Jewish International Film Festival Perth 2024

The Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) returns from 27 October to 22 December 2024, presenting an extraordinary line-up of films that reflect the diversity, complexity, and richness of Jewish culture.

With 41 feature-length films, 2 television series, and a special short film showcase, the festival presents the best Jewish-themed stories from 17 countries, including Australia, the United States, Israel, France, Germany and Portugal.

“This year’s JIFF is a vibrant celebration of Jewish voices,” says Artistic Director Eddie Tamir. “Our 2024 program showcases stars and change makers, offering audiences a rich tapestry of stories that explore the depth and diversity of Jewish life. We are excited to present films that span thousands of years of history and culture, reflecting on both the ancient traditions that have shaped our world and the contemporary challenges we face today.”

Opening and Closing Night Films

Kicking off the festival is A Real Pain, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. This Sundance award-winner blends dark humour and heartfelt emotion as two cousins embark on a tour of Poland to honour their grandmother, confronting family tensions and intergenerational trauma. The festival closes with The Performance, where Jeremy Piven plays Harold May, a Jewish-American tap dancer lured into performing for Adolf Hitler in Berlin. Adapted from an Arthur Miller short story, this tense period drama examines fame, personal integrity, and artistic survival.

Centrepiece Film

At the heart of the festival is the Sundance and Berlin International Film Festival selected Between the Temples, an unconventional comedy starring Jason Schwartzman as a cantor navigating loss and rediscovery with the unexpected help of his former music teacher, played by Carol Kane.

Special Presentation

The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet and starring Adrien Brody and Australian actor Guy Pearce, tells the powerful story of Hungarian-Jewish architect László Toth as he rebuilds his life in post-war America. This Special Presentation at JIFF 2024 offers a rare opportunity to experience the film ahead of its official release in January 2025, with exclusive festival screenings in Sydney and Melbourne.