ABOUT CJFF

The Carmel Jewish Film Festival is now entering its ninth year. Through the power and artistry of cinema, the festival seeks to engage the greater  community in meaningful dialogue on important issues of our day. While informed by a uniquely Jewish sensibility, our films communicate themes and messages with universal appeal to a wide audience drawn from the Monterey area and beyond. Our festival's accompanying programs further engage mind and heart through discussion and social interaction. We hope that our festival will help bridge cultural and religious differences and contribute to solidarity and peace.

Below are some of our events and programs from 2018. Look for exciting information about CJFF in January 2019.

Women's Studies Scholar from Brandeis University

to lead panel discussion following "The Women's Balcony"

Saturday, March 10, 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m.film, Golden Bough Playhouse, Carmel.

Joyce Antler is the Samuel J. Lane Professor Emerita of American Jewish History and Culture, and Professor Emerita of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Brandeis University.   She will share her thoughts about the film along with Rabbi Leah Novick, the world's oldest female Rabbi.

For more information about Joyce Antler and Leah Novick, click here.

Local former Soviet Jews Tell Their Stories

Tuesday, March 13, 7:00 p.m. film, panel, dessert reception, Congregation Beth Israel, Carmel.

What was life like living in the former Soviet Union in the 1960's and 1970's while the Jewish world was protesting to "Let My People Go?" Four former Soviet residents will candidly talk about what was happening from their perspectives. 

The CJFF welcomes Natasha Lipkina, Alex Bordetsky, Michael Segal, and Galena Bordetsky. To learn more about our panelists, click here.

Panel Discussion to follow "Muhi: Generally Temporary" 

Saturday, March 17, 6:30 reception, 7:30 film, panel, Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Monterey

You won't want to miss this amazing award-winning documentary about a young Palestinian boy caught between two cultures and two homes. Panelists at the conclusion of the film will include Dr. Saul Eisenstat, Dr. Joel Jacobson, and Dr. Richard Gerber. To learn more about our panelists, click here.

CJFF Introduces a Night of Short Films. Filmmaker and

Lead Actor to Host a Private Reception and Q & A.

Wednesday, March 21, 6:00 private reception, 7:00 films, Q & A, dessert reception

 New this year at the CJFF is a night of Shorts. Four films from various countries will run for 90 minutes. Following the last film, Maydeleh and the Prisoner, film maker Maya Ben Yair and lead actor, Milt Kogan

will participate in a Q & A.

Milt Kogan is best known for his role as desk Sargeant Kogan in the TV show Barney Miller. He has 

made appearances in many movies and TV shows. For more info on Milt Kogan and Maya Ben Yair,

click here.

A private reception with Maya and Milt will be held for $1000+ donors prior to the film. Maya and Milt will participate in a Q & A following the film.

Closing Night to Feature Jewish Food Tasting

Saturday, March 24, 6:30 reception, 7:30 film followed by free dessert reception

Enjoy small bites of some of your favorite Jewish and Middle Eastern delicacies prepared by

local restaurants and CBI members. This reception will be limited to 100 guests. Sponsors must reserve their film and reception tickets in advance to guarantee a space. The film, The Sturgeon Queens, will follow. A complimentary dessert reception will end CJFF 2018.