With an enthusiastic love of cinema and Judaism, PJFM’s Screening Committee is at the top of its game. Courtesy of Envato.

When I first began attending film festivals 12 years ago here in Philadelphia, one of the first things that astounded me was the scope of film content being presented. Where did all these movies come from? How did they show in this theater? How does the “business” of a film festival function? How are films selected? How and why are other films rejected? There is a lot that goes into putting together a film festival, let alone a small film series, such as our recent Lindy SummerFest 2022. There are a lot of discussions and agreements that need to get done between the top staff of PJFM and film distributors, discussions over booking costs, venue locations, streaming timeline, geo-blocking, etc. However, before any of the nitty-gritty, meticulous details into booking a film occur, PJFM relies on its Screening Committee to help review the latest, up-and-coming movies in the film festival world.

Comprised of a little over 30 members, the Screening Committee has grown extensively from a small group of local cinephiles into a much wider network of individuals in the tri-state region. Their main responsibility is to preview exclusive films – features, shorts, and other forms of digital content – and offer their input on whether they could belong in any of PJFM’s annual programming, not just its annual Jewish film festival. The vetting of films depends on an endless variety of factors, from a movie’s production value, editing, acting, story, etc. In the end, the Committee’s ultimate goal is deciding whether a film is impactful enough to be shown to an audience.

For some people, such as S.E. Amster, the sweeping array of Jewish international films is simply amazing.

“It’s incredible how many films are being produced in countries all over the world,” says Amster. “And with so many interesting perspectives that are appropriate for a Jewish-themed festival.”

Joseph W. Moser, another member and Associate Professor of German at West Chester University, concurs. “Serving on the Screening Committee has been a fascinating experience to learn and explore current questions of Jewish identity, history, and culture through film, as well as to appreciate the diversity of Judaism in the world.”

The United States. Israel. UK. Russia. Ethiopia. Spain. Brazil. India. Jewish-focused films are literally everywhere! And they’re not going away just yet.

“Being a cinephile, I can’t get enough movie-viewing,” says Caren Hosansky, who joined the Committee in 2020. “It is great to see how strong the industry is for the Jewish community,”

With a fervent passion for both Judaism and cinema in general, the Screening Committee’s voices are what help PJFM present the best in Jewish international cinema every year.

You may be wondering, much like I was thinking back at my first film festival, how does the process work? The process before the films are booked? In an easy, mechanical fashion, all Screening Committee members are sent new films to preview every Monday leading up to the end of summer. “Preview” is an important word to note. If they are delivered feature films, the Committee is required to only watch the first 30-40 minutes. For short films, they must watch them in their entirety. The reason for previewing, as opposed to watching a film all the way through, is simply because there are a lot of films to get through. And trust us: we receive a LOT of movies!

As Program Director, one of my main duties is to reach out to film distributors and attain film links from their latest acquisitions, which are then emailed to the Committee. The best way I hear about the latest films is by staying in the loop on the latest film festivals, both Jewish and non-Jewish. (Toronto International Film Festival, for example, isn’t Jewish, but they present a ton of Jewish films.) When I find a film, I research its distributor or sales agent and emphasize the organization’s interest in the film.

A second way we receive content is through FilmFreeway, a popular website for filmmakers from around the world to submit their films. Directors may upload their film directly onto the platform and include as much written information as they’d like, such as the history of the making of the film, why it may resonate with PJFM, and if there is a Philadelphia connection. Some of our most excellently reviewed films from last year, such as Chazak: The Story of Yudi Dukes (2021) and Susam (2021), were all submitted through FilmFreeway.

Besides input on movies, another helpful thing the Committee offers is engagement. Members’ only responsibility doesn’t just need to be previewing films. There are more opportunities and benefits to being on the Committee, from interviewing special guests and receiving complimentary passes to PJFM series. The Committee offers a chance for anyone who loves movies and Judaism and hopes to utilize their public speaking skills and engage more with the audience. The qualifications to be on the Committee, preview films, and host insightful interviews – either in-person or virtual – with film talent are that there are none! Jewish or not, there is a spot for everyone on the Committee.

To think that only six years ago, PJFM’s Screening Committee was just a few local supporters of the organization is unreal. With its expanded membership, PJFM is better equipped to watch and consider more movies that these talented filmmakers from around the world have made. It is, without a doubt, a huge step forward in the organization’s direction.

We’ll end this post with Darcy Grabenstein, current member, who just has one thing to say:

“Fasten your seat belts because this year’s lineup will be incredible!”

The 42nd Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival will take place November 12-19.

Be sure to subscribe to PJFM’s emails to hear the latest news on the Festival and other upcoming events.

Interested in joining the Screening Committee? Reach out to Matt Bussy, Program Director, at mbussy@phillyjfm.org.

By Matthew Bussy, Program Director of PJFM