SCHENECTADY – The Schenectady Jewish Community Center (SJCC) has unveiled its lineup for its Jewish Film Festival running monthly from October 2026 through April 2027. Films will be shown at the Center, 2565 Balltown Rd., Schenectady. The series commences on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. with “Tatami.” Each film is followed by a local guest leading a discussion of the film.“Tatami” (103 minutes) was filmed during the protests in Iran in 2022 and set during one day at a World Championship event in Tbilisi, Georgia (where it was secretly filmed). The documentary follows Iranian judo fighter Leila and her coach Maryam, who travel to the championship intent on bringing home Iran’s first gold medal. Just as Leila is nearing victory, a chilling ultimatum arrives from the Islamic Republic of Iran declaring she must fake an injury and lose to avoid facing an Israeli opponent or be branded a traitor to her country. With her freedom and her family’s safety on the line, Leila must choose to follow her government’s orders, or fight for her dream.

According to organizers, “Tatami” is notable for being the first film ever co-directed by both an Israeli and an Iranian filmmaker, DireGuy Nattiv and Amir Ebrahimi. It is in Farsi and English.

Discussion leader will be Prof. Stephen Berk.

Future films in the series include “Burt”– Sunday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m.; “Yaniv” – Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 p.m.; “A Real Pain” – Saturday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m.; “Once Upon My Mother” – Saturday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m.

“My Father’s Secrets” – Saturday, March 13, 7:30 p.m.; and “Shari & Lamb Chop” – Sunday, April 11, 7 p.m.

“I am very excited about this year’s Jewish Film Festival line up,” said Judy Ben-Ami, SJCC Cultural and Adult programming director. “We are featuring thoughtfully curated films including the finest documentaries, narratives, and international award-winning films that explore universal experiences. We also have some incredible guest experts that will be joining us each time to discuss the films.”

Single price tickets are $10 for JCC members and $15 for guests at the door and $8 for members and $13 for non-members with prepayment. Refreshments are provided by 518 Kosher and the Center. Information about the Festival, or to purchase tickets may be obtained at https://schenectadyjcc.org/Jewish-Film-Festival.

The Film Festival is made possible through the support of the JCC Friends of the Arts and Culture, the Epstein Jewish Cultural Fund, Meyer and Mary Kurland/Gebell Fund, Jonas and Edith Flemiberg Jewish Cultural Fund, The Jewish World, and a grant from the Schenectady County Legislature through its County Initiative Program.