LAJFF - Our History

In LAJFF’s premiere year, over 2000 people attended screenings of 20 films, across 6 days in 8 different venues, with multiple sold out shows. In the second year we expanded the festival to 30 films in 12 venues and increased audience attendance by more than 50%. Film programs accompanied by panel discussions were developed with the support of community partners including JDate, Jewish World Watch, Yiddishkayt LA and the Anti-Defamation League. We engaged the participation of multiple consulates and a dozen synagogues partners with heavy support from Valley Beth Shalom and Sinai Temple and screened programs at the American Jewish University and Skirball Center. LAJFF was also supported with generous funding from the Jewish Federation Valley Alliance and many generous individual donors.

Did you know that LAJFF was the only festival who was allowed to premiere O Jerusalem? LAJFF also premiered the Oscar-winning West Bank Story as well as the very popular Keeping Up With the Steins. Each film was accompanied by a discussion with the filmmakers.

In the third year we will enhance the celebration of “the Jewish experience through film” as LAJFF promises another lively week of films, family programs, and intimate meetings with filmmakers and celebrities. We are planning another expansion for LAJFF 2008 by running for a full week. As the dates of this year’s program falls during Yom Hatz’Maut, LAJFF will dedicate a part of the programming to celebrating Israel’s 60th. And finally, as part of our expansion plan, we will bring in new partners like UCLA Hillel as well as hosting a program of short films created by the students at the Jewish day and high schools. The goal is to offer a real learning opportunity for young Jews who can make a difference in the future.