31 Candles is a romantic comedy about Leo Kadner, who has his Bar Mitzvah at the age of 31 after discovering his former camp crush, Eva Shapiro, is now a Torah tutor for kids in Manhattan.
Set in New York City, the film follows 30-year-old Leo (Jonah Feingold), a Christmas movie writer who never had his Bar Mitzvah. When he reconnects with Eva (Sarah Coffey) — his childhood crush and now a Torah tutor — Leo decides it's finally time to become a man.
What begins as a nostalgic crush evolves into a heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and family. Along the way, Leo navigates complicated situationships, reconnects with his divorced parents, and faces his own immaturity — all while planning the most belated Bar Mitzvah imaginable.
31 Candles is Jonah Feingold's fifth feature and his most personal yet — a story about tradition, growing up (late), and how far someone will go for love.
Synopsis: Set in New York City, 31 Candles follows 30-year-old Leo, a Christmas movie writer who never had his Bar Mitzvah. When he reconnects with Eva Shapiro — his childhood crush and now a Torah tutor — Leo decides it's finally time to become a man. The film blends the heart of Nora Ephron, the wit of Albert Brooks, the comedy of Sandler, and the romance of New York. Filmed entirely on location — including Central Park, Barney Greengrass, and The Museum of Jewish Heritage.
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🎬 Key Crew
Writer / Director / Editor: Jonah Feingold
Producers: Jonah Weinstein & Hannah Welever
Executive Producers: Jonah Feingold, Caroline Aaron, Spencer Barkoff, John B. O'Rourke, Marshall Sandman, Jeremy Jacobowitz, Cathy Glick, Josh Glick
Co-Producers: Sam Slater, Dave Bernon
DP: Lauren Guiteras
Composer: Grant Fonda
Production Designer: Stephanie Osin Cohen
Colorist: Sean Dunckley (Goldcrest Post NY)
Costume: Jessica Wegrzyn & Cassie Elsaesser
Casting: Jonah Weinstein
1st AD: Emily Cohn
✡ selected critics ✡
✡ audience favorites ✡
The regret of never having a Bar Mitzvah gnaws at me like the hunger during Yom Kippur fast — toppled with a little Grandma guilt. I was reminded of it every time I walked past Rodeph Sholom on the Upper West Side, where I am still blacklisted for eating a turkey sandwich during a long service.
The truth is, during peak New York City Bar Mitzvah season in 2003-2004, I went to dozens of lavish celebrations. Some were MTV-worthy spectacles, others were intimate and warm. But I never had my own. Partly because of dyslexia, partly because of my parents' divorce. It's always felt like an unfinished part of my identity.
31 Candles is me making peace with that regret — and turning it into a romantic comedy. The film blends the heart of Nora Ephron, the wit of Albert Brooks, the comedy of Sandler, and the romance of New York. It's about finally growing up, but also about how the search for love and belonging never really ends.
🎬 About Jonah Feingold
New York–based filmmaker known for modern romantic comedies with an old-school heart. Debut Dating & New York premiered at Tribeca 2021, sold to IFC. Directed At Midnight (Paramount+, 2023) and EXmas (Amazon, 2023) — Freevee's most-watched original holiday comedy. 31 Candles is his fifth feature. Currently in post on Busboys (David Spade & Theo Von) and developing The Spy That Got Away with Alexandra Daddario.
sign the guestbook!! tell us what u thought of the movie!!
Upload ur old Bar/Bat Mitzvah pics & like ur favorites!! The cringier the better — frosted tips, oversized suits, awkward slow dancing... most liked = pole position 👑
UPLOAD UR BAR MITZVAH PHOTO!!
[ no inappropriate pics plz!! my bubbe checks this site!! ]
📸 THE WALL 📸
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Take a selfie and get a keepsake photo strip from Leo's Bar Mitzvah!! 🎉✡
BAR MITZVAH PHOTO BOOTH
Step right up! Take a selfie and get a wacky keepsake photo from Leo Kattner's Bar Mitzvah!!
[ requires camera permission — works on phone or computer!! ]
🖼️ PHOTO BOOTH GALLERY 🖼️
Everyone who shared their booth photos!! 📸