust Remembrance Day

In Conjunction with:

Among Neighbors!

Special screening of Among Neighbors! This event includes a brief introduction by filmmaker Yoav Potash, and an in-depth post-film Q&A compilation that reveals the fascinating making-of stories, as well as the ongoing controversy behind this critically-acclaimed film. You can watch the Trailer HERE 

**Another screening of Among Neighbors has been added to Tuesday, January 27 at 4:30 PM in commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. If you currently have tickets to the 7:30 screening and would prefer coming to the 4:30 screening, please contact Alex Toribio at alex@cucalorus.org and she will assist you in making the change. If you tried to buy tickets for the 7:30 screening, please check back because spaces should open up.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 4:30 & 7:30 PM
Buy Tickets & More details
2026 GIVING LEVELS

2026 festival Sponsorships

Film Sponsor

Includes 2
All Cinema Passes

SOLD OUT

$1000

Reception Sponsor

Includes 2
Cinema Passes

SOLD OUT

$1000

Dessert Sponsor

Includes 2
Cinema Passes

$750

Friends of The festival donation options

Friends of The festival
donation options

Producer

Includes 1 Cinema Pass

$500

Director

Includes 4 Free Ticket Vouchers

$360

Assistant Director

Includes 2 Free Ticket Vouchers

$180

screenwriter

Includes 1 Free Ticket Voucher

$108

Actor

Donation

$54

fan

Donation

$36

Now Selling 2026 Program Book Ad Space

Get noticed by thousands. View our Program Ad options look into becoming one today.

the Annual Wilmington Jewish Film Festival

Our mission is to present thought-provoking and engaging films that celebrate Jewish stories, history, and culture while fostering dialogue and connection across our wider community.

Each season, we carefully curate films that not only entertain but also encourage reflection, understanding, and appreciation for the richness of Jewish life. Through these shared experiences, we aim to strengthen cultural ties and highlight the common threads that unite us all.

What We Do

Creating Cultural & Educational Experiences For The Wilmington Community

Through film, conversation, and shared experience, WJFF brings people together to celebrate stories that matter

WJFF Culture - filmmakers in discussion
01

Culture

Experience the richness of Jewish culture brought to life on the big screen. We feature timeless stories, powerful documentaries & contemporary films that challenge, inspire and entertain. Our festival offers a vibrant mix of perspectives that highlight both the uniqueness and universality of Jewish life.

Our History
WJFF Community - festival reception gathering
02

Community

After film screenings, our Festival offers receptions, social gatherings where audiences may connect over ice cream or other treats to discuss the films and learn more about one another. Sometimes filmmakers are present for question-and-answer sessions. New pathways to understanding emerge from these post-film interactions.

Get Involved
WJFF Education - post-screening discussion
03

Education

We believe film is a powerful tool for learning. Through post-screening discussions, guest speakers, and curated programs, we encourage deeper understanding of Jewish history, culture, and contemporary issues. Our educational outreach helps foster dialogue across generations and communities.

Education & Outreach
WJFF Recent Events

Our Recent Past Events

A look back at our most recent screenings, series, and special events

Among Neighbors

In Conjunction With:

WJFF Event In Honor Of International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Special screening of Among Neighbors! This event included a brief introduction by filmmaker Yoav Potash, and an in-depth post-film Q&A compilation that revealed the fascinating making-of stories, as well as the ongoing controversy behind this critically-acclaimed film.

January 27, 2026
Jengo's Playhouse Theater
Among Neighbors movie poster

Elie Wiesel: Soul On Fire

Our 2nd Time In Two Years Partnering With UNCW On A Film Screening In Kenan Auditorium.

Elie Wiesel: Soul On Fire — This compelling new documentary offered our attendees a rare, intimate portrait of one of the most influential voices to emerge from the Holocaust. Told largely through Wiesel's own words and voice, the film explores his journey as a survivor, writer, teacher, and Nobel laureate. A virtual Q&A with the film producer, Oren Rudavsky, followed the screening of the film.

September 17th, 2025
Kenan Auditorium, UNCW Campus
Elie Wiesel: Soul On Fire poster

Our 2025 Summer Series

Our Summer Series at The Pointe 14 Theaters wrapped up with three powerful and thought-provoking films that left audiences laughing, reflecting, and connecting.

One Big Happy Family — This heartfelt dramedy explored the complexities of family secrets and generational bonds. Viewers were moved by its mix of humor and raw emotion, with standout performances that had the theater alternating between laughter and tears.
Guns & Moses — Closing the series with a bold edge, Guns & Moses combined action, satire, and sharp social commentary. Its gripping pace and memorable one-liners made it a standout conversation piece as festival-goers left the theater debating its deeper themes.
Matchmaking 2 — Back by popular demand, this charming sequel picked up where the original left off, diving once again into the world of love, tradition, and the challenges of modern relationships. Audiences delighted in its warmth, wit, and the joy of seeing familiar characters find new beginnings.
August 13th – September 7th, 2025
The Pointe 14 Theaters
One Big Happy Family poster
Guns and Moses poster
Matchmaking 2 poster

Support WJFF's Mission

View Our Donation Options

Friends & Sponsors

Become a Friend of the Festival or 26' Sponsor & receive benefits when you donate.

Donate Directly

Donate directly to our Non-profit org. by online payment or check in the mail.

Program Book Ads

Get noticed by thousands. View our 26' Program Ads & inquire about being featured.

2026 festival Countdown

Our Next Jewish Film Festival begins on April 26th, 2026. The Countdown is on! 

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

News Coverage of The Wilmington Jewish Film Festival

Edit Content

Film screening for New Hanover County public schools seeks to teach students about the Holocaust

WECT wrote and featured The Jewish Film Festival on the news on our community and education out reach program. This segment also features with interview of our President, Debbie Smith at the event at the Wilson Center. You can read the article and watch the segment here – Film screening for New Hanover County public schools seeks to teach students about the Holocaust

Edit Content

7th Annual Wilmington Jewish Film Festival to present 7 feature films and 4 shorts

WWAY interviewed out President, Debbie Smith, and wrote about our 2021 film fest with an article titled, 7th Annual Wilmington Jewish Film Festival to present 7 feature films and 4 shorts. Click the article link to watch the interview & read the full story. 

Edit Content

Wilmington Jewish Film Festival offers film pop-up in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Star News Online Outlet wrote about our pop up event we held with an article titled, Wilmington Jewish Film Festival offers film pop-up in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on how we featured the film “Aulcie” in honor of basketball season and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Thank you to Our Partners

The Wilmington Jewish Film Festival is supported in part by the United Jewish Appeal of Wilmington. We could not do what we do if it was not for the UJA of Wilmington every year. 

A big thank you to The City of Wilmington, The Landfall Foundation & The N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources for providing grants and resources every year to the festival. 

Signup to our newsletter and receive event updates, information, news & more.

Where To Watch

FESTIVAL FAVORITES

Bad Shabbos

Now streaming on Apple TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Fandango at Home and Google Play. 

Check out the Bad Shabbos Official Website Here

Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire

Currently playing in theaters in NYC, Los Angeles, Ft Lee, NJ Check their website for upcoming theatrical releases and film festivals on their Official Website Here.

Screening scheduled in Raleigh on February 12, 2026. More details to come.

One Big Happy Family

Released to AMC Theaters on October 3; View their website for showtimes in cities they’re showing in. 

Currently not being shown in NC or SC. 

You can learn more at One Big Happy Family’s Official Website Here

Let us know what Jewish films you love by emailing us today.