EVENT LIST
Central Texas Premiere
Documentary
SPECIAL CLOSING NIGHT EVENT
Director(s): Steven Pressman
2026
89'
USA
The name Woody Guthrie conjures images of Dust Bowl families from the 1930s fleeing their soil-ravaged farms, along with those famous lyrical phrases, “This land is your land, this land is my land. From California to the New York Island.”
However, Woody''s horizons extended far beyond the dusty Oklahoma hills of his youth. Once his wanderings and ramblings brought him to New York City in the 1940s, he was introduced – both personally and professionally – into a vibrant Jewish culture that he wholeheartedly embraced and ultimately had a deep influence on his life and his music.
Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls also weaves in the story of Aliza Greenblatt, an immigrant from Ukraine who later became a prominent Yiddish poet and songwriter -- and who also happened to be Woody''s mother-in-law.
From the dust storms of Oklahoma to the lox and bagels of Coney Island, discover a whole new side of Woody Guthrie that will forever change your view of one of America’s most celebrated songwriters and cultural icons.
Why we like this film: Who would have thought that America's most famous Dust Bowl balladeer held a deep, hidden connection to Jewish culture? Join us for an extraordinary Closing Night Event featuring “Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls,” the runaway hit of the current Jewish film scene! What began with director Steve Pressman’s surprising discovery of a Woody Guthrie Hanukkah song opened up an incredible web of history—most notably Guthrie's profound, creative bond with his mother-in-law, a celebrated Yiddish poet. Packed with captivating anecdotes and iconic music, this documentary uncovers a unique cross-cultural story you’ve never heard before. To make this grand finale truly unforgettable, the evening begins with an exclusive live musical performance by Woody Guthrie’s granddaughter, Sara Lee Guthrie. Following the screening, stay with us for an engaging panel discussion featuring filmmaker Steve Pressman alongside a guest UT Yiddishist and Sara Lee Guthrie. Don't miss this incredible night of music, history, and community—reserve your
Evans Performance Center at Shalom Austin
Nov 19
Southwest Premiere
Family drama
Director(s): Terry Loane
2026
97'
Ireland, UK
A story that finds laughter even in the pain, Faraway Home is the gripping journey of two young Jewish children sent by their parents from Nazi - occupied Austria via the Kindertransport to a refuge farm in Northern Ireland, smack in the middle of its own Irish/British, Catholic/Protestant troubles. As they begin to adjust to an Irish farm life miles from their parents and their families, German bombs hit Belfast in the 1941 blitz, and the war is brought back to their doorsteps. Based on the award-winning book and true story of Millisle refugee farm in Newtownards, Co Down, Northern
Ireland, by Irish Jewish author Marilyn Taylor.
Why we like this film: Discover a remarkably moving piece of history in this beautifully crafted, family-friendly drama based on the inspiring true story of the only Kindertransport to reach Ireland. Both deeply moving and educational, this film offers a rare, accessible opportunity for families, students, and community members of all generations to encounter Holocaust history together. It is a story of hope, refuge, and resilience that will spark meaningful conversations long after you leave the theater. Bring your family and join us for an inspiring screening you won't want to miss!
Evans Performance Center at Shalom Austin
Nov 15
Nov 16
Texas Premiere
Drama, Mystery
Director(s): Ruby Doaniass
2026
106'
Israel
Maya and Aviv Berger have built a seemingly perfect life, a stable relationship, successful careers, and a son they love more than anything. But when a series of medical tests reveals a shocking secret, their world begins to unravel. As Maya delves deeper in search of the truth, she uncovers strange inconsistencies and half-truths that lead her back to an event from years ago. What begins as a medical challenge soon transforms into a gripping mystery, one that culminates in a stunning revelation.
Why we like this film: Calling all lovers of a great mystery—get ready for a movie that will keep you guessing until the last second! A gripping suspense thriller made for anyone who loves a good story led by complex, compelling characters. What begins as an emotional drama spirals into an edge-of-your-seat mystery as you walk alongside the characters to piece together a secret eight years in the making. You’re unlikely to guess the shocking ending before the credits roll!
Evans Performance Center at Shalom Austin
Nov 15
US Premiere
Dramedy
Director(s): Élie Chouraqui
2026
105'
France
As a lover of the arts, Babi Maklouf Benhamou has the best job in the world: he’s the night watchman at the Louvre Museum. When World War II breaks out and a German invasion looms, Jacques Jaujard, the museum’s curator, organises a secret operation to rescue the artworks before they fall into Nazi hands. Entrusted with transporting the Louvre’s masterpieces out of Paris, Babi agrees on one condition: that he is allowed to bring his family with him. So begins an epic, perilous family journey across occupied France, one that will bind the fate of the Louvre’s treasures to Maklouf and his family. Directed by Maklouf’s real-life grandson, Elie Chouraqui, this historical drama tells the extraordinary story of an ordinary man who put his life at risk to quietly and anonymously helped preserve some of the world’s greatest works of art for generations to come.
Why we like this film: What began as a simple search for a word starting with "H" led a director straight to his own family history—and inspired his most deeply personal film yet. Based on extraordinary true events, this captivating story follows the director's own grandfather in a sweeping tale that is part historical drama, part thriller, and part intimate family saga. In a rare privilege, the Director of the Louvre opened the iconic museum's doors to the production, allowing scenes to be shot directly among some of its world-famous artwork. Told with immense heart, warmth, and suspense, this is an incredible story of legacy and courage you won't want to miss.
Evans Performance Center at Shalom Austin
Nov 19
Central Texas Premiere
Documentary
SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT EVENT
Director(s): Josh Aronson, Adam R. Wood
2025
77'
UK, USA
A young pianist escapes Nazi occupied Vienna on the Kindertransport, carrying nothing but her music and her mother’s final words. That act of love creates an artistic legacy that resonates across generations. Directed by Academy Award nominee Josh Aronson and Emmy winner Adam R. Wood, Hold On To Your Music: A Mother’s Legacy tells the true story of Lisa Jura, a gifted Jewish pianist whose life was upended in 1938 Vienna. Forced onto the Kindertransport at age fourteen, Lisa found her way in wartime London, sustained by the music she carried with her and the memory of the family she left behind. Drawing on rare archival footage, newly digitized recordings, and the virtuosic performances of her daughter Mona Golabek, the film traces Lisa’s journey from prodigy to refugee to mother – and the enduring artistic lineage she passed on. Adapted from Golabek’s bestselling book and international stage production The Pianist of Willesden Lane, the documentary brings new cinematic depth to a story that has reached more than 10 million readers and audience members worldwide through concerts, books, and 5,000+ performances. The film bridges past and present to reveal a universal message: that memory, love, and music are forces powerful enough to sustain a life – and inspire generations.
Why we like this film: An award-winning triumph that has captivated audiences, this sweeping multi-generational saga brings Mona Golabek’s bestselling book and play, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, vividly to life on screen. An intimate portrait and a cinematic monument, the film stands as a moving testament to survival, the enduring strength of love, and the transcendent power of music. By seamlessly bridging past and present, it carries sacred memory forward to offer a deeply inspiring reminder to hold fast to what matters most. Prepare for an unforgettable, deeply moving experience that will stay with you long after the festival.
Dell JCC (Exact venue on campus To Be Announced)
Nov 14
Southwest Premiere
Comedy
Director(s): Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache
2026
119'
France
A hilarious and warm-hearted Jewish coming-of-age story set in Paris, 1985. Vincent is an awkward 12-year-old French-Jewish teenager living in the dull Parisian suburbs. His parents Yves and Sandrine spend most of their time arguing with each other, whilst his super cool older brother Arnaud is a constant menace. As Vincent struggles to make sense of life, love, and his North African Jewish identity, he quickly learns that the grown-ups don’t have any of the answers he’s seeking either.
Why we like this film: A heartwarming comedy in which nostalgia and a lovesick teenager bring the 80s to life. A funny yet realistic look at loving, bickering Jewish family in Paris before the age of the internet.
Evans Performance Center at Shalom Austin
Nov 15
Shorts program
FREE program!
2025, 2026
100'
Israel
A diverse collection of new short films from the School of Audio and Visual Arts at Sapir College in Israel. Specific films TBA (to be announced.)
Why we like this film: This program is a continuation AJFF's collaboration with Sapir College. Short programs are always great—they feature an ecclectic mix of films. If one isn't to your taste, just wait a few minutes for the next one! Shorts are also how every filmmaker starts off, so come see the early work of tomorrow's creators of feature length movies.
Evans Performance Center at Shalom Austin
Nov 14
Southwest Premiere
Drama
Director(s): Oliver Haffner
2026
92'
Germany
Based on a true story: Germany’s most popular TV presenter in the 1970s must face his traumatic past—and that of the whole country.
Germany, 1978. Hans Rosenthal is the country's most popular TV presenter, and, what few people know: he is Jewish and a Holocaust survivor. The 75th edition of his beloved live game show is about to be broadcast, but the celebratory mood is dampened by the air date: November 9. Exactly 40 years after the Nazi pogrom against the Jewish population, Hans is expected to entertain and distract an audience of millions with his harmless TV show, rather than attend the first official German memorial for the victims. Hans finds himself in a dilemma: has the Jewish showman become himself a henchman of repression? Or will he find the strength to address his family trauma?
Why we like this film: A remarkable, tense, and deeply moving examination of national guilt, media responsibility, and personal trauma. Enriched by intimate insights from Hans Rosenthal's own children, the film uncovers a little-known chapter in the beloved entertainer's life—sharply contrasting his jovial television persona with the profound secrecy of his Holocaust survival. It sheds light on a rarely depicted era in Jewish cinema, offering a powerful narrative based on true events.
Evans Performance Center at Shalom Austin
Nov 16
Southwest Premiere
Documentary
Director(s): Gaylen Ross
2026
68'
USA
This fascinating film tells the riveting true story of Aaron Sapiro, a young Jewish lawyer who took on one of America’s most powerful men—and most notorious antisemites—Henry Ford. In a David-versus-Goliath showdown, Sapiro forced the industrial titan to back down, issue an apology, and shutter his hate-filled newspaper, leaving a legacy that resonates today. As antisemitism rises and the struggle to balance free speech with protection against hate continues, Sapiro v. Ford examines the enduring question: how can societies confront power, prejudice, and propaganda while upholding justice?
Why we like this film: Discover the remarkable, little-known story of Aaron Sapiro—a man history nearly forgot, but whose courage almost certainly reshaped American politics. Having screened to great acclaim across major Jewish Film Festivals this year, this gripping documentary reveals how Sapiro’s high-profile libel lawsuit against Henry Ford shattered the car magnate's 1928 presidential ambitions. Exploring a dangerous chapter reminiscent of Philip Roth’s The Plot Against America, the film highlights the chilling impact of a powerful industrialist controlling his own media channel—a narrative with striking, timely parallels to today's news landscape. Brought to life through rich archival material and compelling reenactments by actor Ben Shenkman, this is a fresh, thought-provoking story of justice and historical impact.