Across nations, languages, religions and cultures, Jewish film opens a window into new narratives, perspectives and ways of living; confirming shared stories, cultural connections, and common humanity.

The 20th annual Seattle Jewish Film Festival, a program of Mercer Island’s Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC), showcases films from “Here, There, and Everywhere” — this year’s theme  — welcoming films from around the globe and around the corner, and presenting audiences with unique journeys to destinations both near and far.

The festival is the largest Jewish event in the Pacific Northwest and one of the largest and most prominent Jewish film festivals in the country.

Opening Night on March 14 features the German-Israeli coproduction “Hanna’s Journey,” a refreshing look at how a third generation is coping with the legacy of the German-Israeli historical relationship on the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.

Attendees at Opening Night will also enjoy a contemporary exhibit on “Jewish Life in Germany Today,” initiated and sponsored by the German Embassy in Washington and coordinated by the SJCC and the Consulate General of Germany in San Francisco. Closing Night, March 22, will take place in the SJCC’s Cultural Arts venue, which opened last year following an extensive renovation.

A special event and annual favorite, the Matzoh Momma Brunch and Family Film, includes a timely documentary on U.S.-Cuban relations through the lens of the two nations’ common sport and favorite pastime,“Havana Curveball.”

The annual Senior Screening, slated for Friday, March 20, features “Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did For Love,” and is priced for low-income seniors age 65+ at $5 per person. Caregivers and family members are welcome to join in at the same low rate.

A full schedule of screenings and special events is available online at www.seattlejewishfilmfestival.org. Single tickets are $12 general admission; various discounts available. Special events cost $20. Passes cost between $90 and $250. All proceeds support the Seattle Jewish Film Festival.

Sponsorship levels and benefits are available online or by contacting the Festival Director at sjff@sjcc.org or 206-388-0832.

The Seattle Jewish Film Festival is a program of the Stroum Jewish Community Center.

Venues include AMC Pacific Place 11, SIFF Cinema Uptown and SJCC on Mercer Island.