GJFF SummerFest to feature three events this summer

GREENVILLE, SC – The Greenville Jewish Film Festival’s signature summer event is back, and we are kvelling (bursting with pride).

SummerFest 2025 invites you to celebrate in three locations, with three events, and three unique experiences:

·        An unforgettable evening at the Sigal Music Museum, featuring live music by Zoe & Cloyd followed by a screening of the short documentary Days Between Rest.

·        The South Carolina premiere of Welcome to Yiddishland, the acclaimed documentary exploring the global revival of Yiddish culture.

·        A first-of-its-kind streaming presentation of The Muses of Bashevis Singer, serving as the grand finale film of our three‑day festival.

Tickets go on sale July 22.

“In terms of events and dates, this will be our biggest SummerFest yet,” said Helaine Meyers, co‑chair of The Greenville Jewish Film Festival. “As we’ve grown, we've discovered fresh ways to ignite audience excitement.”

The Festival kicks off Wednesday, August 20 at 7 p.m. at the Sigal Music Museum, 516 Buncombe Street, Greenville, with a celebration of Yiddish culture. The evening features:

• Live performance by acclaimed duo Zoe & Cloyd, blending bluegrass, klezmer, old‑time, and folk -- renowned for their “soaring harmonies and heartfelt songwriting”

• A reception with mocktails and cultural desserts created by Project Host.

• The short film Days Between Rest: a portrait of Rachel Namudosi, a third‑generation Jewish Ugandan singer, exploring family, music, faith, and the Abayudaya community.

• Trailers for Welcome to Yiddishland and The Muses of Bashevis Singer.

This musical evening is sponsored by John and Susan Stewart.

The main event takes place Sunday, August 24 at 4 p.m., at Camelot Cinemas, 48 E. Antrim Drive, featuring a screening of Welcome to Yiddishland, sponsored by Thomas and Sandra Kester. Directed by Ros Horin, the documentary offers "an upbeat, witty and timely exploration" of a global community of artists breathing life into Yiddish -- what it calls a “heartland without borders.”

The Festival’s grand finale film is The Muses of Bashevis Singer, available to stream from August 24 through September 1. This documentary delves into the life of Nobel‑winner Isaac Bashevis Singer, focusing on the critical contributions of the female translators who shaped and inspired his work through personal interviews and rare archival footage. It reveals a previously untold chapter of his literary legacy.

“We’re bringing powerful stories, culture, and connection to the heart of Upstate Greenville,” said co‑chair Caroline Warthen. “This is more than a film festival. It’s a vibrant gathering of history, art, and community.”

About The Greenville Jewish Film Festival:

The Greenville Jewish Film Festival, established in 2018, hopes to inspire the community to see beyond differences, and instead, connect over the ties that bind everyone – respect, love and humanity. The selection of movies allows for an opportunity to think critically and feel powerful. Learn more at www.greenvillejewishfilmfestival.com