The Denver Jewish Film Festival is an annual celebration of Jewish storytelling, culture, and identity held each January-February at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center within the JCC Denver. Founded in 1996 through a partnership between the Robert E. Loup JCC and the Denver Film Society (now Denver Film), the festival celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2026, having grown into one of Colorado’s most significant cultural film events.
The festival screens approximately 40 films over two weeks, featuring narrative features, documentaries, and shorts that explore Jewish themes, history, and contemporary issues. Programming includes films from Israel, the United States, and international filmmakers worldwide, with many Denver or Rocky Mountain premieres. The festival serves both the Jewish community and the broader Denver metro area, drawing thousands of attendees annually regardless of religious background.
Screenings take place primarily in the 400-seat Elaine Wolf Theatre, with additional programming in the 100-seat Pluss Theatre. An 11-member volunteer Film Selection Committee, led by longtime community member Mark Boscoe, curates the programming based on criteria including originality, Jewish content, and production value. The festival includes filmmaker Q&As, special events, opening and closing night galas, and an Audience Choice Award competition.
Program Director Tim Campbell oversees the festival through the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, emphasizing “human stories through the medium of film” that connect diverse audiences.
Dates: Late January – early February, annually (Jan 22 – Feb 1, 2026) Founded: 1996
