Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) a cultural boon for Elsternwick Village

The Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF), held annually at Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick Village, is a celebration of Jewish culture through the art of film.

As one of the country’s best-loved international film festivals, the Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) pulls a crowd all across Australia, but the decision to hold the Melbourne festival in Elsternwick is one that has proven to be an inspired choice, both for visitors and the local community.

Now in its 28th year, JIFF brings together an eclectic range of Jewish and Israeli films, as rich and diverse as the Elsternwick Jewish community itself.

According to festivalgoers, Elsternwick Village is known as a place where art and creativity thrive within a community whose culture has its roots in ancient civilisation.

Elsternwick Village is where everyday, elderly couples that fled the Holocaust mix with the fresh faces of the young and vibrant Jewish artist and writers’ scene, as well as Jewish couples raising children close to their extended families.

It’s a community that enjoys coming together and celebrating its customs and traditions, and with its selection of the very best Jewish cinematic offerings from around the world, JIFF is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar.

However, film festival devotees say that JIFF is about more than just catching a few flicks created by a particular cultural group. It’s about back-to-back visual experiences that immerse the audience in Jewish culture and thought.

This makes Elsternwick the perfect location for the JIFF. Held at the iconic Classic Cinemas, in the very heart of Elsternwick Village, the festival is surrounded by cafes and restaurants that offer authentic Jewish dining to satisfy every taste, from strictly kosher to modern Jewish fusion.

Elsternwick Village is where pre-film drinks, meals between films, and post-film coffee and cake become part of the experience and every year makes the festival a memorable and inspiring event.

The 2019 Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) takes place at Classic Cinemas from October 24 to November 20.  Learn more about the Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) here.

All images courtesy of Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF).