SPOKANE, Wash. — The annual Jewish Film Festival kicked off in Spokane on Sunday, Jan. 28, with a record 17 films on the big screen.
"It's a way for people to understand and experience an aspect of Jewish culture and life," Neal Schindler, the festival director said. "For the 20th anniversary, we also brought back some of the biggest hits from the past 20 years."
The chosen films were picked from hundreds of submissions. Any film including Jewish culture or people qualified for the festival.
"It's just shocking how popular it's become," Steve Berde said.
Berde attended the very first festival two decades ago. Now, 20 years later, he was one of more than 200 people who attended this year's film festival's opening night gala.
"It's gratifying to see the wider community showing up in such large numbers. And it's wonderful for that," Berde said.
The event wasn't just limited to Saturday. Sunday continued with another showing at Gonzaga University.
The film festival isn't only to promote Jewish films and culture. The event also raises money for Jewish family services in Spokane.
Schindler said, "My goal is every screening should have at least 100 people."
The organization provides financial help to low-income communities and senior services.
"Each film has its own unique approach to humanize each one of our cultures," Lisa Brewer said.
Brewer isn't Jewish, but she's attended both in-person events this weekend.
"I hope that people are receptive to learning. And it's just such a neat opportunity," Brewer said.
The event only has a limited number of in-person showings. People can watch the rest of the films through virtual showings through this link.
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