The Geneva International Jewish Film Festival (GIJFF) is organized by UK Jewish Film, an organization that strives to develop a culture where Jewish and Israeli film is recognized and enjoyed by a wide audience across the world. Its flagship event is the UK Jewish Film Festival. Alongside Jewish film festivals in London and Geneva, UK Jewish Film also organizes the Yesh! Film Festival in Zurich and supports the Jewish Film Festival Zagreb.
The inaugural Geneva International Jewish Film Festival was held from March 23–27, 2011. It opened with the Swiss premiere of Barney’s Version, a Canadian comedy drama film based on Mordecai Richler’s novel of the same name and directed by Richard J. Lewis.
The program of the GIJFF features short and feature films from various countries, including Switzerland, Israel, the United States, Germany, France, Venezuela, the United Kingdom, Canada, etc. Films submitted must focus on Jewish life, history and culture. Notable films that have been screened at the festival include Gei Oni (directed by Dan Wolman), the Oscar-nominated Footnote (directed by Joseph Sedar), A Bottle in the Gaza Sea (directed by Thierry Binisty), The Zigzag Kid (directed by Vincent Bal), and many others.
Every year, the GIJFF welcomes renowned film industry professionals, including film directors, screenwriters, producers, actors, film journalists, film critics, etc. For example, one of the guests at the inaugural festival was Justin Bartha, an American actor known for his roles in the National Treasure film series and The Hangover trilogy. He presented Holy Rollers, an independent film directed by Kevin Asch, where Bartha played the role of Yosef Zimmerman, a neighbor of the protagonist played by Jesse Eisenberg.
The Geneva International Jewish Film Festival doesn’t host a film competition. Its goal isn’t to select the best films but to introduce the audience to the world of Jewish cinema and the diversity of Jewish culture around the world.
Photo: Miguel Bueno
