Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival
Congratulations to our Carl Lasky Audience Favorite Award Winners!
Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire
The Stronghold
Thank you for a wonderful 25th Anniversary Festival!
Save the date for next year's festival!
July 26–August 2, 2026
Support the Festival
Thank you to our generous supporters for allowing us to continue bringing quality Jewish films to the Rochester community.
Festival Information
Tickets Available Now!
Online (Scroll up to your desired film and click the image)
Charge by Phone: 585.461.2000 x235
Evening Films – JCC Member: $12, Non-Member: $14
Matinee Films – JCC Member: $10 , Non-Member: $12
Opening + Closing Night (Party Included) – JCC Member: $14, Non-Member: $16
All Festival Passes – JCC Member: $170 , Non-Member: $210
Note: Venue box office opens hour prior to each screening.
All Festival Pass
Valid for all RJFF films July 13–20. Each All Festival Pass entitles you to one ticket for each film. 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, University Avenue, and side streets are 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.Â
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 arts@jccrochester.org 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 Jake Rosenbaum at jrosenbaum@jccrochester.org or 585.461.2000 x1012.
As is now standard, the JCC and RJFF place the highest priority on ensuring a safe environment for this year’s festival. 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. Large bags and backpacks are discouraged. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Follow us on social media for any updates.
Max of Eastman Place is the festival’s official event caterer. Catered
events will be under the kosher supervision of Temple Beth El.
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.
Fox’s is not under kosher supervision. Pre-order forms will be
available during the festival!
Outdoor pavilion at the Dryden Theatre – Please note that Open Face, the café located at the George Eastman Museum, operates with limited hours.
RJFF is pleased to announce that a tent will be available next to the entrance of the museum for festival patrons who bring their own food. Tent is open until 8:30pm each evening.
Please note that outside food and drink – aside from water – is absolutely prohibited inside the George Eastman Museum and The Dryden Theatre.
Giveaways – Be on the lookout for free kosher treats following select screenings at both the JCC and the Dryden!
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Jake Rosenbaum
FESTIVAL CHAIR
Michal Benita-Weiss
FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Bonnie Abrams
Andy Cohen
Elliot Fix
Madeleine Fordham
Stuart Hanau
Lester Katzel
Laura Kaufman
Sue Lococo
Deborah Norin-Kuehn
Sid Rosenzweig
Jonathan Sadik
Michal Spivak
Regina Smolyak
Marcia Stern
DIRECTOR EMERITA
Andrea Miller
FESTIVAL FOUNDER
Carl Laskyz”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.
View past festival brochures:
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Jake Rosenbaum, Festival Director
585.461.2000 x1012
Elaina Bachmann, Patron Services Coordinator
585.461.2000 x235
Special Thanks
Special thanks to the RJFF Committee who work tirelessly to produce this event
Allen Buell and the Dryden Theatre and George Eastman Museum staff
Marni Port, Freyda Schneider, and the JCC staff
Director Emerita Andrea Miller
Lori Harter, Ruth Cowing, past festival chairs and committee members,
Bill Donahue, and all those who have guided and supported the festival over the years
All of our dedicated RJFF ushers and volunteers!
Photos by Luminaria Photography




















