SAVE THE DATES: 13TH EDITION OKJFF
April 4 – 11, 2027
at the Circle Cinema
The Oklahoma Jewish Film Festival’s mission is to use the power of compelling stories to bring people of all religions and cultures together to enrich, educate, and entertain about the global Jewish experience. We offer films that bring people together, spark conversations, and combat antisemitism and all forms of hatred. OKJFF includes an educational component, offering a free Holocaust educational film to high school teachers as part of their curriculum, teaching students about history, hate, intolerance, and the effects of being a bystander.
The Circle Cinema is ADA-compliant and strives to be a welcoming venue. A limited number of assisted listening and captioning devices are available. Because accessibility options are dependent on the format and distributor of each film, we strongly recommend calling the Box Office at 918-585-3456 in advance to confirm what’s available for the film you plan to attend,
As with all Jewish Tulsa events, security will be on-site for each film and program.
Sunday, March 22, 3 pm
The Cure For Hate
Post film discussion with filmmaker Peter Hutchinson and Tony McAleer—live in-person
Documentary | English | 80 minutes
The Cure for Hate is the powerful true story of Tony McAleer, a former neo-Nazi leader and skinhead turned anti-hate activist. Deeply ashamed of his past, McAleer travels to Auschwitz in the spirit of teshuvah—repentance and return—to bear witness to the inconceivable devastation of the Holocaust. The film chronicles his journey of atonement, examining the rise of fascism, the pathways into and out of extremism, and the urgent need to confront unchecked hate in our time. Through reflection, accountability, and moral reckoning, McAleer offers a rare and unflinching look at the possibility of change. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Peter Hutchison, known for his work on social justice and human rights issues, the film documents McAleer’s transformation and his ongoing advocacy for compassion after leaving extremist movements, including his visit to Auschwitz.
Chairs: Rebecca Marks Jimerson & Brae Rilley
Tuesday, March 24, 7 pm
The Floaters
Comedy | English | 101 minutes
Out of a band breakup and onto the dirt of her childhood Jewish summer camp, Nomi (Jackie Tohn – GLOW (Netflix), Nobody Wants This (Netflix)) reluctantly takes a last-ditch job from her friend Mara (Sarah Podemski—Jewish/Native actress known from Sterling Harjo’s Reservation Dogs), supervising the misfit teens nicknamed “The Floaters”. As the camp faces financial collapse and a rival camp throws down a high-stakes competition, Nomi must bridge the gap between unconventional campers and her own bruised ego. Woven with warmth and gentle humor, The Floaters is a nostalgic love letter to Jewish summer camp life—the friendships, the rituals, and the feeling that once defined a summer you never quite forget.
The Floaters has been shown at almost all of the major Jewish film festivals and is the winner of the NYWIFT Excellence in Narrative Filmmaking Award at the Woodstock Film Festival.
Chairs: Nina Levine & Alex Brodsky
Wednesday, March 25, 1 pm
One Big Happy Family
Introduction by Tulsa actor and comedian Josh Fadem
Comedy | English | 82 minutes
When a DNA test completely upends Rachel’s life, as she plans her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, she embarks on a hilarious journey with her eccentric mother to discover who she really is. Rachel is suddenly on a wild ride, discovering new siblings of all backgrounds, and embarking on a foray with her mother to find her “real” father. Their adventure leads them to a shady private investigator, a bumbling gynecologist, and a tattooed ex-con half-brother. Through it all, Rachel uncovers a deeper understanding of who she truly is—a devoted mother, a passionate (if currently unemployed) actress, and, most importantly, her mother’s daughter. Starring the late-great Tony winner Linda Lavin in her final role, the film also features Tulsa’s own actor and comedian, Josh Fadem (The Lowdown, Better Call Saul, Twin Peaks, 30 Rock).
Chair: Shelly Aberson Narotzky
Wednesday, March 25, 7 pm
Once Upon My Mother
Drama | French (English subtitles) | 102 minutes
In this inspiring, emotional, and often funny real-life drama set in the 1960s, the matriarch of a bustling Jewish immigrant family from Morocco living in Paris will do anything to give her son the best life despite physical setbacks. Born with a clubfoot, Roland is unable to walk, yet his mother, Esther (Algerian French actress Leila Bekhti, in a flamboyant, tour de force performance), is determined, and a bit obsessed to help him live a “normal” life. The film follows Roland into adulthood, as his maternal relationship grown increasingly complicated. A fiery and wondrous adaptation of an autobiographical novel by French writer and radio personality Roland Perez, featuring music by Sylvie Vartan, who plays herself in the film, the film beautifully demonstrates the complex phenomenon of a mother’s single-minded, against-all-odds devotion.
Chairs: Mariel Ferreira and Mindy Galoob
Thursday, March 26, 7 pm
Midas Man
Beatles Night at the Circle!
Pre-film reception with live Beatles music featuring
Eric Himan & Ben Neikirk starting at 6 pm
Bar open!
Drama | English | 112 minutes
Midas Man chronicles the life and career of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who propelled the Fab Four from Liverpool clubs to global stardom. As a gay, Jewish man navigating the conservative landscape of mid-century Britain, Epstein’s journey was marked by groundbreaking success and personal struggle. The film delves into his unwavering belief in the Beatles’ star power, his innovative approach to artist management, and his personal search for belonging while battling inner demons. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (The Queen’s Gambit) delivers a compelling performance as Epstein, while a supporting cast—Emily Watson, Eddie Izzard, and Jay Leno—help bring the ’60s to life with style and wit. Midas Man offers a vibrant look at a music industry on the cusp of transformation—and the man who helped spark it.
Chairs: Sonia Hocherman & Jenny Labow
Sunday, March 29, 3 pm
The Ring
Post-film dessert and coffee closing reception
Drama | Hebrew/Hungarian (English subtitles) | 122 minutes
Arnon Noble (Israeli Academy Award winner, Adir Miller) is a religious man with a deep bond to his mother, a Holocaust survivor. He regularly drives her to school lectures, where she tells students how she saved her own life and that of her baby boy with the help of a thin gold ring. When his mother’s health deteriorates, Arnon travels to her hometown of Budapest to search for the ring that once saved her life. He turns for help to his estranged daughter, a television researcher, and invites her to join him on this profound journey to find the ring. A heartwarming dramedy about three generations and their family history. The Ring is based on Adir Miller’s Holocaust survival story.
Chairs: Susanna and Michelle Ginsburg
Congratulations to the film "Once Upon My Mother" for winning the 2026 Audience Choice Award
Thank You, 2026 Festival Sponsors!
Aberson’s
Brian E. Brouse
Brut Hotel
Charney Properties
Lithaprint
Mizel JCDS
Scott and Jolene Sanditen Philanthropic Fund
Kathy and Jerry Sandler
Jon and Angie Stolper
Barbara and Dave (z”l) Sylvan