BOCA RATON, FL (February 16, 2026) – The Boca International Jewish Film Festival (BIJFF) proudly announces its most ambitious and dynamic line-up yet for 2026. Spanning three premier venues and more than a month of programming, the Festival will showcase an extraordinary slate of international Jewish and Israeli films — many accompanied by directors, producers, historians, and special guests appearing in person.

“This year’s program is filled with urgency, heart, humor, and history,” said Wendy Honig, Co-Founder of BIJFF. “By bringing filmmakers and storytellers directly to our audiences, we’re creating powerful shared experiences that extend far beyond the screen.”

Opening Night

Saturday, February 21 at 7 p.m.
Cinemark Bistro Boca Raton

The Festival opens in grand style with one of its most talked-about premieres, The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue.

Director Barry Avrich will appear in person for an introduction and post-film discussion following this gripping account of retired Israeli General Noam Tibon’s race across Israel during the October 7 attacks to rescue his family.

Spotlight Premieres & In-Person Conversations

Throughout opening week at Cinemark Palace 20, audiences will experience a remarkable series of premiere events featuring filmmakers and distinguished guests:

• The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka and the Art of Survival (Feb 22)
  Museum educator David Matteson of the Boca Raton Museum of Art joins for a discussion following this captivating portrait of the iconic Art Deco painter.

• My Underground Mother (Feb 23)
  Director Marisa Fox appears for a powerful post-film conversation following her deeply personal documentary.

• Listen (Feb 24 & March 3)
  Producer Ilan Arboleda in attendance for this sleek, high-stakes Israeli thriller.

• Sheitel: Beauty in the Hidden (Feb 25)
  Director Lynda Medjuck-Suissa explores identity, faith, and empowerment within Orthodox communities worldwide.

• ADA – My Mother The Architect (Feb 26)
  Director Yael Melamede presents this intimate portrait of architect Ada Karmi-Melamede. Sponsored by The American Technion Society, with a dessert reception following the screening.

• Floyd Abrams: Speaking Freely (Feb 26)
  A compelling exploration of free speech and the First Amendment.

• Whitewash (Feb 28)
  Director Efrat Lachter presents this urgent investigation into modern-day human trafficking in Malawi.

Festival Continues at Movies of Delray

March 1 – 15

The Festival transitions to Movies of Delray for two weeks of premiere screenings, filmmaker conversations, and audience favorites, including:

• Parting The Waters (March 1) – Director Michele Kupfer in attendance
• Labors of Love: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold (March 1 & 2) – Director Abby Ginzberg
• Jerusalem ’67 (March 4) – Producer Joseph Schick
• Jewish Voices Resurrected Songs (March 6) – Featuring Avi Hoffman
• Hold On To Your Music: A Mother’s Legacy (March 8) – Filmmaker Josh Aronson interviewed by Dr. Robert Watson
• Ringside in the Mountains (March 8) – Director Evan Haiman
• The Lone Killer (March 11 & March 19) – Director Danny Thykaer
• Sapiro v. Ford: The Jew Who Sued Henry Ford (March 13) – Director Gaylen Ross in conversation with Dr. Robert Watson

Closing Week & Finale

The Festival culminates with a special Closing Day screening of The Everything Pot on Sunday, March 16 at the Movies of Delray.  Director Sherise Dorf and actress Lisa Edelstein will attend this comedic finale event, bringing the 2026 Festival to a celebratory close.

The Encore: Final Screenings at Paragon Theater in Deerfield Beach

March 18 – March 22

Following Closing Day at Movies of Delray, the Festival continues with a special encore series at Paragon Theater in Deerfield Beach — bringing select premieres and audience favorites to a new and expanding BIJFF audience.

Highlights include:

• The Lone Killer (March 19) – Director Danny Thykaer in attendance
• Additional select screenings from the 2026 line-up

The Deerfield extension marks an exciting new chapter for BIJFF, expanding its footprint and welcoming even more South Florida film lovers into the Festival community.

“As we expand to Deerfield Beach this year, we are broadening access and welcoming new audiences into the BIJFF community,” added Lesley Rich, Co-Founder. “Film has the power to connect us across generations and geography — and this year’s festival truly reflects that.”

About the Boca Raton International Jewish Film Festival:

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 and heritage through film. With thoughtfully curated programming, year-round events, and engaging post-screening discussions, BIJFF fosters understanding, dialogue, and appreciation of Jewish spirit, tradition, and creativity.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and more information, visit:
www.JFilmBoca.org