Print

Streaming FAQs: Virtual Cinema

Virtual Cinema: Streaming Film Year-Round

For 26 years, the Seattle Jewish Film Festival (SJFF) has presented outstanding films and programs that celebrate global Jewish and Israeli life, heritage, history, diversity, and culture through cinema (Save the Date!  27th annual SJFF: March 24 - April 10, 2022).  We are pleased to announce SJFF Virtual Cinema -- a series of monthly streaming films, available online for 72 hours and in some cases up to a week. Virtual Cinema tickets are by household, so make it a watch party!

Quick Links:

SJFF-view-film-schedule

SJFF-virtual-cinema-page

 SJFF-login-account

SJFF-watch-now

STREAMING FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Please check this page regularly as information is updated often.

Ticketing Questions: 1 Ticket = 1 Household = 1 Device
Only one ticket is required per household, but we appreciate your buying multiple tickets for each home viewer to support SJFF, of course! Each ticket allows you to stream the film once during its specified viewing window. If others plan to watch the film from other devices or location, additional tickets will be needed. If you receive a free ticket from someone else, you will need to enter the voucher code HERE to watch and enter the code.

When are films available to watch + how long do I have to watch them?
Most films are available for an extended viewing window (72 hours to one week, depending on the film), but there is NO “grace period.” Viewing windows (streaming start and cutoff times) are clearly communicated on our website event pages (www.sjcc.org/ARTS) and on each film's Virtual Cinema Page. Plan viewing time accordingly. Once you start watching a film, you may start and stop as long as you continue on the same device (in the same location/Wi-Fi), but you cannot finish a film past the cutoff time. You can purchase tickets to view a film until two (2) hours before the viewing window cutoff time.In other words, you can purchase a ticket up until 5pm for a film screening until 7pm that day, but you must finish the film by 7pm. Streaming acess ceases at that cutoff time.

How do I get my tickets?
Once you purchase a ticket, you will receive an order confirmation email, containing links and instructions to get you ready for when the film is released/available (if already available, you will receive a link to "watch now" aftr purchase. If your first time purchasing, you will be prompted to set up a login and password. This will enable you to create a patron account, where you can log in to view your order history or access watch links for your available content. If you do not receive the confirmation email(s), PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM OR JUNK MAIL for “Seattle Jewish Film Festival” or "Elevent" ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). If you still cannot locate the email(s), login to your patron account to confirm the transaction was processed and view your order history and find watch links for your films (as long as they are currently playing during their viewing window). Need more help, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 206.388.0833 (during regular business hours). It may take us 24 hours to reply.

How to watch my films?

♦ OPTION 1 >> Watch Link in my Virtual Access Email - Ticket purchasers will receive a Virtual Access email one (1) hour before your purchased film is released. It contains a link to “View SJFF Online” and a voucher code.* When that film viewing window opens, your film is avaialble and you can start streaming: simply click the "View SJFF Online" link and enjoy the film on the same device. If you purchase a film that is currently streaming, your purchase confirmation email will contain a live watch link to “View SJFF Online," so you can start watching right away. Once you have started watching a film on one device, you cannot use the link/code on another device. If you do not receive a Virtual Access email, check your spam or junk mail folder for “Seattle Jewish Film Festival” or "Elevent" ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). Still can’t locate the email(s), try option 2 below, or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for help.*Note: Voucher codes are required only if you are either trying to watch on a SmartTV using the Elevent TV app, (available on Roku or AppleTV) or if want to “gift” your ticket to a friend, who must enter that voucher code on the SJFF Watch Portal (virtual.goelevent.com) as long as they reside in the geographic region for that film screening (see below).

♦ OPTION 2 >> Watch Link in My Patron Account (Login Online) - Ticket purchasers can access purchased and available streaming films by logging into their patron account at goelevent.com (using the same email and password registered for your original purchase). Once logged in, under "account" or "view orders" (upper right hand corner), you will see a list of your purchased films; and if any are available for streaming (during their viewing window) you will see a blue "View SJFF Online" button—simply click it to play that film anytime during its streaming window.

Can a virtual screening sell out?
Due to caps on the number of views permitted, virtual screenings have capacity limits and can sell out. We encourage you purchase/redeem tickets as soon as possible to prevent missing out.

Can I watch my film from anywhere in the U.S.?
Some filmmakers and distributors dictate the geographic region where their film may be viewed, so it varies from film to film. Geoblocking (geographical parameters) will be specified in the film description and if you are outside the region, our ticketing system will warn you. Some films are restricted to WA State or certain states and regions (i.e., Pacific Northwest, West Coast states). Location is determined by your device’s IP address (where you are watching from) not your billing/mailing address. 

Can I finish or watch my film if the 72-hour window has expired?
Sorry, no. Please be sure to pay attention to the streaming period (start/release and close/cutoff expiration date and times) shown atop each film page on our website: www.SJCC.org/ARTS amd our Virtual Cinema page. Once you begin to watch, be sure to complete your viewing the close/cutoff time. Unfortunately, we cannot make any exceptions once the viewing window expires.

Can I purchase a ticket for someone outside my household?
Yes! Films are a very thoughtful gift. You will receive a confirmation email with a voucher code in your email. Forward this email to the gift recipient. They can use the voucher go HERE to watch the film, or click the "Watch My Film Now" button above.

Are there any Filmmaker/Special Guest Zooms?
If program includes an announced Zoom, ticket purchasers will be automatically registered to receive an email (from Zoom) one (1) hour prior to the start time with your access link and instructions to join by computer or phone. Only those with tickets to that film screening are invited to join. If you did not get the link to join within one (1) hour from the start time, please check your junk mail or spam folder for an email from SJCC Marketing or Zoom (subject “Virtual Cinema Zoom”) or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for help. Zooms are generally recorded and available after the program our SJCC Arts+Ideas Seattle Jewish Film Festival YouTube channel. So, if you miss the live Q&A, you can usually watch the recording later. Here are some helpful links to enjoy Zooms:

Troubleshooting + Tech Tips

The following tips are meant to help acclimate customers to the SJFF Virtual Cinema streaming platform, chosen for ease of virtual film delivery. We are able to support issues with ticketing and streaming access but we cannot support individual device and Internet challenges. Please first try the troubleshooting steps mentioned in our FAQs, and if you still need help, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with details and your phone number. We will do our best to get back to patrons in 24-48 hours. Please identify the film and issue in the subject line. Don't panic!

What devices can I watch on?

  • Computers: PC running Windows 7+ or Mac running OS 10.12+
  • iPad or iPhone: Any iPad or iPhone using Safari on iOS 11.2 or later. Note: you must have "Screen Mirroring" turned OFF for content to play
  • Android tablet or phone: Any tablet or phone using Chrome on Android 6.0 or later
  • TV using an HDMI cable: Watch a quick video to learn how to connect your laptop to your TV this way to watch
  • If you have Roku or Apple TV you can download the Elevent TV app. Once downloaded, enter your film's voucher code (sent in your Virtual Access email) to unlock and watch your VOD film through these devices. Watch this video from our friends at the Austin Jewish Film Festival.
  • Using Chromecast: Select the cast button in the bottom right hand side of the player.
  • Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. We recommend using the latest version of your chosen browser.
  • If you have private VPN network at home, you must turn it off or your video will not play.

Why does the film stall or not play smoothly? Bandwidth is often the culprit. If your Internet connection is poor or inconsistent, you may experience problems during playback. Before viewing, we recommend you close all competing apps/browsers/devices, and then launch a singular window/app for film viewing. Competing household users will slow Wi-Fi down too. Try moving closer to your router, try a different browser, or clear your browser cache. If you are getting slower speeds, try resetting your internet router or contacting your Internet provider's technical support.

Watch basics: Our friends at the Austin Jewish Film Festival are using the same virtual delivery platform (Elevent) and have created some great instructional videos on how to order a film and how to use the Elevent TV app (available on Roku and Apple TV devices). Click HERE to watch their video demonstrations and get answers to some frequently asked questions.

SJFF help:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.