Next Wave

SFJFF44's Next Wave selections address the complicated, conflicting, and empowering elements of contemporary life, Jewish identity, and expression through a showcase of remarkable stories that touch on art, social justice, relationships, politics, and more.

JFI Next Wave is a community of discerning, Bay Area film lovers as well as a platform for the showcase of emerging and established filmmakers whose work explores modern life and identity through a Jewish lens. Next Wave members receive all-inclusive Festival passes, attend private receptions and parties with filmmakers, actors, and artists; experience programs and events that step outside the boundaries of film such as live music, comedy, art and, (of course), drink, eat, socialize, and network with other young leaders and fans of the independent arts community.

Next Wave Selections

The French Italian | Next Wave Spotlight

The French Italian | Next Wave Spotlight

In this wildly entertaining offbeat comedy, a couple’s obsession with their chaotic neighbors spirals out of control when they play a vengeful prank on them.

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WWW.RACHELORMONT.COM | Next Wave Spotlight

WWW.RACHELORMONT.COM | Next Wave Spotlight

Rachel doesn't realize she has grown up in captivity working for an advertising agency where her job is to assess Mommy 6.0 - her favorite pop star.

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Citizen Weiner

Citizen Weiner

When the film industry shut down due to Covid, actors Zack and Joe embark on making a film about running for city council, while actually running for New York‘s city council.

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Day Trippers

Day Trippers

Two strangers in Amsterdam form an unlikely bond after sharing an afternoon on magic mushrooms.

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The Milky Way

The Milky Way

Desperate to support her first baby, offbeat musician Tala takes up a job at the “Milky Way” -  a breast milk bank.

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The Teaches of Peaches

The Teaches of Peaches

Celebrating her groundbreaking album’s 20th anniversary, multihyphenate performer and iconic feminist Peaches continues to inspire audiences with her authentic, outrageous, and joyfully adults-only performances.

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Oys and Joys: Narrative Shorts

Oys and Joys: Narrative Shorts

Through a variety of styles and modes, these filmmakers imagine and reimagine Jewish life - its beauty, its challenges, and its edges - in this program of short fiction films.

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Unspoken

Unspoken

When a closeted, religious teenager finds a love letter from before the Holocaust written to his grandfather by another man, he discovers that he might not be alone. 

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Next Wave Pass

$45

The Next Wave Pass offers extraordinary flexibility to film lovers under 35 to experience SFJFF. Valid for Special Presentations and regular screenings at all venues and includes a year-long Jewish Film Institute membership.

Purchase