The San Diego International Jewish Film Festival opens Thursday night with 32 feature-length films that illuminate the diverse Jewish experience throughout the world.
The 29th annual festival begins with the West Coast premiere of “It Must Schwing: The Blue Note Story” at 7 p.m. at the Reading Cinemas Town Square.
The film chronicles the lives of Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff, who fled the Nazi regime in 1939 and founded the legendary jazz label Blue Note Records in New York. Blue Note recorded such jazz greats as Miles Davis,
John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and Thelonious Monk.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary, we’re excited to be able to continue producing an event that offers award-winning films that promote awareness, appreciation and pride in the diversity of Jewish people,” said Christina Fink, chair of this year’s festival.
During the 11-day festival, films will be screened at four locations across the county, including the Museum of Photographic Arts, Edwards San Marcos Stadium 18 and the Garfield Theatre inside the
Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, in addition to Reading Cinemas.
This year’s selections incorporate themes of social activism, romance, religion, LGBTQ+ issues, Israeli-Arab relations, history, ethics, current events, comedy and the arts.
The festival is organized by the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the Lawrence Family JCC.
Single ticket prices are $13.25 for JCC members and $15.25 for others. Opening and closing night film tickets are $18.
