The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (Photo credit: Barry Halkin/Halkin Photography)
Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media already hosted its biggest events — its Fall Fest of Jewish movies, its Unapologetically Jewish social media competition — at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
Now, it is officially becoming part of the museum.
The Weitzman announced in a press release on March 16 that it has “formally integrated” PJFM into its organization. The move unites “two longstanding partners to strengthen and expand Jewish cultural programming in the region.”
As the release noted, PJFM has already been operating out of the Weitzman since 2022. The museum has “been a top sponsor of every PJFM festival and series” over the last four years.
PJFM’s mission is to celebrate Jewish culture and expression through film, digital media and other platforms. Digital media has become more of an emphasis in recent years, with the Unapologetically Jewish competition launched in 2023.
The Weitzman has also begun placing more of an emphasis on culture and digital media in recent years. The museum’s press release emphasized recent live podcast events featuring “Being Jewish,” “Chutzpod” and “Unorthodox.”
“The formal integration ensures long-term sustainability and continued growth for Jewish film and media programming within the Museum’s cultural and educational mission,” the museum explained.
The Weitzman has come a long way since filing for bankruptcy in 2020 and getting an eight-figure loan from shoe designer Stuart Weitzman to continue operating.
It is currently under consideration by Congress to become a Smithsonian Institution. It is also in the process of opening an America 250 exhibition, a children’s gallery and an antisemitism gallery. Now, it is adding PJFM, as well.
“Together, these initiatives signal a period of bold growth and renewed cultural leadership for the institution,” the museum said.
The PJFM leadership team (Courtesy of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History)
Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media began in 1981 as the Jewish Film Festival, hosted at Jewish community centers, per the release. It became an independent entity, PJFM, in 2021.
“PJFM has showcased countless world premieres, hosted hundreds of conversations with groundbreaking Jewish filmmakers, and introduced cutting-edge digital media,” the museum said. “The organization’s Digital Chutzpah showcase and national Unapologetically Jewish social media contest are at the forefront of amplifying contemporary Jewish voices.”
The Weitzman will now house PJFM as an official program, though the latter is set to keep its existing branding, website and social media presence. This shift also brings PJFM leadership into the museum’s internal staff: Former Executive Director Kristen Arter has transitioned to the role of major gifts officer for arts and culture, while Beth Becker, previously the program logistics and operations manager, joins the public programs team as a program manager.
“Both will continue their work of advancing Jewish film and media initiatives,” the release stated.
PJFM’s board “is now a subcommittee of The Weitzman’s Board of Trustees,” it added.
The organization’s programming “will continue year-round,” the release said. In May, PJFM and the Weitzman will host “Docs & Dialogues,” a series showing relevant documentaries to the Jewish community, followed by conversations with “filmmakers and subjects.”
“The series underscores the Museum’s commitment to presenting dynamic, relevant cultural programming,” it said.
Leaders at both organizations are excited about the integration.
“This integration is kismet. It reflects a shared commitment to Jewish storytelling, cultural engagement, and community-building,” said Weitzman President and CEO Dan Tadmor. “By formally bringing PJFM into The Weitzman, we are strengthening our collective ability to present high-quality, thought-provoking film and media programming while ensuring that Philadelphia grows as a top-tier market for Jewish culture.”
Arter thinks the integration will help PJFM expand its mission.
“PJFM has always been dedicated to creating connection and community through Jewish cinema and digital storytelling. Becoming part of The Weitzman ensures that this mission continues with greater reach, resources, and impact. We are excited to continue the momentum and expand opportunities for audiences and creators alike,” Arter said.