The Tucson J International Film Festival is rapidly approaching its 35th year! Established over three decades ago, the festival has become a cornerstone cultural event for Tucson’s Jewish community as well as for the community’s seasonal snowbird residents. This remarkable longevity is a testament to our commitment to presenting films that not only entertain but also educate, inspire, and offer fresh perspectives with an eye towards the beautiful diversity of the Jewish experience.
Each year, in addition to showcasing a diverse selection of films spanning genres, countries, languages, and narratives, the festival offers engaging programming that ensures the stories stay with you long after the credits roll. Beyond providing access to new and hard-to-find films, the festival enriches the experience with exciting events such as exclusive talkbacks with filmmakers, expert panel discussions, and even additional cultural performances. These activities provide audiences with deeper insights into the films, the creative processes behind them, and the worlds they inhabit, offering a truly immersive film experience that cannot be found anywhere else. In previous years, we’ve had the honor of hosting esteemed guests such as Billy Crystal (actor, Standing Up, Falling Down) and Isaac Artenstein (director, Challah Rising in the Desert), further elevating the festival’s impact. We have been proud to partner with various local, national, and international organizations that have served as experts on the multitude of topics our films have addressed – including addressing the history of antisemitism, Israeli life and culture, and lesser-known yet widely influential figures throughout Jewish history.
At the heart of the festival is a dedicated cohort of volunteer committee members who contribute to all aspects of the festival. These individuals help screen the hundreds of movies under consideration to determine what should be shown, help brainstorm and plan additional programming, recruit and train volunteers, establish partnerships around the Tucson community, and serve an important role in spreading the word about the festival. Without the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm of these committee members, the festival would not be the dynamic, thought-provoking, and inspiring festival it is today. We are grateful to the committee members and leadership who have shepherded the festival in its first 34 years. This year, the Tucson J has revitalized the committee structure to encourage even greater community participation, ensuring that more voices help shape the festival’s vision and execution. We welcome those who are passionate about film, storytelling, and community-building to join us in making this year’s festival the best yet!
If you’re interested in playing a starring role in the 2006 festival, please reach out to Chloe Loos, Director of Arts and Culture, at cloos@tucsonjcc.org.
From thought-provoking documentaries to powerful feature films, the festival continues to reflect the dynamic mosaic of Jewish life and history, locally and globally. We hope you will join us as we celebrate 35 years of storytelling, conversation, and connection through the magic of film!
