Jewish Film Institute

JFIs Filmmakers in Residence honed their creative visions during the year-long residency through workshops, training, peer-to-peer mentorship, and JFIs fifth annual Pitch & Kvell, during which Residents presented their projects to industry veterans and the JFI community for feedback and guidance. The purpose of the residency is to support filmmakers who are working on films with Jewish content by providing consulting and mentorship from JFI's program staff who are all working filmmakers. The Filmmaker in Residence program has been in existence for 12 years and, through this program, JFI is creating a community of filmmakers. In 2024 JFI mentored 6 Residents.

The JFI Completion Grants Program, the first and only US-based source of finishing funds for Jewish-content films of all genres, awarded $98,000 to seven original projects in its fifth year. Since the programs launch in 2020, well over half of JFIs grantees have completed their films. Many have premiered at leading international film festivals to awards recognition and critical acclaim. The program supports original stories that promote thoughtful consideration of Jewish history, life, culture, and identity. Priorities are given to projects that offer fresh, challenging perspectives; reflect untold stories or under-represented communities; and engage audiences across cultural lines.