BARBARA
JEWISH
FILM FESTIVAL
Meni Philip
Feature Film Judge
Meni Philip is an internationally acclaimed filmmaker whose films have screened at more than 60 film festivals worldwide.
His short film Sinner (2009) won Best European Short Film at the Venice International Film Festival and was nominated for a European Film Academy Award.
His documentary Let There Be Light (2007), an intimate autobiographical film about his departure from the ultra-Orthodox world and the struggle that followed, became a major success in Israel, receiving widespread acclaim and airing more than 30 times on Israeli television.
His latest documentary, No Child Spared (2025), explores the systemic abuse of children in ultra-Orthodox schools and its intergenerational impact.
Philip also serves as a judge for the Telly Awards. He has lived in Santa Barbara since 2020.
The 2026 Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival will be honoring its founder, Barbara Greenleaf. Click here to learn more!
Organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival features eight days of world-class international and independent comedies, dramas, documentaries, and shorts from Israel, Europe, Canada, and the U.S. premiering for the first time in Santa Barbara.
BUY PASSES
All Access Passes offer premiere access to eighteen programs including Q&As with filmmakers and thought leaders, special live performances, an invitation to the opening night reception, early access seating, and more.
SPONSORS
Sponsorship enables you to reach a prime demographic of over 3,000 members of the Santa Barbara Jewish community, through a variety of print, digital, and press promotion of the festival.
OUR SPONSORS
