December 2024
Helaine Ortmann
After last year’s record-breaking turnout, the Hamilton Jewish Federation is excited to announce the return of the 2025 Hamilton Jewish Film Festival (HJFF) from March 23 to 25, 2025, at Peller Hall, Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre—a welcoming venue that has graciously opened its doors once again.
Featuring seven absorbing feature films and documentaries, this year’s lineup stays true to the HJFF’s mission of engaging the Jewish community while fostering understanding of Jewish culture, Israel, and Jewish history within the broader Hamilton community.
Sunday, March 23
Sunday’s line up features three outstanding Israeli films beginning at 1p.m. with “Seven Blessings.” Based on a true story, this award-winning film portrays the unique tradition in Moroccan culture where families gave away their children to relatives who are unable to conceive. The moving story tells the story of a new bride who struggles with the traumatic discovery of being given away while searching to understand, love and forgive.
At 3:30 p.m., the Ontario premiere of “Outsider, Freud” will be screened. This imaginative documentary by renowned Israeli filmmaker Yair Qedar blends rare archival footage with brilliant dreamlike animation to explore the life and work of Sigmund Freud. A pre-recorded Q&A with the director will follow.
Following Sunday’s second film, guests are invited to a reception before the 6 p.m. screening of "Bliss," the latest feature from acclaimed Israeli director Shemi Zarhin featuring stellar performances by Israeli actors Sasson Gabay and Assi Levy. HJFF commitee member Daniel Kollek describes it as a “beautiful film about love between couples and across generations, love that uplifts and hurts, love that sacrifices and love that forgives.” Filmed in northern Israel before the October 7 war, “Bliss” provides a record of place that may never be the same again.
Monday, March 24
The second day opens at 5:30 p.m. with two short films: “Thirteen,” a touching short film inspired by true events. It highlights a mother’s relentless quest to hold a Bat Mitzvah for her disabled daughter, challenging societal barriers with love and determination and Mother, in which three childfree Israeli women explain their life choices to their mothers. In a unique twist, they swap seats, each meeting their friend’s mother for an intimate dialogue.
At 7:00 p.m., the documentary “Rabbi on the Block” will be shown. It follows Tamar, a Black Jewish rabbinical student and activist, as she brings her faith from the synagogue to the streets of Chicago. Following the film, there will be a Q & A with Beth Tikvah Synagogue executive director, Rivka Campbell, a Jew of Jamaican descent who fosters dialogue within the Jewish community about the intersectional experiences of Jews of colour.
Tuesday, March 25
The festival concludes with “We Will Dance Again,” a deeply moving documentary recounting the stories of survivors from the Nova Festival massacre of October 7, 2023. Through powerful interviews, the film honors those who lived and pays tribute to those lost. A special post-film program will follow.
Ticket price per film is $18 (plus administration fees) with a Festival pass at $90 (plus administrative fees) ($60 plus administration fees for students). Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information visit jewishhamilton.org for more information or contact Wendy Schneider at wschneider@jewishhamilton.org.
