This year marks the 20th anniversary of one the largest exhibitors of Jewish films in Europe.

The UK Jewish Film Festival screens around 40 titles each year. In 2015 over 130 screenings of 84 new international and British feature, documentaries and shorts films were hosted, with 52 being UK premieres.

This year will be much the same with events spanning 20 venues in London, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham.

Michael Etherton, chief executive of the festival, points out: “As always there is the question ‘what makes a film Jewish’? There are no easy answers. It is not only about Jewish ritual and life, but sometimes a Jewish sensibility and state of mind. It is our job to open up the question to debate and discussion and this is part of the excitement and buzz of the festival.”

This year will open with Indignation, a powerful and profound tale about the son of a kosher butcher, based on the Philip Roth novel, and from award-winning American director-screenwriter James Schamus. Poignant and moving, it thoroughly deserves the warm reviews it has been receiving and will be on release in the UK from the end of the Festival.

Other films include Sundance Jury Prize Winner Sand Storm; Cannes Film Festival competition nominees One Week and a Day and Beyond the Mountains and Hills from Eran Kolirin, director of The Band’s Visit; the wry Israeli humour of The 90 Minute War; and the untold stories and unseen historical archive from real life stories like Rabin in His Own Words.

Among this year’s huge range of world films are hidden gems of European cinema such as the stylish and gripping French mystery The Origin of Violence, where there will be a Q&A with director Élie Chouraqui; Polish police detective thriller A Grain of Truth; and sweeping romance in the beautiful Greek drama Cloudy Sunday. From farther afield will be The Tenth Man and Glories of Tango, redolent with the spirit of that country. For the final weekend the inspiring true story of Fanny’s Journey will be screened and joined by Fanny Ben Ami.

Michael adds: “We remain passionate and dedicated to supporting and nurturing new creative cinema talent. As well as premiering the two winning films of the 2016 Pears Short Film Fund at UKJF we will be holding a FilmLab day during the festival for those embarking on the first steps in their filmmaking career and anyone who is curious about filmmaking.”

Katie Gilbert, head of marketing, says: “UK Jewish Film is dedicated to developing a culture where Jewish and Israeli films are watched and enjoyed by the widest possible audience.

“Through film we aim to promote a better understanding, affinity and awareness of Jewish life and to help to diminish prejudices. We also bring a broad range of outstanding British and international films to UK audiences, the majority of which would not otherwise be seen in the UK.”

In the last year the festival has sought to expand their year-round programme so that you can now see a collection of curated films throughout the year at JW3 and the Phoenix in London, the Reel in Borehamwood, Cineworld in Didsbury and the CCA in Glasgow. Films include festival favourites and new films that weren’t part of the Festival.

The fetsival will run from November 5 until 20. For more information and screening details visit ukjewishfilm.org