Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival

Welcome to the 24^th JCC Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival (RJFF) presenting films from around the world that explore the Jewish experience. This year’s festival presents a dynamic lineup of 27 films from 10 countries, including 14 narratives, 11 documentaries, 2 short films and, for the first time, a Family Drive-In Movie Night at the JCC.

For 24 years, we have gathered in theaters to watch our lives, our history, our humanity, unfold on-screen.  This year will be no different. With challenges, come determination, hope, and resilience. We are stronger together, and we hope we can depend on you to join us in the theaters this summer where we will, as always, watch our collective story unfold on film.

Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre is the first film to be released about the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack in Israel. It will not be the last. Many Israeli filmmakers have dedicated themselves to documenting the unimaginable stories of that day, and all that followed, to ensure the world knows the truth. Supernova screened at our JCC in March to a nearly sold-out crowd. RJFF will host an encore screening, alongside several other films, to help us all deepen our grasp of current events.

As the RJFF committee began programming for this year, we could not help but view the films being considered for the festival through several new lenses – some more painful, and all more meaningful. We curated and planned this festival with a renewed purpose to guard against ignorance, encourage unity, and embrace living Jewishly with pride and joy.

We are deeply grateful to you for supporting this event. See you all very soon.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Michal Benita-Weiss, RJFF Chair        
Andrea Miller, RJFF Director

Order Tickets

Online at rjff.org
Charge by Phone: 585.461.2000 x235

Evening Films………………………………………………JCC Member: $10 | Non-Member: $12
Weekday Matinees…………………………………….JCC Member: $8 | Non-Member: $10
Opening + Closing Night (Party Included)…..JCC Member: $12 | Non-Member: $15
All Festival Passes………………………………………..JCC Member: $150 | Non-Member: $190

Note: In-person sales are only available at the venue 1 hour prior to each screening.

All Festival Pass
Valid for all in-person RJFF films July 14–21, 2024. Each All Festival Pass allows you to order one ticket for each film at no charge. Tickets must be reserved for each film to guarantee seating.

Parking
Please allow ample time for parking. Parking is available in the main parking lots of both venues. For the Dryden Theatre, spaces along East Avenue and side streets are also available.

Reserved Seating
All seating is reserved at both the JCC Hart Theater and Dryden Theatre.

Select your seats when you reserve tickets online, and your seats will be guaranteed!

Accessibility
Festival venues are handicapped accessible. Hearing Assistance is available
at each venue’s box office. Films in English do not have subtitles. 

Refunds
Refunds are only available for canceled or rescheduled programs. Due to circumstances beyond our control, films may be canceled or rescheduled without prior notice.

Questions?
E-mail [email protected] or call 585.461.2000 x235.

Donor Opportunities
Ticket sales alone do not support the Festival. Please consider becoming a
JCC Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival supporter.
Contact Andrea Miller at [email protected] or 585.461.2000 x237.

The JCC and RJFF place the highest priority on ensuring a safe environment for this year’s festival. To enhance safety, we are working closely with local security professionals to guide our protocols.

There will be increased security throughout the festival and respective law enforcement agencies have been notified. RJFF reserves the right to deny access.

Backpacks and other large bags not permitted. A limited number of free lockers available. Random bag checks may occur.

If you see something, say something. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Follow us on social media for any updates.

Max of Eastman Place is the festival’s official event caterer. (Max of Eastman Place is under kosher supervision.)

Fox’s at the JCC – Enjoy snacks and meals before and after the weekday matinee films at Fox’s Deli located in the JCC lobby. Pre-order may be available during festival week. (Fox’s is currently not under kosher supervision.)

Dryden Theatre – Please note that Open Face, the café located at the George Eastman Museum, closes at 5pm daily. 

FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Andrea Miller

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Marni Port

FESTIVAL CHAIR
Michal Benita-Weiss

FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Bonnie Abrams
Ruth Cowing
Elliot Fix
Madeleine Fordham
Stuart Hanau
Laura Kaufman
Sue Lococo
Loo Rich
Sid Rosenzweig
Jonathan Sadik
Michal Spivak
Regina Smolyak
Marcia Stern

FESTIVAL FOUNDER
Carl Lasky^z”l

VISIONARY SUPPORT
The Kessler Family

About the Festival

The Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester established the Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival (RJFF) in 2001 to present the best contemporary Jewish-themed films from around the world to the Rochester community. RJFF exists to promote awareness and pride in the diversity of all people; to strengthen community consciousness of Jewish identity, history and culture; to provide a forum for community gatherings that allows valuable dialogue; and to create an international showcase for filmmakers who are Jewish or whose work explores Jewish themes.

Andrea Miller, Festival Director
585.461.2000 x237

Marc Cataldi, Administrative Assistant
585.461.2000 x235