The Cleveland Jewish Filmfest Shorts Program presents a captivating collection of seven powerful films that explore the rich tapestry of Jewish experience across cultures and generations. From intimate family dynamics to profound historical reflections, these carefully curated shorts offer audiences a journey through diverse stories that resonate with universal themes of identity, faith, and resilience. Each film provides a unique window into contemporary Jewish life and history.
Join us at the Maltz Museum for this special cinematic experience featuring works from talented filmmakers from around the world. Showings at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm on September 14th promise to spark meaningful conversations and offer fresh perspectives on the stories that connect us all. Short films to be screened at the event include:
The Stage is Ours
A reflection on the history of Jews and theatre.
(Director: Matt Nadel, USA, English, 2023, 8 minutes)
The Holiness
A religious couple’s world is shattered when they are caught watching TV on Shabbat.
(Director: Daniel Moreshet, Israel, Hebrew with English subtitles, 17 minutes)
Tracks: Stumbling Stones Amsterdam
Explores the laying of “Stolpersteine” memorial stones honoring Holocaust victims.
(Director: Maclovia Martel, USA/Netherlands, 2022, 11 minutes)
We Have Sinned Before You
A game brings up secrets that could tear a family apart.
(Director: Ifat Nener Orgad, Israel, Hebrew, 2024, 20 minutes)
Scared Society
Haunting animations exploring the importance of sacred ritual in finding meaning in life.(Director: Benny Zelkowicz, USA, English, 2024, 12 minutes)
Restraining Order
A woman didn’t imagine her violent husband would invade her peaceful home.
(Directors: Sharon Maymon, Tal Granit, Israel, Hebrew with subtitles, 2023, 8 minutes)
Friday Night Flop
A new beginning for a mother and daughter in an age of digital distraction.
(Directors: Simon Friedberg and Elliott Gerner, UK, English, 2024, 15 minutes)
See all the programming for the 2025 Cleveland Jewish FilmFest