Best Of The Fest Opening Night: Labors of Love

We are pleased to bring you the Best of the Fest from this season's San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, featuring three must-see films! Every ticket comes with free concessions!

First up, on Thursday, Jan 8th: Labors of Love

About the film:

This heartfelt film brings long-overdue recognition to Henrietta Szold, a Jewish American humanitarian whose legacy includes advocating for binational cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians. Born in 1860 in Baltimore, Szold was an avid student who assisted Jewish immigrants and established English-language night schools. A visit to Palestine in 1909, following a personal heartbreak, sparked her most lasting contributions: founding Hadassah to empower Jewish American women and provide aid to the region. Then, as the Nazis rose to power in Europe, Szold launched initiatives that saved the lives of thousands of Jewish children. View the trailer at Labors of Love TRAILER on Vimeo

Director Abby Ginzberg, granddaughter of Szold’s unrequited love, Louis Ginzberg, grew up hearing stories of Szold’s impact. In Labors of Love, she honors Szold’s legacy and brings her story to life as a touching historical portrait as well as a roadmap for confronting the continued challenges of our time with compassion. –Karina Curry

Looking for dinner and a movie? Join us at 5:30 for an optional dinner, themed to each movie. Just select the dinner and a movie option at checkout. For this film, we will be serving an Israeli inspired meal.

Ticket Options:

• 1 Single Showing Ticket ($18) for Labors of Love (Jan 8th) only
• Dinner and a Movie ($36) for Labors of Love (Jan 8th) only
• 3 Movie Bundle ($44) -all 3 film nights
• 3 Movies and 3 Meals Bundle ($88)

(You can purchase single tickets for the other films on their separate Eventbrite pages, linked below)

BEST OF THE FEST 2026 FILM SCHEDULE:

• Thursday, January 8: Labors of Love

• Thursday, January 15: The Stamp Thief

• Thursday, January 22: The Floaters

ABOUT THE OTHER FILMS

-The Stamp Thief:

Part detective story, part heist film, The Stamp Thief investigates the true tale of a Nazi officer who stole priceless stamp collections from Jews, then buried them in Poland—never to return for them. Director Dan Sturman and screenwriter Gary Gilbert take us on a quest to find these pilfered stamps, buried in a basement somewhere in Legnica, Poland.

-The Floaters:

A struggling musician takes a last-resort job supervising misfits at her childhood Jewish summer camp as challenges are thrown their way. Counselors and campers alike must overcome their differences to save the camp. Relive all the glory of Jewish summer camp in this raucously fun flick!

Make it a date night!- This movie night (Jan 22) will offer childcare for purchase! Separate registration required (Keep an eye out for child care registration info soon).

ABOUT THE SF JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival is the first and largest Jewish film festival in the world. Presenting innovative film each summer in the Bay Area, the festival promotes awareness, appreciation and pride in the diversity of the Jewish people. Festival programs are meant to create community and strengthen consciousness of Jewish identity, history and culture; provide a dynamic and inclusive forum for exploration of and dialogue about the Jewish experience; and encourage independent filmmakers working with Jewish themes.

The Jewish Film Institute (JFI) is the premier curatorial voice for Jewish film and media around the world. Founded in 1980 as the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (SFJFF), the world’s first and most revered event for independent, Jewish-themed storytelling, JFI’s programs illuminate the full diversity of Jewish experiences.