Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire diverse communities to new levels of social and cultural understanding by showcasing entertaining and thought-provoking Jewish film.

Our History

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival: 20+ Years of World-Class Cinema and Unmatched Experiences Rooted in Curiosity, Conversation, and Culture.

Since 2000, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) has been an annual showcase of international cinema that explores themes of identity, history, and culture. Founded by the Atlanta Regional Office of American Jewish Committee (AJC), a global advocacy organization that enhances the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel through education, outreach, and diplomacy, AJFF has become one of the most prestigious Jewish film festivals in the world.

With a commitment to showcasing thought-provoking and entertaining films, AJFF curates a unique cinematic experience that fosters stronger bonds within the Jewish community, as well as intergroup relations with Atlanta's diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious communities. Each year, AJFF brings the world's most outstanding Jewish films to Atlanta, presenting a diverse and compelling program of narratives, documentaries, and shorts.

From its humble beginnings, AJFF has grown exponentially, earning accolades from film critics, directors, and actors alike. In 2006, AJFF received a prestigious grant from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), and the following year, it began an aggressive expansion of dates and venues. By 2008, AJFF was seating over 15,000 moviegoers.

In 2010, AJFF celebrated its tenth birthday with a concert of iconic Jewish film scores, presented in partnership with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Turner Classic Movies. Over the years, attendance has continued to soar, with over 30,000 moviegoers attending the festival's 70 narrative and documentary features and shorts. Today, AJFF is an independent non-profit arts organization that continues an active partnership with its founding agency, American Jewish Committee.

AJFF has made history as the largest Jewish film festival in the world, attracting more than 38,600 moviegoers in 2015. But it's not just about the numbers. The festival's commitment to world-class programming and unparalleled cinematic experiences sets it apart from the rest. As Soumaya Khalifa, founder and executive director of the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta once said, "the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is a role model for other cultural institutions."

With each passing year, AJFF's reputation continues to grow, attracting some of the most noteworthy film industry luminaries. Film actor, director, and comedian Barry Levinson to late actor and comedian Gilbert Gottfried to arthouse icon Claudia Weill, and so many more industry titans, AJFF brings the world to Atlanta.

In the end, AJFF's success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to showcasing the very best of Jewish cinema, while also providing audiences with an unforgettable and meaningful experience. As the festival continues to expand and evolve, it remains dedicated to fostering stronger bonds within the Jewish community and beyond, and to showcasing the power of cinematic storytelling to inspire social and cultural understanding.

Our Values

For over two decades, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival has showcased entertaining and thought-provoking Jewish films to inspire diverse communities to new levels of social and cultural understanding. At the heart of the organization's success are its five core values: Courage, Responsibility, Curiosity, Compassion, and Collaboration.

From the perspective of influential Jewish film icons, these values represent the foundation for creating impactful and meaningful cinematic experiences. As Israeli-American filmmaker and writer Joseph Cedar notes, "The best films are often born out of courageous choices and bold decisions. When filmmakers take risks, they can create stories that resonate deeply with audiences and can have a lasting impact on society."

Courage: How AJFF Boldly Pushes Boundaries Through Film
At AJFF, the value of Courage is deeply ingrained in the organization's ethos. By being bold in the face of obstacles, the festival has pushed boundaries and innovated in ways that have made it one of the most respected Jewish film festivals in the world.

Responsibility: Taking Ownership and Driving Impact at AJFF
Responsibility is another key value that has helped AJFF achieve its mission. By taking ownership of their roles, communicating clearly, and working towards the greater good, the festival has built trust and created a culture of accountability. As film critic Jason Evans observes, "AJFF's sense of responsibility to its audience and to the filmmakers is evident in every aspect of the festival. They go above and beyond to create an experience that is both exceptional and thought-provoking."

Curiosity: Embracing New Perspectives and Learning at AJFF
Curiosity is a value that is particularly relevant in today's world, where cultural understanding is more important than ever. By continuously questioning assumptions and embracing new perspectives, AJFF has created a diverse and inclusive environment where all are welcome. As longtime Executive and Artistic Director Kenny Blank notes, "AJFF is more than just a film festival. It's a platform for exploring the richness of Jewish culture and the diversity of the human experience. By embracing curiosity, we can foster a sense of community that is truly special."

Compassion: The Heart of AJFF's Collaborative Spirit
Compassion is another key value that is integral to the AJFF experience. By treating teammates and partners with kindness and respect and approaching work with empathy, the festival has created an environment that is both supportive and collaborative. As AJFF Board President Sari Earl states, "AJFF's commitment to compassion is evident in everything we do. From the selection of films to the way we treat our partners and guests, we are always looking for ways to make a positive impact on the world."

Collaboration: Empowering Diverse Stakeholders to Rise Together at AJFF
Finally, Collaboration is a value that is at the heart of everything AJFF does. By embracing diversity, forging partnerships, and empowering stakeholders to rise together and achieve a common purpose, both within and beyond the organization, the festival has created a sense of community that is truly special.

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival's core values of Courage, Responsibility, Curiosity, Compassion, and Collaboration are not only essential to the organization's success, but they also represent the very best of Jewish culture and tradition. By embracing these values, AJFF has created an environment that is both inclusive and inspiring, and that has the power to bring people from all walks of life together through curiosity, conversation, and culture.