Editor

The Boston Jewish Film Festival (BJFF) is pleased to announce the election of longtime board member Barbara Resnek as new Board President. She follows the role of outgoing President Denise Widman who concluded her three-year tenure with the BJFF on December 31, 2015.

“The BJFF continues to benefit tremendously from the talent and dedication of our Board Members,” says Jaymie Saks, Executive Director of the BJFF. “I am thrilled to have Barbara Resnek assume the role of President and look forward to the unique and lively stamp she will put on her new leadership position. At the same time, it is with mixed emotions that we say good-bye to Denise Widman who has so generously given her time and expertise, heart and soul, to the BJFF for so many years.”

Barbara Resnek, who has been a member of the BJFF Board for 10 years, is an established leader in the Jewish Community. She is a past President of Temple Emanuel in Newton (2003 – 2006) and is active in the American Jewish Committee (AJC), Boston Chapter.

Barbara is passionate about the Festival saying, “I have a deep belief in the power of the BJFF to broaden people’s perceptions and conceptions and to bring communities together through the world-class film program we create each year. I am so excited to have the opportunity to expand my role at the BJFF and I look forward to working with the BJFF team to continue to evolve the Festival.”

Denise Widman has been a member of the BJFF Board for 10 years and President of the Board from 2012 -2015. During her service, the BJFF has grown each year to record numbers of tickets sold, record number of films and venues, and record numbers of visiting artists and speakers. Denise will continue to serve on the board of The Festival as well as on the board’s Executive Committee.

“It has been a profound pleasure to serve on the Board at the BJFF,” says Widman. “I am proud of the growth of the Festival as a community and as a vehicle for sharing and celebrating the multi-faced vibrancy of the Jewish experience. I have the utmost faith in Barbara’s talents as a leader as she continues to build community and I know I am leaving the Board in great hands.”


The Boston Jewish Film Festival, a not-for-profit arts organization, celebrates the richness of the Jewish experience through film and media. Throughout the year, the Festival engages and inspires the community to explore the full spectrum of Jewish life, values, and culture.