Introduction
From March 11–25, 2025, Vienna will once again roll out the red carpet for the Vienna Jewish Film Festival (VJFF)—Europe’s longest‑running showcase dedicated exclusively to Jewish cinema. Now in its 33rd edition, the festival has become a beloved spring tradition for locals and travelers alike, pairing world‑class filmmaking with the city’s storied Jewish heritage. Whether you are a cinephile, a history buff, or simply planning a meaningful stop on your 2025 Europe itinerary, VJFF offers a rare opportunity to see Jewish stories on the big screen while exploring Vienna’s vibrant cultural scene.
Festival Overview
Dates: 11–25 March 2025
Venues: Stadtkino im Künstlerhaus, Metro Kinokulturhaus, Top Kino, and select community centers
Theme: “Framing Memory, Shaping Futures”—a program that bridges Holocaust remembrance with contemporary Jewish life across five continents.
Organizers have announced more than 60 feature films, documentaries, and shorts, including 15 world premieres and a special retrospective on Austrian‑Israeli director Ruth Beckermann. All films feature English subtitles, making the festival fully accessible to international visitors.
Five Must‑See Screenings
- Opening Night: The Silent Minyan – A gripping drama about a clandestine prayer group in 1950s Budapest, followed by a Q&A with director Eszter Tóth.
- Documentary Spotlight: Vienna’s Lost Voices – Newly restored archival footage reveals Jewish street musicians of the 1920s.
- International Premiere: Sabra & Schnitzel – A heart‑warming Austrian–Israeli culinary road movie sure to leave you hungry for more.
- Animated Feature: Letters from Lemberg – A visually stunning exploration of pre‑war Galicia, suitable for teens and adults.
- Closing Gala: Next Year in Space – A sci‑fi comedy that reimagines the age‑old wish “Next year in Jerusalem” on Mars.
Beyond the Screen: Panels & Workshops
- Women in Jewish Cinema – A round‑table featuring award‑winning producers and actors discussing representation and new narratives.
- AI, Ethics, and Memory – Tech experts debate how artificial intelligence can help preserve Holocaust testimony responsibly.
- Vienna Walking Tour – Festival guides lead a two‑hour stroll through the historic Leopoldstadt district, weaving film locations with living Jewish landmarks.
All side events are included in the Festival PLUS pass, which also grants fast‑track entry and reserved seating.
Travel Tips for JewishInVienna Readers
- Book Early: Hotels near the Ringstrasse fill quickly during March conference season. Consider boutique stays in the Karmeliterviertel for easy access to Stadtkino and kosher eateries.
- Kosher Dining: Café Alef‑Alef (glatt kosher) is offering a 10 % discount to pass holders—just show your badge.
- Shabbat Hospitality: The Jewish Community of Vienna (IKG) coordinates home hospitality; register by 1 March.
- Public Transport: A 72‑hour Vienna City Card covers unlimited rides and discounts at partner museums, including the Jewish Museum Vienna.
Why the 2025 Edition Matters
The 2025 festival coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, giving added resonance to films that grapple with memory, resilience, and the future of European Jewry. Organizers are partnering with the Austrian Federal Ministry for Arts and Culture to host commemorative screenings in former deportation hubs—turning cinema into a living act of remembrance.
Moreover, VJFF 2025 is carbon‑neutral for the first time, offsetting travel emissions through reforestation projects in Israel’s Negev Desert. By attending, you support both Jewish storytelling and sustainable cultural tourism.
Plan Your Visit
Tickets go on sale 15 January 2025 at vjff.at. Early‑bird festival passes (€120) typically sell out within a week. Subscribe to our newsletter for insider updates, hotel deals, and exclusive interviews with filmmakers.
See you in the darkened cinema—popcorn in hand, history on screen, and Vienna’s timeless Jewish spirit all around.
