Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media’s Integration Into The Weitzman Museum Strengthens Cultural Programming in Greater Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (March 16, 2026) – Today, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (The Weitzman) announced that Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media (PJFM) has been formally integrated into The Weitzman, uniting two longstanding partners to strengthen and expand Jewish cultural programming across the region.

PJFM has operated from The Weitzman’s home on Independence Mall for the past four years – sharing office and event space, collaborating on public programs, building relationships among teams, and preparing for a seamless integration. The Weitzman has been a top sponsor of every PJFM festival and series since 2022, including its highly successful annual film festival. This strategic move represents the coming together of two respected Philadelphia institutions that have worked closely for years to position the city as a premier destination for Jewish culture, film, scholarship, and dialogue. 

Both organizations regularly host film screenings, elevate the voices of content creators, and engage in new media programming, such as The Weitzman’s recorded live podcast events with “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.

PJFM, now an official program of The Weitzman, will retain its name, visual identity, website, and social media accounts. As part of the transition, Kristen Arter, former Executive Director of PJFM, joins The Weitzman’s development team as Major Gifts Officer, Arts & Culture. Beth Becker assumes the role of Program Manager on the Public Programs team. Both will continue their work of advancing Jewish film and media initiatives. PJFM’s Board is now a subcommittee of The Weitzman’s Board of Trustees.

“This integration is kismet. It reflects a shared commitment to Jewish storytelling, cultural engagement, and community-building,” says Dan Tadmor, President and CEO of The Weitzman. “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.”

Kristen Arter adds, “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.”

Now in its 45th year, PJFM’s signature Fall film festival is the oldest film festival in Philadelphia and the second oldest Jewish film festival in the nation. The organization was launched in 1981 as the Jewish Film Festival by founders Archie Perlmutter and Judy Golden. It was a program of Jewish Ys and Centers (later known as the Jewish Community Center of Greater Philadelphia and the Gershman Y.) In 2021, PJFM re-launched as an independent entity.

PJFM has showcased countless world premieres, hosted hundreds of conversations with groundbreaking Jewish filmmakers, and introduced cutting-edge digital media. The organization’s Digital Chutzpah showcase and national Unapologetically Jewish social media contest are at the forefront of amplifying contemporary Jewish voices.

PJFM will continue year-round, including the upcoming Docs & Dialogues series, taking place May 4-19 during Jewish American Heritage Month, for which The Weitzman serves as the national convener.  Featuring new and compelling documentaries paired with conversations with filmmakers and subjects, the series underscores the Museum’s commitment to presenting dynamic, relevant cultural programming. Tickets go on sale April 6.

The integration comes at a pivotal moment for The Weitzman. The Museum is under consideration to become an official Smithsonian museum (the only one in Philadelphia), preparing to open a landmark America 250 exhibition this April, launching a new children’s gallery in July, and unveiling a contemporary antisemitism gallery this fall. Together, these initiatives signal a period of bold growth and renewed cultural leadership for the institution.

Learn more.

Download High-Resolution Photos
PJFM and Weitzman Staff Photos

Museum images; Credit lines enclosed

ABOUT THE WEITZMAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
Established in 1976, and situated on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. The Weitzman presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America. It proudly stewards one of the largest collections of Jewish Americana in the nation, powers the nationwide Jewish American Heritage Month initiative, and is the home of Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media. Standing as a joyful bulwark against antisemitism, bigotry, and hate, The Weitzman serves to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire. www.theweitzman.org