The Joyce Short Film Series

Overview

Welcome to The Joyce Short Film Series | August 2026-February 2027. The Joyce Short Film Series is part of the annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival year-round programming with the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center/Center for Jewish Culture. Joyce Axelrod is a passionate arts advocate and prominent figure in San Diego’s cultural landscape. She is the founding chair of the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival, now in its 36th year, and the founder of Joyce's Short Film Series (previously know as the Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival), a series dedicated to short films. In addition to her leadership in film, Joyce actively supports the arts through her service on advisory committees for several arts and performing arts organizations. As a videographer, she has created films for numerous Jewish and non-Jewish non-profit organizations throughout San Diego County, further amplifying community voices through storytelling. The Joyce Short Film Series presents short documentary, narrative and animated films from August 2026 to February 2027, along with a national and international roster of guest speakers and filmmakers. We offer an array of films that depict elements of Jewish life, history and culture. Awards will be selected by a distinguished panel of Jurors and be announced throughout the 2026-2027 season. Since its inception in 1990, the SDIJFF has become one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals of its kind, and has the highest attendance of any Jewish cultural event in San Diego County.

Last updated Sep 18, 2026

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FilmFreeway community

• Filmmaker

  I had a wonderful experience! the community and organizers are very professional, warm and kind. It was great to see the film on a large screen:) It was also nice to meet other film makers! Thank you for having me and choosing Space Torah as the Best documentary this year!

• Filmmaker

  Fabulous festival. Well organized and welcoming. Programming was varied and high quality. The JCC venue is terrific -- loved the big screen and the seating. Thanks to all for including LARRY & ME!

• Filmmaker

  Showing EDDY'S WORLD at Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival was a great experience, although I wish I could have been there in person. Good communication with staff. We were part of a good line up. And honored to receive the Grand Jury Prize. Thank you Joyce Forum.

• Filmmaker

  I was honored and delighted when "Paddling for Life" won Best Documentary Short at the 2022 festival. It was very rewarding to read the thoughtful and insightful Jury members reasons for selecting it. Thank you so very much. I hope to attend this awesome festival in person in the future. I definitely plan on sending my next film to this festival.

• Filmmaker

  This festival really takes care of their filmmakers. Their communication skills were excellent! And they really spend time and money on you as a filmmaker which I really appreciated. We had a very good Q&A as well as transportation and stay in San Diego.

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