Celebrating its enduring commitment to local storytelling, Miami Jewish Film Festival introduces an engaging “Made in Miami” program, shining a spotlight on films crafted by and about the vibrant Miami community.
Among this year’s highlights is the world premiere of Miami Schmatta, a captivating documentary by Miami-based filmmakers Aaron Glickman and Clare Vickery. The film explores the city’s rich immigrant legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the American garment industry. Featuring heartfelt interviews with Miami business owners, tailors, and fashion designers, the film chronicles the industry’s golden years, its struggles amid shifting trade policies, and the enduring spirit of Miami’s creative community.
Other notable Florida productions premiering are Miami-based filmmakers Wendy Sach’s October H8te, a timely film about antisemitism on college campuses following the October 7 tragedy, as well as Leslie Benitah’s Milk & Honey, Blood & Tears, a powerful documentary chronicling the resilience and recovery of Kibbutz Be’eri following the devastating October 7 attack. The film poignantly contrasts the kibbutz’s peaceful past with the harsh realities of survival and healing. Leslie is also celebrating the world premiere of her second film, The Last Ones of Auschwitz, a powerful film commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz that captures the testimonies of the last remaining Holocaust survivors, including Miami-based survivors David Schaecter, Saul Blau, Hedy Fladell, and Irene Zisblat.
In honor of the legendary comedian and filmmaker Jerry Lewis, MJFF is hosting a special 65th anniversary presentation of his directorial debut, The Bellboy, which was filmed at the historic Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. The event will feature the attendance of his son, Christopher Lewis, an acclaimed author, who will introduce the film and participate in an extended conversation afterward.
“The 28th edition of the Miami Jewish Film Festival is a celebration of the power of storytelling to illuminate the past, confront the present, and inspire the future,” said Igor Shteyrenberg, Executive Director of the Miami Jewish Film Festival. “From local productions that highlight Miami’s rich cultural heritage to presenting world premieres that address timely and universal themes, this year’s program reflects the resilience, creativity, and diversity of the Jewish experience on both a local and international scale.”
Full details on the program and tickets to the festival can be found at: miamijewishfilmfestival.org
