Sacramento Jewish Film Festival: A Celebration of Story, Culture, and Cinema
Each year Sacramento becomes a hub for powerful storytelling and cinematic exploration with the Sacramento Jewish Film Festival (SJFF) — a unique cultural event that highlights films reflecting Jewish life, history, and identity from around the world. Presented by the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region, this festival brings audiences together to experience thought-provoking, humorous, moving, and inspiring films in a range of formats and styles.
A Festival With Heart and Vision
The Sacramento Jewish Film Festival showcases a curated selection of films that explore the richness and diversity of Jewish experiences. These movies — including feature films, documentaries, and shorts — come from international and independent filmmakers, offering perspectives that resonate far beyond any single community. The goal is to offer stories that are engaging, educational, and emotionally rich, encouraging meaningful conversation and connection among viewers.
Traditionally hosted at the historic Crest Theatre in downtown Sacramento, the festival combines both in-theater screenings and a digital streaming component, allowing audiences to enjoy films on the big screen and from home. The Crest Theatre’s beautiful vintage interiors provide an ideal backdrop for sharing cinematic experiences that range from poignant and introspective to lighthearted and funny.
Films That Inspire and Connect
Over the course of its run, the festival typically offers:
• In-theater showings of selected films during a concentrated block of days.
• Streaming access to a broader lineup, making it easy to watch from anywhere.
• Special events such as discussions with filmmakers, community conversations, and opportunities to engage with the artists behind the films.
This hybrid model, mixing live and virtual participation, makes the festival accessible to a wide audience — from passionate cinephiles to casual viewers curious about world cinema and cultural narratives.
Why It Matters
The Sacramento Jewish Film Festival does more than screen movies — it builds bridges across communities. By presenting films that explore identity, heritage, history, and universal themes of resilience and joy, the festival fosters empathy and understanding. It’s a cultural highlight of the region’s arts calendar and a celebration of cinema’s power to connect us.
Last Year’s Event
This year’s festival will be hybrid, offering the best of both worlds:
🎬 10 films will be screened in person at The Crest Theatre in Downtown Sacramento—experience the magic of cinema on the big screen, surrounded by fellow film lovers.
📽️ 14 films will be available for streaming—enjoy the festival from the comfort of your home, anywhere, anytime.
A Film Lineup That Inspires, Educates & Entertains
From heartwarming comedies to powerful dramas and eye-opening documentaries, the Sacramento Jewish Film Festival presents films that entertain, provoke thought, and spark meaningful conversations. Audiences can also engage in live Zoom chats with filmmakers, gaining insight into the creative process and stories behind the films.
Expect stories that delve into history, celebrate identity, explore resilience, and reflect the global Jewish experience. Whether you’re watching a lighthearted family film or a thought-provoking documentary, this festival offers something for everyone.
Why You Should Attend
✨ A Unique Cinematic Experience – Discover extraordinary films from all over the world.
📍 In-Person & Virtual Options – Whether you prefer the energy of a live screening or the convenience of streaming, the choice is yours!
🎭 Engage with Filmmakers – Gain behind-the-scenes insights through live Zoom chats.
🌎 A Celebration of Jewish Heritage & Culture – Experience the diversity and depth of Jewish storytelling.
The Sacramento Jewish Film Festival isn’t just about watching films—it’s about experiencing stories that inspire, educate, and connect us all.
📅 Festival Dates: February 20 – March 9
📍 In-Person Screenings: The Crest Theatre, Downtown Sacramento
📽️ Streaming: Available via our online portal
🎟 Tickets & Festival Passes Available Now!
Join us for a cinematic journey that celebrates Jewish culture, resilience, and storytelling!
Find more at Sacramento Film
Listed in: Sacramento Events, Things to do in Sacramento
