Blog
Welcome to the VIJFF’s blog! Here’ll be behind-the-scenes stories, reflections, and interviews inspired by the films the VIJFF presents.
May this cinema festival blog be blessing–a Makom (מָקוֹם [makóm]) for curiosity, conversation, and connection.
Longtime supporters: Todah Rabah! (תּוֹדָה רַבָּה our VIJFF כֹּהֲנִים [kōhănīm])!
First-time visitors? Shalom! (שָׁלוֹם, šālōm)!
Explore how Jewish(-adjacent) cinema might play in our awarenesses of, empathies for, and reimaginings of the world in which we’re all neigbhours.
What Bliss! A Conversation With Revered Israeli Actor, Sasson Gabay
He is a chameleon actor of film, stage and small screen. Whether playing Egyptian band leader, Lt. Col.Tawfiq Zacharya (“The Band’s Visit”); the scheming often comedic, Nuchem in “Shtisel” and“Kugel”); undercover Mossad agent, The Owl (“Tehran”) or the heart-of-gold...
What Do Margaret Atwood, Spider-Man, Darth Vader & Blintzes All Have In Common? Ken Steacy of Course!
All photos courtesy Ken Steacy If the Joe Shuster Award -winning comic book artist, graphic novelist, art director, editor and publisher, Ken Steacy ever retires (unlikely,) he could be a stand-up comedian! I’m laughing so hard at his anecdotes and his faster than a...
Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls: Another Side of Woody Guthrie – Truth is Stranger Than Fiction
Director, producer and writer (the latter with Lisa Stark,) Steve Pressman and I are laughing when I admit that his Doc, Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls: Another Side of Woody Guthrie, is so full of bizarre, uncanny coincidences, that audiences will be amazed! “I can tell...
Bad Shabbos: A Delicious Dinner With Mayhem On the Menu
Two Jews walk into a New York bar... Oops, no, I meant two Jews are walking down a Manhattan street and from out of nowhere a body, hurtling through the air drops at their feet. So begins the farcical comedy, Bad Shabbos starring matriarch, Kyra Sedgwick (yes, she’s...
Behind the Scenes With Israeli Actress, Rivka Michaeli In Pursuit of The Property
From her 14th floor apartment terrace in Tel Aviv, actress, comedian and TV talk show host, Rivka Michaeli is giving me a panoramic tour of the vibrant city that never sleeps. It’s late at night when we speak but the 87-year- old venerated celebrity is as sharp and...
Once Upon My Mother: How Family, Fortitude and a Large Dose of Bashert Changed the Life of Roland Perez
Speaking from Paris, author, lawyer and grandpère to newborn grandson Aleph, Roland Perez is exuberant. He’s describing the “crazy adventure” of how the film, Once Upon My Mother based upon his life story, came to fruition. Once Upon My Mother is the opening film at...
Praise
“The VIJFF has established itself as a must attend event among movie lovers; and we could not be prouder to sponsor a festival that celebrates Jewish filmmakers and promotes cross-cultural connections.”
~ Audra Poole – VictoriaRealEstatePros.com
“We’ve been fans of the film festival since the beginning and always enjoy the diverse selection of films. It’s been a great way to connect with ideas of the wider Jewish world, and be part of an audience with fellow Jews, not a common experience in Victoria.”
~ Janna Ginsberg Bleviss
“I am extremely grateful to the entire VIJFF team for the effort, expertise and discernment they bring to choosing and presenting the films we see at the VIJFF. The Festival gives people of all stripes the opportunity to come together, and share in the richness and diversity of the Jewish culture and heritage.”
~ Ruthi Wicks
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Victoria International Jewish Film Festival
The Victoria International Jewish Film Festival respectfully acknowledges and offers gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people, known today as the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations, whose unceded lands we live, work, and create on. We honour their stewardship, care, and leadership — past, present, and future.
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The financial support of donors and sponsors sustains the VIJFF and is graciously appreciated.
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