BOCA RATON, FL (December 17, 2025) – The Boca International Jewish Film Festival (BIJFF) will officially launch its 2026 season with its signature Cinebash Opening Night, an elegant evening of celebration, cinema, and community highlighted by the World Premiere of TOVAH, a feature-length documentary by David Serero honoring Broadway icon Tovah Feldshuh. The event takes place Monday, January 26, 2026, at The Wick Theatre and marks the formal opening of BIJFF’s most expansive festival season to date.

A cornerstone of the festival, Cinebash begins with an exclusive Patron Dinner, followed by a public screening of TOVAH in The Wick’s theater. Both Feldshuh and filmmaker David Serero will be in attendance, with Feldshuh receiving BIJFF’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her extraordinary five-decade career and lasting impact on American theater, film, and television. The evening will conclude with a special post-screening Q&A featuring Feldshuh and Serero, offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage directly with the artist and filmmaker.

Directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Serero, TOVAH offers an intimate, authoritative portrait of Feldshuh’s life and work. Through rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes access, and exclusive interviews, the documentary traces her rise from fearless young performer to one of Broadway’s most revered and influential voices. The film features commentary from a remarkable lineup of actors, creators, and cultural figures, underscoring Feldshuh’s singular place in the performing arts.

“Cinebash represents everything BIJFF stands for — great storytelling, meaningful conversation, and shared cultural experiences,” said Wendy Honig, co-founder of the Boca International Jewish Film Festival. “Opening our 2026 festival with a world premiere and honoring Tovah Feldshuh’s legacy is a powerful way to begin the season.”

Now entering its third year, BIJFF has quickly established itself as a leading cultural force in South Florida, known for pairing international cinema with dynamic programming and personal engagement with filmmakers and artists. The Cinebash Opening Night sets the tone for a festival that will unfold across multiple venues and months, showcasing compelling Jewish and Israeli stories from around the world.

“With each season, BIJFF continues to grow in both scope and ambition,” said Lesley Rich, BIJFF co-founder. “Cinebash is not only a celebration — it’s a statement about where this festival is headed and the caliber of experiences audiences can expect.”

Following Cinebash, the Boca International Jewish Film Festival will continue with screenings and events at Cinemark Palace 20, Movies of Delray, and Paragon Theaters Deerfield, culminating in a multi-week festival running February 21 through March 15, 2026.

Founded by Wendy Honig, Lesley Rich, and Arleen Roberts, the Boca International Jewish Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating Jewish culture, heritage, and storytelling through film. In addition to its annual festival, BIJFF offers year-round programming designed to foster dialogue, connection, and community.

Tickets and festival information:
www.JFilmBoca.org