The Third Annual Grand Junction Jewish Film Festival will take place Feb. 21–22 at Colorado Mesa University’s Meyer Ballroom in the University Center.

This year’s festival features three acclaimed films, live filmmaker discussions, a ticketed VIP opening-night reception, and short films spotlighting emerging voices.

The event is open to the entire community and is designed to foster understanding, reflection and conversation through film.

The festival’s schedule and films are:

Feb. 21, 6 p.m. – VIP Opening Night starts the festival with a ticketed VIP reception, screening and filmmaker discussion featuring “One Big Happy Family,” followed by an in-person Q&A with producer, writer and actor Lisa Brenner. The evening includes hors d’oeuvres, professional photos and an intimate discussion with the filmmaker.

Feb. 22, 1:30 p.m. – The Sunday matinee features “Dead Sea Guardians,” followed by a live Q&A with Oded Rahav, CEO of the Dead Sea Guardians organization, offering insight into the film’s themes of environmental responsibility, resilience and cultural stewardship.

Feb. 22, 5:30 p.m. – The festival concludes with “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire,” an award-winning portrait of Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel. The screening will be accompanied by a special “Night” book raffle, honoring Wiesel’s enduring legacy of moral courage and remembrance.

Short Films Featuring Emerging Filmmakers

In addition to the feature films, the festival will showcase three short films, screened following each main feature, highlighting emerging and diverse storytelling voices: Brown/White; Guygu; and Jerusalem Photographer.

These short films underscore the festival’s commitment to supporting new filmmakers and expanding the range of stories represented on screen.

Community Impact

The Grand Junction Jewish Film Festival is a fundraiser benefiting Mitzvah Masa Jewish Children’s Summer Camp and The Joseph Center. Proceeds from the festival support youth enrichment, community programming and essential services that strengthen the broader community.

“The Grand Junction Jewish Film Festival has become a place where film brings people together, across backgrounds, generations and experiences,” festival co-founder Dalida Sassoon Bollig said. “It’s about storytelling that opens doors to conversation, reflection, and connection, and we’re proud to continue growing this event for our community.”

Grand Junction Jewish Film Festival co-founder Gayle Gerson said,“From the beginning, our goal was to create a cultural gathering that felt welcoming, meaningful and rooted in shared humanity. Film has a unique ability to open hearts and conversations, and this festival brings that experience to our community in a powerful way.”

Festival co-founder Patti Kurtzman added, “The festival was created to be something we could grow over time, an event that celebrates Jewish stories while inviting the broader community into dialogue, learning and connection. Seeing it reach its third year is incredibly meaningful.”

Community Partners & Support

The 2026 Grand Junction Jewish Film Festival is made possible through the support of community partners, including Colorado Mesa University, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Bank of Colorado, Rocky Mountain PBS, RoseCap Financial Advisors, and Grand Valley Books.

Their support helps bring high-quality cultural programming to the Western Slope and strengthens community connection through the arts.

Tickets & Sponsorship

Tickets and VIP passes are available, with limited seating.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses and individuals seeking to support arts, culture and community engagement on the Western Slope.

For more information, go online to gjjewishfilmfestival.com.