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the 22nd Annual Columbus Jewish Film Festival in celebration of andrew ethan stern

2 weeks, 11 films, 1 Festival

Storytelling Through Film

The Columbus Jewish Film Festival In Celebration of Andrew Ethan Stern is committed to presenting cutting-edge international films and ancillary programming that reflect a myriad of Jewish experiences. Festival goals include engaging Jewish individuals and groups in the production of the Festival; building and inspiring new audiences; facilitating dialogue among diverse communities; promoting Tikkun Olam and social justice; and enriching Jewish culture and the Columbus arts community. Film screenings, educational programs, social events, celebrations and community collaborations are tools used to accomplish these goals.

Bagels & Docs

Sunday, August 30 | 12pm | $20

Includes screening & bagel nosh

The best in Jewish International Short Documentaries: music & mishpocha, cooking & comedy!
Nosh at noon, screening at 12:30pm

Purchase tickets here

AMAL|HOPE
Directed by Eros Zhao, 2025, Israel, English & Arabic, 18Min
Two concert pianists, one Israeli, the other Palestinian, create an inspiring musical partnership that transcends political division.

DAYS BETWEEN REST
Directed by Peter Decherney, 2024, Uganda, English, 9Min
Meet Rachel Namudosi, a third generation Jewish Ugandan as she takes her four children to school, makes music with her family, and leads Shabbat services at her synagogue.

KOSHER SOUL
Directed by Ilja Sarro, 2025, United States, English, 13Min
Celebrated chef Michael Twitty gathers talented young cooks to create a pop-up Kosher Shabbat meal in the Baldwin Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.

PHANTOM PAINS
Directed by Tamar Komem, 2026, Israel, Hebrew, Yiddish & Russian, 26Min
Three generations of Israeli women grapple with the legacy of their matriarch, a Holocaust survivor whose personal pain and domineering spirit has shaped all of their lives.

THAT’S HOW YOU MAKE A TORAH
Directed by Lauren Greenhall, 2025, United Kingdom, English, 10Min
Men have been scribing Torah since 3 BCE but finally in 2007, Jen Taylor Friedman became the first woman known in history to scribe a Torah. In this  documentary short, Friedman and fellow trailblazing scribe Rabbi Linda Motzkin talk about the obstacles they overcame to achieve this dream.

THE WALL
Directed by Dovi Rozenberg, 2024, Israel, Hebrew, 13Min
During their military training, generations of Israelis have had to contend with a notorious obstacle course. In this very funny short, we learn what impact this simple brick wall has had on their lives.

Become a sponsor

Donate Here

Presenting Sponsor

$10,000
  • 8 ReelPasses
  • Reserved Seating at all JCC screenings
  • Private Reception with Special Guest Tovah Feldshuh
  • Recogniton on digital marketing

Producer

$5,000
  • 4 ReelPasses
  • Reserved Seating at all JCC screenings
  • Private Reception with Special Guest Tovah Feldshuh
  • Recogniton on all marketing

Director

$2,500
  • 2 ReelPasses
  • Reserved Seating at all JCC screenings
  • Private Reception with Special Guest Tovah Feldshuh
  • Recogniton on digital marketing

screenwriter

$1,000
  • 2 ReelPasses
  • Recognition on digital marketing

Film Enthusiast

$500
  • 4 tickets to any CJFF film
  • 50% off ReelPass
  • recognition on digital marketing

Supporter

$250
  • 2 tickets to any CJFF film
  • 25% off ReelPass
  • recognition on digital marketing

Thank you to our 2026-27 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Rozanne & Jerry Stern

Producer

Director

Screenwriter

Clemy and Bob Keidan
Temple Beth Shalom

 

 

Film Enthusiast

Tali and Benny Zelkowicz

Supporter

Alan Lichtcsien

Updated 7.20.26

2026 CJFF Committee

Festival Chair

Lesli Mautz

Steering Committee

Morris Allen, Dawn Balapole, Ayelet Ben-David, Vicki Cantor, Cheryl Dritz, Steve Dritz, Ted Fons, Carol Glassman, Shelly Igdaloff, Clemy Keiden, Joanne Kesten, Stacy Leeman, Alan Lichtcsien

Past Festival Chairs

Melva Schottenstein z”l, Jody Altschule, Ayelet Ben-David, Marjie Coopersmith, Cheryl Dritz, June Frankel, Gigi Fried, Carole Genshaft, Carol Handler, Hani Hara, Debby Kane, Linda Katz, Sandy Meizlish, Paul Wolfson

Remembering Andrew Ethan STern

The JCC Columbus Jewish Film Festival is named in honor of Andrew Ethan Stern, an adored son, cherished friend, successful businessman, athlete, animal rights activist, mentor and humanitarian. Andrew was kind and generous. Through determination and thoughtfulness, Andrew was outstanding in all of his endeavors from school and sports to business. Following his childhood dream, he moved to Los Angeles and began his career in marketing with the Los Angeles Lakers. A successful entrepreneur, Andrew was an Internet marketing pioneer and founded his company, Seed Corn Advertising in 2002. Andrew was a true team player. He had a strong work ethic and always supported his friends and loved ones. His life and legacy of generosity and dedication to those around him will be remembered by the lives he touched and those who knew him.

Contact

For more information, please reach out to Benny Zelkowicz, Columbus Jewish Film Festival Director, bzelkowicz@columbusjcc.org
614-559-6205