Events

A new chapter begins!

The Film Festival that we all love and look forward to is in its 20th year and getting an exciting update. Introducing The JCC International Jewish Film Festival - emphasis on the International! This change reflects our commitment to bring you a diverse and enriching cinematic experience from Jewish communities around the globe. To kick off the JCC International Jewish Film Festival this fall, we are screening films from Italy, France, Israel and the U.S. This festival will continue to feature films that celebrate Jewish culture, heritage and stories told through the lens of film.

Our fall schedule for the JCC International Jewish Film Festival is set, and we have plans to bring you new films throughout the year so you can enjoy the most up-to-date, exceptional films as they become available. The first film outside of our fall schedule will be screened in February 2025!

Join us on this year-long journey as we bring together community through the power of international films that showcase the mutual interests of the Jewish spirit, culture, traditions and humor.

All films are in person at The Cranford Theater
The Cranford Theater
25 North Avenue West, Cranford, NJ

PURCHASE TIX

Running on Sand

Sunday, November 3 • 5:00 p.m. 

Director: Adar Shafran

Length: 98 minutes

Language: Hebrew with English subtitles

Country: Israel

Year Featured: 2024

Nominated for the Israeli Academy Award for Best Film, Running on Sand is a feel-good tale of mistaken identity. Aumari, a young Eritrean refugee in the process of being deported, is mistaken for a professional soccer player being brought to Israel to help save the struggling Maccabi Netanya team. Despite having no soccer experience, he plays along and somehow manages to reinvigorate the floundering squad. Amid their quest for victory, he finds himself falling for the team owner's daughter and worrying if his true identity will be uncovered. Starring the charismatic Congo-born actor Chancela Mongoza and a group of other African migrant actors, Running on Sand has both humor and heart and sheds light on the challenges faced by refugees.

Official Selection: Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Haifa International Film Festival

“The movie hits the sweet spot between a truly light-hearted comedy and a real drama, with engaging characters you care about and funny situations, but with a strong narrative and a heartfelt message about treating people with respect, no matter where they are from.”
      - Hannah Brown, The Jerusalem Post

All films are in person at The Cranford Theater
The Cranford Theater
25 North Avenue West, Cranford, NJ

Ticket Price:  $18/film, Member Ticket Price: $15/film
Series Price (4 films): $68, Member Series Price: $56

View the entire fall schedule

All films are in person at The Cranford Theater
The Cranford Theater
25 North Avenue West, Cranford, NJ

Ticket Price:  $18/film, Member Ticket Price: $15/film
Series Price (4 films): $68, Member Series Price: $56

PURCHASE TIX