As we heard into Passover, we invite you to explore TJFF’s curated movie playlists on J-Flix, their free streaming archive. We have selected these titles from their collection of newly added films. Check back often because new films are added weekly!
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.
Register for J-Flix for free on j-flix.com. Film selections available on J-Flix include these tiles, and more!
Festival passes for the 2024 Toronto Jewish Film Festival are on sale now!
PAINT WHAT YOU REMEMBER
31 mins | Canada | 2009
Director: Slawomir Grunberg
Language: Polish
Subtitle: English
Mayer Kirshenblatt left his hometown of Opatow, Poland, in 1934 at the age of 17 and emigrated to Toronto. In 1990, at the urging of his daughter and his wife, he took up painting and completed more than 300 paintings before his passing in late 2009. His paintings provide an insight into the world Kirshenblatt left behind, a world that no longer exists. He painted what he remembered: the streets, the buildings and the people of his hometown. This film follows him on a journey back to Opatow and shows off the vibrant colours and bold canvases he created. It also shows him around his new hometown of Toronto and tells of his life over the past few decades.
LETTER TO A PIG
17 mins | France, Israel | 2022
Director: Tal Kantor
Language: Hebrew
A Holocaust survivor shares his testimony in a classroom, making one of the young students imagine herself in his shoes. A stunning and imaginative short film about generational trauma.
MATISYAHU
12 mins | United States | 2004
Director: David Baugnon
Language: English
A great introduction to Matisyahu (born Matthew Miller): devout Orthodox Jew and rap/reggae phenomenon. Matisyahu was largely inspired by Bob Marley, whose music initially connected the Hasidic Jew to his religious roots. He is now performing to sold-out crowds and rising to the top of the Billboard charts. Includes interviews and performance clips.
SPIRITUAL AUDACITY: THE ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL STORY
58 mins | United States | 2021
Director: Martin Doblmeier
Language: English
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel was one of the most important Jewish figures of the last century. Author of seminal religious works, he was also critical to the civil rights movement, a champion of Soviet Jewry and pioneer of interfaith dialogue. This comprehensive documentary provides a fitting portrait of Heschel and his legacy.
LIF IN STILLS
58 mins | Israel | 2011
Director: Tamar Tal
Language: Hebrew
Subtitle: English
Within her small shop, Miriam Weissenstein is the guardian of nearly one million negatives documenting Israel’s defining moments. As her “Photo House” is destined for demolition, she engages the help of her grandson Ben to ensure its survival. Life in Stills follows this feisty woman’s struggle to ensure its survival, and reveals a wonderful love story about a grandson’s commitment to his grandmother.
LA PETITE JERUSALEM
94 mins | France | 2005
Director: Karin Albou
Language: French
Subtitle: English
A sensitive and beautifully crafted feature set in the suburban Paris neighborhood of Sarcelles (known as Little Jerusalem). The film focuses on 18-year-old Laura, who must reconcile conflicting feelings stirred up by her study of Western philosophy with her Orthodox Jewish upbringing and culture, even as she tries to come to terms with her own place in her community. An all-star international cast, including Elsa Zylberstein and Bruno Todeschini, headline this intimate and thoughtful coming-of-age drama.
