ROCKLAND POST DESK
West Nyack, NY, March 19, 2026
Experience the richness of Jewish and Israeli life, culture, & history through the power of film as JCC Rockland holds its 23rd International Jewish Film Festival. It will be taking place between Thursday, March 19th and Tuesday, April 26th. Continuing our partnership, all films will be screened at Regal Nanuet. The festival will screen 12 masterful, innovative, and creative films from across all genres-comedy, romance, coming of age, documentary, drama, and combos of all types; there is a film for everyone!
The film festival is considered to be one of the largest, most eagerly anticipated, and highly regarded Cultural Arts events in the tri-state area. And, due to last year’s success and popular demand, this year we will be adding in matinee screenings at Regal Cinemas along and at JCC Rockland.
Among this diverse lineup is Charles Grodin: Rebel With a Cause, directed by James Freedman, an acclaimed documentary following the laughter filled life of famed actor Charles Grodin. The film not only celebrates Charles Grodin’s hilarious acting career, but also his remarkable, decades-long, successful fight to get wrongly convicted people — most of whom were mothers of color with young children — out of prison. The film stars actors including but not limited to Robert De Niro, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Elaine May, and Carol Burnett who all work together to share Grodin’s remarkable life achievements.
Continuing its tradition, the festival will host filmmakers, actors, writers, and experts in various fields such as law, politics, and culture. Among them is Andrea Winograd; Andrea Winograd is the Executive Director of the Holocaust Museum & Center for Tolerance and Education in Suffern, NY and Co-Founder of Better Together, where she works every day to help people stand up to injustice and treat one another with understanding and respect. Andrea has spent more than a decade leading HMCTE and building a stronger, more compassionate community.
During Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Andrea Winograd will be speaking following the screening of Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire taking place on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 PM at Regal Nanuet.
These distinguished individuals will contextualize the films in post-screening forums, engaging with our audiences. Our Q&A sessions will encourage dialogue and enhance understanding within our community.
For the full list of films and their trailers and to purchase tickets, please visit www.jccrockland.org/film-festival or contact 845-362-4400. Join us at the movies for an enriching cinematic experience!
About JCC Rockland
JCC Rockland is a hub for culture, wellness, and connection, offering programs in fitness, early childhood, camps, the arts, and community engagement for all ages and backgrounds. The J is open to everyone and dedicated to strengthening Jewish life while fostering shared experiences that unite our community.
For more information, visit www.jccrockland.org.