Spokane Area Jewish Family Services (SAJFS)
is thrilled to present the 22nd annual
Spokane Jewish Film Festival (SJFF), returning to the Magic Lantern Theatre
from Thurs, January 22nd - Sun, February 1st, 2026.​​

TICKETS & PASSES

• Opening Night Reception (Jan. 22nd): $25 (reception only)

• Film Tickets: $15 General Admission | $12 Students & Seniors

• Festival Passes: $75 General Admission | $60 Students & Seniors

TICKETS & PASSES may be purchased online at SpokaneJewishFilm.org or in person at Magic Lantern Theatre prior to each screening.

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The festival kicks off on Thursday, January 22nd at 6 p.m. with a festive reception featuring appetizers prepared by Feast World Kitchen chef and co-executive director Maisa Abudayha, followed by

the opening-night screening of

ELIE WIESEL: SOUL ON FIRE

A powerful and intimate portrait of the renowned author, moral voice, political activist, and Holocaust survivor whose life’s work reshaped the world’s understanding of memory, responsibility, and justice. Through rare archival footage, personal reflections, and moments of profound humanity, the film explores Wiesel’s journey from the horrors of the Holocaust to his emergence as one of the most important witnesses of the 20th century. Both deeply moving and urgently relevant, the film invites audiences to reflect on the enduring power of testimony and the moral obligation to speak out in the face of injustice—core values at the heart of the Spokane Jewish Film Festival.

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87 min | In English, French, and German (with English subtitles)

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Accompanied by A SHORT FILM ABOUT FEAST WORLD KITCHEN

6 min | In English

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Playing on Saturday, January 24th, at 7pm is

THE OTHER

Filmed both before and after October 7th, from 2017-2024, The Other focuses on Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders, anti-occupation activists, artists, academics, ex-fighters, bereaved parents, and many more living the reality on the ground. Whether in nonviolent co-resistance, peacebuilding, or shared community, we witness those who have only known each other through hate, bloodshed, inequality, and war transcend narratives and belief systems. They teach us that unlearning deep-seated conditioning is possible, and that we can liberate ourselves from generational trauma, hatred, and fear – no matter how ingrained and legitimate those fears are.

104 min / In Arabic and Hebrew (with English subtitles)

Following our screening, the Festival will host a discussion with Aziz Abu Sarah and Shai Goren. Aziz is a Palestinian peace activist, author, and entrepreneur who appears in the film and co-founded Medji Tours and InterAct. Shai is an Israeli peace activist and tour guide, who holds a BA and MA in Middle Eastern History from Tel Aviv University.

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Playing on Sunday, January 25th, at 2pm is

WELCOME TO YIDDISHLAND

An upbeat, witty exploration of a global community of artists revitalizing Yiddish culture. Through joyous music, performances, and intimate interviews, the documentary reframes Jewish culture and identity, pushing back against stereotypes and highlighting its richness and diversity. Featuring rare, behind-the-scenes access to leading Yiddish musicians and performers around the world, it shows how this small but far-reaching community is driving a vibrant renaissance – using an ancient language to engage with urgent contemporary issues.

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95 min | In English

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Join us before the screening to enjoy some Yiddish tunes performed live by Spokane’s own klezmer band, Meshugga Daddies! It’s guaranteed to put you in the mood for more Yiddishkeit.

The music starts at 1:30 pm.

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Playing on Thursday, January 29th, at 7pm is

COEXISTENCE, MY ASS!

Noam Shuster Eliassi grew up the literal poster child for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process before making a hard pivot to stand-up comedy and political satire. But as the region sinks deeper into devastating violence, she must meet the moment by challenging her audiences with hard truths that are no laughing matter.

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95 min | In English, Hebrew, and Arabic (with English subtitles)

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Screening preceded by short film 

FIDDLER ON THE MOON: JUDAISM IN SPACE

Investigating the mystery that has plagued scientists, theologians, and comedians for millennia: Will Judaism survive in space? The film provides answers from Neil deGrasse Tyson, astronauts Jeffrey Hoffman and Jessica Meir, and a quorum of rabbis and researchers.

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30 min | In English

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Screening followed by a discussion with activist, writer, and Wahat-al-Salam/Neve Shalom co-director Samah Salaime, who will join via Zoom, moderated in person by Michael DeLand, PhD.

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Read about the films coming next week here!

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​Since 2004, the Spokane Jewish Film Festival has showcased international films that explore Jewish life, history, and culture. While SJFF enriches the cultural life of the Jewish community and the region as a whole, it is also a vital fundraiser.

Festival proceeds directly support the human services work of Spokane Area Jewish Family Services, which uplifts seniors, low-income households, and people with disabilities through advocacy, consultations, resource referrals, home visits, rent and utility assistance, transportation services, a caregiver support group, a food bank, a medical lending closet, and more.