The St. Louis Jewish Film Festival is not just about watching films; it’s a tapestry of community connection and storytelling that transcends generations. Kicking off from March 15th to 26th, this festival is a celebration of diverse narratives that remind us of our shared humanity. John Wilson, the festival's cultural arts director, reveals the heart and soul behind this year’s lineup. This marks the festival's 31st year, and under John’s stewardship, it promises to be more than just a series of screenings. It’s a chance to bring people together, whether you're a film aficionado or someone just looking for a great story. The festival aims to create a sense of belonging, as it showcases films that provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and foster connections between attendees.

Films include themed days and key titles such as “For the Living” (with visiting filmmakers for a Q&A), “Nuremberg,” “Soul on Fire,” “Frontier,” “The Tasters,” “The Pianist’s Choice,” “The Ring,” “Ethan Bloom,” “Once Upon My Mother,” “Love, Statistically Speaking,” and closing night “Eleanor the Great,” Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut. Tickets and passes are available at stljewishfilmfestival.org or 314-442-3179; an all-festival pass includes a festival “passport” keepsake. With discussions, performances, and a mix of genres from comedy to drama, the festival invites everyone—from families to solo adventurers—to partake in this cinematic journey that’s about more than just film; it’s about forging connections and understanding.

[00:00] Festival Teaser Intro

[00:35] Show Welcome

[01:21] Kindness Quote Chat

[02:07] Meet John Wilson

[02:57] More Than Movies

[04:56] Opening Day Films

[08:02] Bearing Witness Theme

[09:11] Holocaust Reflections

[13:49] Tickets & Access

[15:57] Women Under Reich

[19:55] Love Legacy Choice

[23:37] Passports & Passes

[25:12] Family Faith Finding

[27:55] Sponsor Break

[29:12] Final Day Lineup

[31:38] Family Estrangement Talk

[32:28] Siblings Matter Most

[32:58] Eleanor The Great Review

[35:47] Festival Closing Film Strategy

[36:26] How Films Get Chosen

[38:37] Committee Rubric & Timeline

[40:45] Beyond Film Theater & Opera

[44:03] Festival Details & Tickets

[47:21] Mental Floss & Fun Days

[51:30] Final Thanks And Signoff

Takeaways:

1. The St. Louis Jewish Film Festival is all about connecting people through powerful storytelling and cinema. It’s a community bonding experience that transcends generations and backgrounds, making it a must-attend event for everyone, even non-Jewish folks!
2. With its 31st year running, the festival promises a line-up of incredible films that are more than just movies; they are gateways to conversations about shared human experiences and historical reflections.
3. This year’s theme encourages attendees to reflect on kindness and courage, showcasing films that highlight the heroism and sacrifices made by individuals during dire times in history, which is a powerful reminder of our own potential.
4. The festival offers more than just screenings; it includes engaging discussions with filmmakers, performances, and opportunities for audience interaction, creating a vibrant cultural hub for film lovers. Be prepared to leave with more than just popcorn!
5. Mark Twain once said, 'Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see,' and this festival embodies that sentiment by fostering a space where kindness and connection thrive among diverse attendees.
6. John Wilson, the Cultural Arts Director, emphasizes that every film is an invitation to reflect on our own lives, making the festival a significant experience for personal growth and understanding of our shared history.

• 31st Annual St. Louis Jewish Film Festival: Sunday, March 15–Thursday, March 26, 2026 - The J - St. Louis
• St. Louis Jewish Film Festival: Schedule - The J - St. Louis

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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