Australia-wide screenings of the best Jewish-themed films from 27 Oct – 22 Dec 2024
The 2024 Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) is set to open with the Australian Premiere of A Real Pain, starring Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) and Kieran Culkin (Succession). This darkly humorous and touching drama won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance Film Festival 2024, and will kick off JIFF’s 8-week celebration of Jewish cinema across the country. For the first time, the festival will screen in Adelaide at The Piccadilly and Belgrave at Cameo Cinemas.
A Real Pain follows two estranged cousins, David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Culkin), who reunite for a tour of Poland to honour their grandmother’s memory. What begins as a journey of remembrance quickly turns into a comical and heartfelt exploration of old family tensions, intergenerational trauma, and the diverging paths their lives have taken.
Eddie Tamir, Artistic Director of JIFF, says, “We are thrilled to open the festival with this remarkable film. A Real Pain is a poignant and often hilarious reflection on family, history, and the deep bonds that persist despite generational trauma. It’s a powerful and entertaining way to launch the 2024 Festival.”
The festival will open with A Real Pain premiere screenings in Melbourne on Sunday, 27 October and in Sydney on Monday, 28 October. Both events will include a pre-film celebration with drinks, falafels, and live entertainment. Perth will host its Opening Night event on Monday 14 December, where guests will enjoy a drink on arrival before the screening. A Real Pain will also screen in Brisbane (7 Nov), Adelaide (7 Nov), Hobart (7 Nov) and Canberra (7 Dec).
The Jewish International Film Festival 2024 will run from 27 October to 22 December, showcasing an exceptional range of films that bring Jewish culture and stories to Australian audiences. From moving dramas to insightful documentaries, this year’s program promises to captivate and inspire.
Tickets to A Real Pain are on sale now at www.jiff.com.au.
The full program for JIFF will be announced Sunday 29 September.
OPENING NIGHT EVENT SCREENINGS
Melbourne (Classic Cinemas)
Sun 27 Oct, 6:30pm for 7:30pm screening
Sydney (Ritz Cinemas)
Mon 28 Oct, 6:30pm for 7:30pm screening
Perth (Luna Leederville)
Sat 14 Dec, 8:15pm for 8:30pm screening
FILM ONLY SCREENINGS
Brisbane (New Farm Cinemas)
Thu 7 Nov, 6:30pm screening
Adelaide (The Piccadilly)
Thu 7 Nov, 6:30pm screening
Hobart (State Cinema Hobart)
Thu 7 Nov, 6:30pm screening
Canberra (Dendy Cinemas)
Sat 7 Dec, 6:20pm screening
FESTIVAL DATES AND LOCATIONS
Melbourne
Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick | 27 Oct – 4 Dec
Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn | 28 Oct – 3 Dec
Cameo Cinemas, Belgrave | 9 – 13 Nov
Sydney
Ritz Cinemas, Randwick | 28 Oct – 5 Dec
Roseville Cinemas, Roseville | 7 – 20 Nov
Brisbane
New Farm Cinemas, New Farm | 7 – 17 Nov
Canberra
Dendy Cinemas, Canberra | 7 – 8 Dec
Adelaide
The Piccadilly, North Adelaide | 7 – 17 Nov
Perth
Luna Leederville | 14 – 22 Dec
Hobart
State Cinema, North Hobart | 7 – 17 Nov
