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The Miami Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) is proud to announce the launch of a new year-round film series in partnership with The Friendship Circle, dedicated to presenting Jewish stories that celebrate the power of family, inclusion, and resilience. Supported by longtime Festival sponsor Evensky & Katz / Foldes Wealth Management, this initiative expands upon MJFF’s acclaimed Accessibility+Inclusion programming and marks an exciting new chapter in the Festival’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and representation.
The new series will feature monthly community screenings hosted at The Friendship Circle throughout the year, providing opportunities for audiences of all backgrounds to come together and experience the transformative power of film.
The series will launch with a special screening of the award-winning Israeli film Shoelaces on Saturday, November 1 at 8:30pm. Nominated for eight Israeli Academy Awards, including Best Film, Shoelaces is a tender, deeply affecting family dramedy about the knotty relationship between an aging, irascible mechanic and the exuberant special-needs son he abandoned long ago. Told with humor, honesty, and compassion, the film offers a rare and authentic depiction of special-needs characters, drawn from the personal experiences of its director, Jacob Goldwasser, himself a parent of a special-needs child.
“These screenings reflect the Miami Jewish Film Festival’s long-standing mission to use the power of cinema to foster understanding, empathy, and inclusion,” said Igor Shteyrenberg, Executive Director of the Miami Jewish Film Festival. “Through this new partnership with The Friendship Circle and the generous support of Evensky & Katz / Foldes Wealth Management, we’re creating more opportunities than ever before to bring Miami’s richly diverse community together. Film has an extraordinary ability to bridge differences and spark meaningful conversations, and this series serves as a welcoming space where all audiences—regardless of background or ability—can share in stories that uplift, connect, and inspire.”
“We are honored to host this meaningful film series for inclusion right here on our Friendship Campus,” said Rabbi Yossi Harlig. “Each film in the series shines a light on the diverse experiences of families navigating life with special needs, stories filled with love, resilience, and the power of understanding. Through these moving portrayals, we’re reminded that every family’s journey is unique, yet we all share the same desire for connection, inclusion, and belonging.”
“When films include characters with special needs, they do more than tell stories—they open doors. They challenge stereotypes, foster empathy, and remind us that every voice deserves to be heard on screen. Representation isn’t just powerful—it’s transformative,” said David Evensky, Principal at Evensky & Katz / Foldes Wealth Management.
All screenings in the series are free and open to the public, though advance registration is required and seating is limited.
For more information about this event and the Miami Jewish Film Festival, please visit www.miamijewishfilmfestival.org
