The Newton-based Boston Jewish Film Festival announced this week that it has elected new leadership to head up its program.

The BJFF, which screens films on Jewish themes throughout the year, recently elected Denise Widman, a Wellesley resident, as its new President. She worked previously as the organization's vice president, and has been involved with the organization for about 10 years.

"The festival is a perfect fit for me as it combines my passion for film with my love of Jewish life," says Widman in a press release (see PDFs).

Widman takes over from Joyce Pastor, who will remain on the BJFF board of directors.

The festival was founded in 1989, and has expanded from 10 to 40 showings mostly in Boston, at the Museum of Fine Arts, and Brookline at the Coolidge Corner Theatre.

The festival is showing two films at the West Newton Cinema this month. Later this evening, March 6, "Dorfman in Love" screens at 7 p.m., and on March 18, "Life in Stills," 7 p.m., West Newton Cinema.

For more information on the BJFF and details on the new leadership, check out the .pdf in the media section above.