UK Jewish Film has reported that its annual festival drew record numbers of viewers this year after being brought online amid the pandemic.

More than 21,800 households tuned into the festival, in its 24th year and showcasing a total of 73 films from over a dozen countries. 

Organisers recorded an uptick in audience members outside Greater London, which rose to 37 per cent this year from 26 per cent in 2019.

“We are enormously grateful to our audiences who supported this first ever online festival in record numbers,” said UK Jewish Film chief executive Michael Etherton.

“It reinforces the importance of culture for the Jewish community's well being during the pandemic. We are very proud that this year, our unique range of films reflecting Jewish and Israeli life and experience, was able to reach more communities in every corner of the UK.”

Two Israeli films from last year, “Golden Voices”, and “White Eye”, received the festival’s prestigious Dorfman Best Film Award and Young Jury Award for Best Short Film.