Blog

November 3, 2026

SJM & JIFF present Australian Jewish film premiere Sunday 22 November

Wish You Long Life asks a tough, timely question

A powerful, alternately funny and moving Jewish Australian feature film makes its debut this November at Randwick Ritz Cinemas. Wish You Long Life is presented by Sydney Jewish Museum (SJM) as the final event of the 2026 Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) on Sun 22 November.

In Wish You Long Life, young Melbourne filmmaker Gideon Heine plumbs deep wells of faith, hope and hatred to ask a contemporary question: what does it cost to hide who you are?

It’s a perfect match with SJM as we lead the fight for education against antisemitism in an increasingly fraught environment. It’s also a statement response to those who have attempted to silence the voices of passionate, talented Australian Jewish artists: musicians, actors, writers… and filmmakers.

Heine’s powerful film portrays a young Jewish man confronting his fear of reconnecting with his culture and discovering a proud world of culture and identity.

Noah Missell (Beetlejuice) and Tal Davida (Aphelion, Hindi Vindi) star as Adi and Maya, two childhood friends who’ve become estranged. When the sudden death of their best friend Reuben throws them back together, they reconnect – retracing the lives they once imagined for themselves.

The pair are forced to revisit their experiences of bullying, exclusion and racism. Along the way, they grapple with a question that has become increasingly urgent: should they hide their Jewish identity to feel safe, or proudly embrace the culture they have spent years distancing themselves from?

Gideon says identity isn’t something you can outrun.
“Culture isn’t just something we inherit, it’s something we must all actively preserve, or risk losing altogether. This film is about what it costs to hide and what it means to come back to community, to culture and to yourself. It’s also about resilience, and that – even in the darkest moments – there’s still connection, humour, light and – above all – community.”

Sydney actress Tal Davida who plays Maya, says she hopes the film offers an honest window into antisemitism “not just as an abstract concept, but as something lived and felt. It’s also a reminder of the beauty of friendship and how it can hold us even when the world feels fractured.”

SJM Director of Community Engagement Ariella Green said the JIFF screening was just the beginning of an ongoing partnership “that will bring more beautiful and important Jewish stories to a wider audience.”

“As we prepare to reopen our redeveloped Museum, we’re excited to present a brilliant new Australian film that lives and breathes Jewish life, culture, history and observance in all its many hues. History, music, food, Sephardic and Ashkenazi culture, faith from orthodox to liberal… and so much more. Eye-opening, demystifying and proud: Wish You Long Life is a perfect match!”

Don’t miss this tender, funny and ultimately hopeful, coming-of-age story about friendship, grief and identity, which asks a deeply relevant – and timely – question.

Wish You Long Life – Exclusive Preview Screening
Sunday 22 November, 6:15pm Randwick Ritz Cinemas
Presented by Sydney Jewish Museum and JIFF

Special SJM Ticket price $22
Bookings: sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au/wish-you-long-life-premiere

The exclusive screening will be followed by a Q+A with the cast and crew.
View the trailer here