SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — An annual tradition, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, opened Tuesday night to a sold-out crowd.
Dozens of films will be shown at five venues across metro Atlanta through March 7.
Many of those who packed a reception to see the first film, shown Tuesday night at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center Crowds, spoke of how they were there to make a statement about the power of art and storytelling to unite and heal, especially now.
The Executive Director of the festival, Kenny Blank, said the films chosen for this year’s festival, each, in its own way, tells of “human stories, human connections, building bridges of understanding...(The festival) reminds us about our shared humanity.”
One of the films, scheduled for Sunday, is making its U.S. premiere, the first documentary produced about the October 7th attacks, called “Supernova.” It is a minute-by-minute account of the attacks, as seen through the eyes and cameras of people there.
Aaron Hill drove from College Park to attend the festival's opening night.
“I think it is more important than ever,” Hill said, “it’s just important that we support one another, that we stand up for one another.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp made his own statement by attending—the first governor ever to attend the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival in the festival’s 24-year history.
“Sadly, Georgia has not been immune to these types of horrible antisemitic incidents,” Kemp told the audience just before the first film was shown.
The governor described the new state law he just enacted that adds antisemitism to the hate crimes that are illegal in Georgia.
“This hate has no place in Georgia,” he said as the audience applauded.
Dov Wilker of the American Jewish Committee--which co-founded the festival 24 years ago—said art and film can be weapons of peace.
“Knowing that we are coming together as a community, not just the Jewish community but the Atlanta community, to celebrate Jewish film, speaks volumes,” Wilker said, “especially at a time like today when the Jewish community is on edge.”
The festival's website lists the schedules for the films that will be shown at the five venues, plus the films that will be available for at-home streaming.