FAQs

What is PJFM’s Code of Conduct?

  • PJFM values, respects, and honors our community’s vibrant diversity and perspectives of guests and employees, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to artistic freedom. We promote an open exchange of views and perspectives in a mutually courteous environment, ensuring that guests, artists, industry, members, volunteers, and staff have a safe and pleasurable experience while visiting our film and digital media festivals, special events, and even virtual events. View PJFM’s full Code of Conduct HERE.

What is PJFM’s ticketing policy?

  • All tickets, badges, all-access passes, sponsorships, and film selection entries purchases are non-refundable for any reason. A purchase may be converted into a donation.

What are PJFM’s safety protocols?

  • PJFM’s top priority is to provide a safe environment to share a fantastic slate of films and digital media. Please be aware that PJFM is enforcing the following:
    • Increased security present at all Fall Fest events and screenings, including police presence and/or armed guards.
    • PJFM is working with local law enforcement to patrol the area frequently.
    • All patrons must go through a security checkpoint at all screenings at Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
    • PJFM encourages all patrons to not bring bags, backpacks, etc., for security reasons. If you bring a bag, security will check it before permitting entry
    • Advance registration is highly recommended but not mandatory. Please be prepared to show a government-issued ID to redeem or purchase a ticket at the box office. If you do not present your credentials, you will not be allowed to enter the event. PJFM reserves the right to deny entry.

What are PJFM’s health protocols?

  • First, it is important to note that PJFM health policies have changed and adapted this year due to the reduction of COVID-19 cases and in line with local and regional health guidelines. We do encourage those considered at risk or immunocompromised to please read our policies closely so that you can make the right decision for whether you attend and encourage you to reach out to see if we can make any accommodations. To ensure the safety of our staff and guests, we strongly recommend that all guests in attendance are still vaccinated and recently boosted (as eligible) and or tested for COVID-19, respiratory, monkey pox, and seasonal flu. The most updated information about vaccine and booster recommendations can be found on the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s website. We will communicate any changes to our policy as we continue to monitor the CDC, state, and local guidelines.
  • Although PJFM no longer requires proof of vaccinations to attend our events, we strongly recommend all guests are fully vaccinated and boosted, per the CDC guidelines. The most updated information about vaccine and booster recommendations can be found on the CDC’s website. Masks will be provided to staff and attendees who request them.
  • Please do not attend any events if you or anyone in your party is exhibiting ANY symptoms of transmittable illnesses which include but are not limited to: cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, or chills. Please do not attend any events if in the last 10 days you or anyone in your party has been in close contact with or without face mask with someone who has COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms or if you or anyone in your party is currently under isolation or quarantine recommendations.

Where does the money from ticket orders go towards?

  • Ticket sales make up only a small percentage of PJFM’s budget. In order to continue serving its community and bringing film lovers in Philadelphia and beyond the best in Jewish international cinema (as well as offering its patrons a chance to experience other forms of Jewish storytelling), PJFM needs additional financial support from the community at large. To make a donation, click HERE. For info on becoming a Sponsor, click HERE.

I paid to be a Sponsor. What happens next?

  • If you paid to be a Sponsor, depending on the benefits included with the sponsorship you selected, you should get access to PJFM signature programs (such as Fall Fest) and/or other year-round series. If a PJFM program is in person, you may pick up your Sponsor Badge at any of the screenings. Sponsors also get early entry line access and are allowed entry 45 minutes before the event.
  • If the festival or any series PJFM presents is virtual, Sponsors also get access to PJFM’s digital platform. To access the platofrm, Sponsors should go to Watch.PhillyJFM.org, log in, and see the selection of films to watch. PJFM’s virtual platform looks and behaves like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or other streaming platforms you’ve probably used.
    • Beforehand, all Sponsors receive an email from PJFM with directions for how to make their free account.

I purchased a Badge. What happens next?

  • If you purchased a Badge for a signature PJFM series, you may pick up your Pass at any of the screenings. Like Sponsors, Badge Holders also get early entry line access.
  • If the festival or any series PJFM presents is virtual, Badge Holders also get access to PJFM’s digital platform. To access the platform, Badge Holders should go to Watch.PhillyJFM.org, log in, and see the selection of films to watch. PJFM’s virtual platform looks and behaves like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or other streaming platforms you’ve probably used.
    • Beforehand, all Badge Holders receive an email from PJFM with directions for how to make their free account.

Why are some films only available in person while others are available both in person and virtually?

  • Similar to the previous question, this comes down to the distributors. When distributors acquire a film, they must develop a festival strategy. Will the distributor generate the most buzz for the film through the festival circuit? Does the film stand a chance with Netflix and Amazon Prime, which may not want the film shown at festivals prior to its on-demand release? During the pandemic, another major consideration for distributors is whether to wait until an in-person theater experience is possible or to allow films to be shown virtually.

STREAMING FAQs

What is CineSend?

  • CineSend is PJFM digital streaming platform, similar to other platforms like Netflix or Hulu.

For virtual films, why are certain films geo-blocked to PA only or other ones restricted to the tri-state area?

  • As much as PJFM would love for patrons living outside of PA to see all of its movies, there are many Jewish film organizations and festivals located in cities throughout the US and abroad that would also like to share some of the films selected for PJFM with their audience. In order for filmmakers and film distributors to get their films shown in front of as many virtual audiences as possible, a geo-blocking system has been adopted by the industry at large to limit each festival’s geographic reach so that every festival has an opportunity to bring these wonderful films to their community.

If I am a Sponsor, do I get automatic free access to the platform?

My Sponsor level lets me access the platform. How do I make an account?

  • PJFM staff manages all “subscribers” to the platform. Any Sponsor who is granted access to the platform receives an email to create their free account. If you are unsure you have an account or not already, please reach out to info@phillyjfm.org.

How do I log into my account?

  • After creating your account, simply go to Watch.PhillyJFM.org and enter your info under the Passholders & Sponsor Login on the right.

I forgot the password to my account. What should I do?

  • Not to worry. If you go to Watch.PhillyJFM.org, you should see a “Forgot?” option under Passholders & Sponsor Login. Just click on that and you will receive an email to reset your password.

What are the system requirements for CineSend?

  • You can watch content on PCs running Windows 7+, and Intel-based Macs running OSX 10.12+. You can also watch films on Android tablets and phones using Chrome AND on iPhones and iPads using Safari.

What are the requirements for Windows computers?

  • Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
    Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera. CineSend recommends using the latest version of your browser. Internet Explorer is not supported.

What are the requirements for Mac computers?

  • Mac OSX 10.12 or later
    Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Opera. CineSend recommends using the latest version of your browser.

Can I watch content on my iPhone/iPad?

  • Yes, you can watch content using Safari on iOS 11.2 or later.
    • PLEASE NOTE: The “Screen Mirroring” feature cannot be used – please ensure you turn off Screen Mirroring if you encounter trouble playing content.
    • PLEASE NOTE: You cannot use a lightning to HDMI adapter to connect to your TV. Try using AirPlay () instead if you have a compatible TV or streaming box.

Can I watch content on my Android Device?

  • Yes, you can watch content using Chrome on Android 6.0 or later.

Can I Chromecast content?

  • You can cast to a 3rd generation or newer Chromecast stick.
    • To Chromecast from an Android phone or tablet:
      • Make sure your Chromecast devices is on the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device.
      • After the video is playing, tap the “Cast” icon in the bottom right corner of the video player. If the icon doesn’t appear, unfortunately, casting is not supported on your device.
    • To Chromecast from your computer:
      • Make sure you’re using Google Chrome as your browser.
      • After the video is playing, tap the “Cast” icon in the bottom right corner of the video player. If the icon doesn’t appear, unfortunately, casting is not supported on your device.

Can I AirPlay () to my AppleTV?

  • You can AirPlay () from most browsers if you have an AirPlay-compatible TV or streaming box by selecting the AirPlay button () in the bottom right-hand side of the video player. If the icon doesn’t appear, unfortunately, casting is not supported on your device.
    • Compatible Smart TVs include select Samsung, LG, Sony and VIZIO models.
    • Compatible streaming boxes include AppleTV Gen4 and above and select Roku HD streaming devices running the most up-to-date software.

Which Apple TV models are compatible with CineSend?

  • Generation 4 (aka Apple TV HD) and above (aka Apple TV 4K).

How do I know which Apple TV I have?

  • Click HERE for more info on how to identify your Apple TV.

Can I use the web browser built into my TV?

  • Maybe. Unfortunately, many built-in Smart TVs’ web browsers don’t support protected content playback. If you get a black screen or error message, it’s likely that your TV is not compatible. Try another method to get the video onto your TV.

Can I connect my computer with a cable to watch on my TV?

  • You can directly connect your laptop or computer using an HDMI cable by following these steps:
    • Make sure your computer is close enough to your TV for the HDMI cable to reach.
    • Connect one end of the HDMI cable into your computer.
    • Plug the other end of the cable into an available HDMI port on the TV. Take note of the HDMI input number.
    • Using the TV’s remote control, set the TV to the HDMI input that matches the port you connected the cable to.
    • If your computer’s display does not automatically appear on your television screen, you may need to have the computer manually detect the display:
    • Windows: Right-click on the desktop and select “Display Settings” > “Detect” > “Multiple displays”, and select “Duplicate these displays”), and click Apply.
    • Mac: Go to the Apple Menu and choose “System Preferences”. Choose “Displays”, and hold down the “Option” key to show the “Detect Displays” button. Click on “Detect Displays” while holding down the Option key.

Why does video playback stall or not play smoothly?

  • CineSend uses adaptive bitrate streaming which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your internet speed. If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent, you may experience problems during playback. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to your router.

I see a black screen when I’m trying to AirPlay on my TV…

  • You likely have “Screen Mirroring” turned on in your device settings. Please turn off the screen mirroring setting and start AirPlay by selecting the AirPlay button () in the bottom right-hand side of the video player.

I see a black screen but can hear audio…

  • If you have an external display or TV connected with an HDMI cable, try disconnecting it. If videos play after it is disconnected, then unfortunately the display or cable doesn’t support encrypted video. Try another method.

Why do I see a black screen after the pre-roll if I am casting to Chromecast?

  • Some Chromecast versions cannot support transitions from one video to another. If this happens, turn off casting and re-start it once the film starts playing.