The 20th Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival kicked off on June 26, 2025 with an opening night gala at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Midas Man the new film about Beatles manager, Brian Epstein opened the festival. Written by Brigit Grant, directed by Joe Stephenson, it is an exceptional film. In place of a red carpet, the opening event has an “Abbey Road” arrivals area and will include celebrities, VIP’s, reception, Q&A, and performance. See below for more info about the LA Jewish Film Festival.
LA Jewish Film Festival
Midas Man is the story of Brian Epstein, a gay, Jewish maverick. The film leads us through his rollercoaster journey of ambition, passion and relentless pursuit of greatness. He was instrumental in the Beatles’ rise and worldwide success. The feature film stars Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Jay Leno (Ed Sullivan), “Suzy” Eddie Izzard, and, as The Beatles, Blake Richardson (McCartney), Jonah Lees (Lennon), Leo Harvey-Elledge (Harrison), and Campbell Wallace (Ringo).
The festival continues at various venues through the end of June. Then the LA Jewish Film Festival will close with the Cannes winning series, The Zweiflers on Tuesday July 1, 2025. In addition LAJFF will honor Mike Burstyn for his lifetime accomplishments as a performer. His birthday just happens to land on the same day – July 1.
The Museum of Tolerance will screen two episodes. A Q&A with Mike Burstyn, moderated by David Suissa, President of the Jewish Journal will follow. The Zweiflers is a touching as well as hilarious examination of modern Jewish identity. It was also the winner of the Best Series award at the Cannes International Series Festival! Created and written by David Hadda; Directed by Anja Marquardt and Clara Zoë My-Linh von Arnim; Starring: Mike Burstyn, Eleanor Reissa, Mark Ivanir, Sunnyi Melles; Event: 7-10pm; Museum of Tolerance, 9786 West Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035
It is sponsored by the Museum of Tolerance and Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, in partnership with Villa Aurora/Thomas Mann House, Goethe Institut, and Jewish Journal.
About the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival
LAJFF celebrates the 20th anniversary this year with a new approach implemented. Now the organization is producing year-round screening events from acclaimed filmmakers and major studios. This is happening all year long! Sign up for email blasts by visiting lajfilmfest.org
The mission of LAJFF is to preserve and celebrate the rich Jewish heritage. Moreover it cultivates Jewish values and education through film. Thus enhancing the quality of Jewish life for its community affiliated and unaffiliated. As the festival expands, one night only events have begun to fill in the full calendar year with curated film experiences. From studios to award-winning filmmakers, the LAJFF fan base has audience has grown. Moreover important new films are spotlighted ahead of their release schedules all year round.
Purchase tickets for the LAJFF HERE.
See the website to find out about all the films as well as for a list of venues with addresses – lajfilmfest.org
