Cleveland Jewish FilmFest
The Best of International Jewish Cinema
The Mandel JCC Cleveland Jewish FilmFest is an 11-day festival that brings the
best of international Jewish and Israeli cinema to Northeast Ohio.
It features powerful, award-winning films for all movie lovers.
Save the date for the 20th Cleveland Jewish FilmFest, October 8-18, 2026
Submissions are now open.
THROUGH A SEPHARDIC LENS
Film clips & discussion with Israeli filmmaker Rafael Balulu
Thursday, April 16, 7 PM, Mandel JCC
Free & open to the public - Registration is required
Join Israeli filmmaker Rafael Balulu for film clips and a discussion on Sephardic perspectives post-October 7. The program will highlight voices, stories and realities often underrepresented in mainstream discussions. Presented with support from Rafi’s friends Brenda & David Goldberg.
Rafael Balalu was born in 1981 in Afula, Israel. He is a writer and producer of many films. His short film Batman at the Checkpoint has screened at the Cleveland Jewish FilmFest. As a leading voice in the New Wave of Mizrahi culture, Balulu advocates for peace by highlighting the shared histories and cultural ties between Jews and Muslims. Of Moroccan origin, Balulu lives in Jaffa with his family.
View 2025 Films and Brochure
The 19th annual Cleveland Jewish FilmFest opens September 4th with a screening of the French film Once Upon My Mother.
2025 Cleveland Jewish FilmFest
Bringing the best of international Jewish and Israeli cinema
5 Theaters
11 Festival Days
33 Number of Films
9 Number of Countries
