The Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival (LAJFF) kicks off its 20th year on June 26, 2025, with a musical bang. Following the opening night gala, the new film Midas Man about Beatles manager, Brian Epstein, will be screened. The film was written by Brigit Grant and directed by Joe Stephenson. Instead of stepping onto the red carpet, the opening event will feature “Abbey Road” where guests including celebrities and VIP’s will be welcomed in.
Midas Man is the story of Brian Epstein, a gay, Jewish maverick and his relentless pursuit of greatness. He was instrumental in the Beatles’ rise to fame, as their manager from 1961 until his death in 1967. The dramatic feature film stars Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Jay Leno (Ed Sullivan), “Suzy” Eddie Izzard, and, as The Beatles, Blake Richardson (McCartney), Jonah Lees (Lennon), Leo Harvey-Elledge (Harrison), and Campbell Wallace (Ringo). Following the film there will be a Q&A featuring filmmakers Brigit Grant (writer), Joe Stephenson (director), Jonah Lees (Lennon) with Beatles historian, Martin Lewis.
Midas Man is just one of many incredible films slated for screening at this years LAJFF. The festival runs from June 26 to July 1, 2025 and will showcase notable films including, The Glory of Life, The Zweiflers and Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause.
Charles Grodin, a well-known Jewish actor, was raised in Pittsburgh and his life embodied the concept of Tikkun Olam. He graced the screen in some of the most beloved films, including Beethoven and Dave. Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause not only celebrates his hilarious acting career, but also his remarkable decades-long, successful fight to get wrongly convicted people – most of whom were mothers of color with young children – out of prison. The film, which was directed by James L. Freedman (Glickman) has a cast that includes Hollywood A-listers Robert De Niro, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Elaine May, Carol Burnett, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Alan Arkin, Ellen Burstyn, Marc Maron, Lewis Black, Marlo Thomas, Jon Lovitz, Richard Kind, Martin Brest, Jonathan Alter, Erica Rhodes, Elissa Grodin, plus several of the women that Charles Grodin got released from prison.
The mission of LAJFF is to preserve and celebrate the rich Jewish heritage; to cultivate Jewish values and education through film while enhancing the quality of Jewish life for our vast community, affiliated and unaffiliated. From studios to award-winning filmmakers, the LAJFF fan base has become a sought-after audience to screen important new films ahead of their future releases.
For more information on the LAJFF, the 2025 lineup and screening locations, visit lajfilmfest.org.
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