The San Diego Jewish Film Festival (SDJFF) is back again this year from Feb. 9 to 19 with more to discover than ever before — a record-breaking number of exclusive film screenings, events designed for every age group’s whims and fancies, and an international roster of some of the most talented guest artists, actors, filmmakers, directors and scholars the Jewish film industry has to offer. Screenings of nearly 50 of the best contemporary Jewish-themed films from around the world will be brought right to San Diego’s backyard at five screening locations throughout the county over the course of 11 days. “Our films appeal to everybody,” said Helen Fleming, SDJFF chairwoman. “They’re interesting, they’re different and you don’t have to be Jewish to come to the film festival.” Some interesting topics that will be unveiled through the films include a unique feature based on a true story about Muslims that saved Jews during World War II in “Free Men;” the story of drag queens in Israel in “Mary Lou;” a riveting documentary about Phil Spector and the famed songwriter’s murder trial in “The Agony and the Ecstacy of Phil Spector;” and a Spanish-language romantic comedy about a Mexican salsa dancer who sneaks into Israel in “Salsa Tel Aviv” — to name just a few. “We really have gone all over the spectrum, and our films really try to reach everyone,” Fleming said. The yearlong undertaking of film selection, event coordination and fundraising is an arduous task that takes a team of dedicated volunteers — including a film selection committee, curator and focus group — who commit their time and efforts before, during and after the festival. “It’s a huge commitment, but it’s really fun,” said Fleming. “It’s a labor of love. There are about 60 volunteers doing a lot of various things. It’s a large endeavor, and there are so many people behind the scenes that do so much.” Volunteers on the SDJFF’s film selection committee thoroughly vet more than 200 films throughout the year, each ranked numerically by individuals on the committee. One of the most difficult tasks, according to Fleming, is ensuring the films are exclusive. “In this world, it’s hard to find films that aren’t on Netflix,” she said. “We really strive to find films that you cannot find anywhere, and that’s what makes us unique. It’s really difficult, though, because everything is so instant.” Despite that difficulty, the committee succeeded in uncovering those very films. This year, SDJFF has doubled up on film screenings to give audience members a chance to catch each of their favorite films. Films will be shown at five locations in San Diego — Clairemont’s Reading Cinemas Town Square 14, UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center, Edwards San Marcos Stadium 18, the Carlsbad Village Theatre and the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla. “Tickets are on sale now, and they’re selling out fast,” Fleming said. “We don’t want anybody to miss anything.” Single ticket prices for most films are $10.75 to $12.75 for seniors, $11.75 for JCC members, and $13.75 for nonmembers. Tickets for the opening and closing night films are $12.75 to $14.75 for seniors and $13.75 to $15.75 for nonmembers. The Feb. 14 screening of “Dusk,” Family Day, Teen Screen and Joyce Forum Shorts are free. Festival passes, senior and student discounts, and group rate discounts are available. For more information, visit www.lfjcc.org/sdjff or call (858) 362-1348. The festival reaches a diverse age range, with forums and events designed for each age group. Here is a preview of the festival’s age-specific events this year: • “Family Day on Sesame Street” will turn Clairemont’s Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 into a playful atmosphere for families with children 3 to 7 with a screening of “Mitzvah on the Street,” interactive sing-alongs, fun activities and even a guest appearance by a surprise furry friend from the Street. Family Day is free and will take place on Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. • For parents with children younger than 1, the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre will host a “Baby & Me” event with a film screening of “David.” Bagels and other snacks will be provided at the event — at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 14 — and parents don’t have to worry about getting a babysitter, as babies are free. • “Teen Screen Night” at 6 p.m. on Feb. 14 will feature a pizza dinner for teens only, and the chance to watch the story of an unlikely friendship form between Ali, a 14-year-old Palestinian refugee, and Alexander, an elderly Russian Jew who passionately wants to continue living independently, in “Kaddish for a Friend” at Clairemont’s Reading Cinemas Town Square 14. Teen Screen is open to teens 18 and under at no charge. • For young professionals in their 20s, 30s and 40s, “Flix Mix” will feature the provocative story of a young, extroverted left-wing activist who sleeps with political opponents to convert them to her cause in “The Names of Love.” The screening at Clairemont’s Reading Cinema Town Square 14 will take place at 5 p.m. on Feb. 19 and will be preceded by a 3 p.m. mixer to mingle with fellow filmgoers over food and drinks. Tickets to “Flix Mix” are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. • For the 10th year in a row, SDJFF will host its annual “Joyce Forum” — named for SDJFF founder Joyce Axelrod — to celebrate rising stars and seasoned filmmakers from around the world. The free forum on Feb. 13 will showcase a collection of short films at Clairemont’s Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 at 2:30 p.m., as well as a series of animated shorts at 7:30 p.m. One such rising star who will be showcased at the forum is local 11-year-old animator Perry Chen of La Jolla, who collaborated with filmmaking veterans Bill Plympton and Kevin Sean Micheals to create the animated short “Ingrid Pitt: Beyond the Forest,” which can be viewed at the forum at 2:30 p.m. • Finally, on Feb. 16, “Jews in Toons” will highlight a unique evening of comedy and fun featuring classic Jewish episodes from three animated television series — “Family Guy,” “The Simpsons” and “South Park.” Mike Reiss, writer and producer for “The Simpsons” and creator of “The Critic” and “Queer Duck,” will make a special guest appearance to share some of his side-splitting behind-the-scenes insights, anecdotes and clips from his Emmy Award-winning career.