Let J-Flix keep you warm this holiday season with great free films!
TJFF’s staff have recommended a global selection of films exploring Jewish identity, stories and community. These films are free to watch from the comfort of your living room, so grab your favourite holiday snack and enjoy!
J-Flix is a FREE digital initiative of the Toronto Jewish Film Foundation showcasing the rich legacy of Jewish content films from Canada’s leading presenter for almost 30 years. Over 100 curated titles are available for streaming including documentaries, feature length narratives, shorts, along with beloved archival films – all of which represent the global and inclusive flavour of TJFF programming.
Check back often because new films are added weekly!
Register for J-Flix for free on j-flix.com
To start the holiday break off right, a new addition has just been added:
Monkey Business: The Adventures of Curious George’s Creators
United States, 82min
Director: Ema Ryan Yamazaki
A charming documentary – from TJFF2018
The fascinating story of the co-creators of the Curious George book series. Incorporating animation that captures George’s whimsy, the film charts the story of Hans and Margret Rey, a married couple who fled the Nazis and created a character that continues to touch hearts and minds across the world.
More holiday recommendations…
Family-Friendly Viewing
Sixty Six
United Kingdom, 93MIN
It’s the summer of 1966 and Bernie’s family is preparing to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. The exact day is chosen, despite the fact that the final of the World Cup of soccer is scheduled to take place at the same time. Featuring terrific performances by all, including Helena Bonham Carter as Bernie’s mother.
Recommended for ages 13+.
Documentaries
Sheldon Leonard’s Wonderful Life
United States, 55MIN
A loving tribute to a forgotten pioneer of the golden age of television, producer Sheldon Leonard, the creator of such groundbreaking shows as The Andy Griffith Show, The Danny Thomas Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show and I Spy.
Matzo & Mistletoe
United States, 58MIN
A fascinating look at secular, non-affiliated Jews and their connection to Judaism. Many of them grew up in homes that had a Christmas tree as well as Chanukiahs. Are these assimilated Jews a vanishing species, or do they have a way of looking at their Judaism through a different lens?
Comedy
The Hebrew Hammer (Remastered)
United States, 85MIN
The Hebrew Hammer, aka Mordecai Jefferson Carver (Adam Goldberg), swings into action when Santa Claus’ evil son Damien (Andy Dick) decides to destroy Hanukkah. A sacrilegious, fearless and hysterically funny cult classic.
Holiday Shorts
Ave Maria
Palestine / France / Germany, 15MIIN
In this Oscar®-nominated comedy, the silent routine of five Palestinian nuns living in the West Bank wilderness is disturbed when the car of an Israeli settler family breaks down right outside the convent, just as the Sabbath is about to begin.
Don’t Tell Santa You’re Jewish
Canada, 3MIN
In this brightly animated film, a little girl sits on Santa’s knee, waiting for her present. Will she remember NOT to tell him she’s Jewish?
Mark Your Calendars: The 30th Anniversary Toronto Jewish Film Festival will take place June 9 – 26, 2022