The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) is a celebration of international and independent cinema, Atlanta’s largest film festival and the world’s premier Jewish film festival attracts nearly 40,000 filmgoers. AJFF showcases a diverse collection of outstanding international narrative and documentary works that broadly explore universal themes of identity, history and culture, as well as life in the State of Israel.
UPDATE REGARDING COVID-19:
Exact dates and exhibition details for next year’s Atlanta Jewish Film Festival are still in development due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A hybrid format that includes in-theater and virtual screenings is anticipated, modeled to ensure both the highest exhibition standards as well the safety of audiences. Please advise as to any special terms or conditions pertaining to participation in a hybrid edition of the 23rd annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival in February 2023.
Select films are eligible for Official Jury Prizes at the annual festival:
Narrative Jury Prize
The Narrative Prize goes to the feature-length fiction film that exceeds
all others in total artistry, direction, script, cinematography, acting,
and overall storytelling.
2022 Jurors:
- Matthew H. Bernstein (Goodrich C. White Professor of Film and Media at Emory)
- Mara Lopez (HBO SVP of Post- Production)
- Evelyn Landy (Student, Emory University)
Documentary Jury Prize
The Documentary Prize goes to the feature-length non-fiction film that
exceeds all others in total artistry, direction, script, cinematography
and overall storytelling.
2022 Jurors:
- W. Imara Canady (National Director for Communications & Community Engagement for AIDS Healthcare Foundation)
- Matt Severson (Director, Margaret Herrick Library at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
- Raven Randall (Student, Spelman College)
Shorts Jury Prize
The Shorts Prize goes to the film, with a run time of 40 minutes or
fewer, which exceeds all others in total artistry, direction, script,
cinematography, acting, and overall storytelling.
2022 Jurors:
- Opal H. Bennett (POV Film Programmer)
- Judd Hirsch (Actor)
- Liam Sherman (Student, Emory University)
Emerging Filmmaker Jury Prize
An Emerging Filmmaker Prize will be awarded to a rising creative
talent, whose film shows exceptional skill and artistry.
2022 Jurors:
- Tovah Feldshuh (Actor, Playwright, Concert Artist, Author)
- Scott McGee (TCM Film Programmer)
- Emily Wilson (Recent Graduate of Georgia State; Film Editor and Producer)
Building Bridges Jury Prize
Honoring the film that most exemplifies AJFF's mission, informed by
founder and partner American Jewish Committee, to foster understanding among diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural communities.
2022 Jurors:
- Rabbi Noam Marans (AJC Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations)
- Sharronda Williams (TV and Film Critic)
- Stephanie Robin Turner (Student, University of North Georgia)
Human Rights Jury Prize
The Human Rights Prize is awarded to the film that most powerfully
captures the perseverance and strength of those whose sense of
justice guides them in the face of bigotry, inequality, and persecution.
2022 Jurors:
- Nancy Buirski (Film Director, Producer & Writer)
- Naomi Kikoler (Director, Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide)
- Preston Bourquine (Student, Kennesaw State University)
In addition, Audience Awards are voted on by the AJFF audience and awards are issued in the following categories based on established voting criteria.
AJFF Audience Award, Best Narrative Feature
AJFF Audience Award winners are determined by popular vote of the festival audience, with moviegoers ranking each film on a scale of 1 to 4. The narrative feature (minimum 40 minutes) receiving the highest average ranking wins that category. The winning narrative feature is honored by receiving a special statuette.
AJFF Audience Award, Best Short
AJFF Audience Award winners are determined by popular vote of the festival audience, with moviegoers ranking each film on a scale of 1 to 4. The short film (under 40 minutes) receiving the highest average ranking wins that category. The winning short is honored by receiving a special statuette.
AJFF Audience Award, Best Documentary Feature
AJFF Audience Award winners are determined by popular vote of the festival audience, with moviegoers ranking each film on a scale of 1 to 4. The documentary feature (minimum 40 minutes) receiving the highest average ranking wins that category. The winning narrative feature is honored by receiving a special statuette.