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.

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

Let there be Lights! Camera! Action!

With in-person appearances by renowned directors, musicians, and dancers, fantastic spreads of food, and eleven terrific movies you won’t see anywhere else in Columbus, this year’s edition promises to be an unforgettable experience that leaps off the screen. Come for the films. Stay for the conversation.

Don’t Miss a Film, Get the ReelPass!

Pass holders receive 1 ticket to all films, events, and receptions for $180.

$195 Value

Purchase Here

Become a sponsor

Donate Here
Make Tribute Gift Here

Presenting Sponsor

$10,000
  • 8 ReelPasses
  • Reserved Seating at all JCC screenings
  • Private reception with special guest Tovah Feldshuh
  • Recognition on all marketing
  • Recognition on print brochure if received by Aug 30

Producer

$5,000
  • 4 ReelPasses
  • Reserved Seating at all JCC screenings
  • Private reception with special guest Tovah Feldshuh
  • Recognition on all marketing
  • Recognition on print brochure if received by Aug 30

Director

$2,500
  • 2 ReelPasses
  • Private Reception with special guest Tovah Feldshuh
  • Recognition 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

Underwriter

Rozanne & Jerry Stern

Producer

Columbus jewish foundation lenore Schottenstein & community Jewish arts endowment fund
Greater Columbus Arts Council
Deedee Glimcher

Director

Linda and Frank Kass
Lewin/Madison/Tuckerman Families
Leslie and Kurt malkoff
matrix psychological/Visualopathy
Debbie and Jeff Meyer

Screenwriter

 Morris Allen and phyllis Gorin
Julie and Doug Cohen
Congregation Tifereth IsraeL
Melissa and ronnie conn
Miriam Freimer and Ed Levine
Carol and Jeff Folkerth
Clemy and Bob Keidan
Denise and Mike klapper
Gale D. and Steven M. Klayman
Jean Krum and David Neubauer
Mautz Family
Sarah and Rick Meizlish
OSU Melton Center for Jewish Studies
Emily and keith Schuss
Hilary and Mike Talis
Temple Beth Shalom

 

 

Film Enthusiast

Ayelet and Zahi Ben-David
Al Friedman
Marilyn and Roger Friedman
Joy and Michael gonsiorowski
Carol and Stephen Handler
Renee and Ron Kauffman
Rebecca and Joel Luck
Sunny and MArk Masser
Linda and Howard Schottenstein
Ruth and Joe Sniderman
Bethanne and Jeff Tilson
Sheila Torch
Wallick Cultural Arts Endowment fund
Tali and Benny Zelkowicz
Zidel Family

Supporter

Cheryl Dritz
Steven Dritz
Julie and david fishman
Andy and Julie Glassman
Tobi and Kenneth Gold
Stacy and howard levin
Alan Lichtcsien
Leslie Yenkin & Jonathan Petuchowski
Sandy and bernie senser

Updated 9.2.26

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 (z”l), 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