More than 800 supporters walked the red carpet at City Springs in Sandy Springs for the 2024 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Opening Night Gala on Feb. 13. Many commented that one of the most fulfilling factors was the return post-COVID of nine participating restaurant partners with gourmet bills of fare served table to table in the City Spring lobby area.
AJFF Executive and Artistic Director Kenny Blank said, “It’s exciting to see the community coming together four months from Oct. 7 and using this format where films echo history. Movies channel even the small acts in daily life to help us get through tough times.”
James Anderson, AJFF Board of Directors, compares film choices with Steve Labovitz, formerly on the AJFF Board of Directors, and Emory University’s Chair of the Film Department, Matthew Bernstein.
Co-chairs Leah Blum and Martha Jo Katz were on hand to salute the momentum gained, now heading into the 25th anniversary of the AJFF. Blum, who is also on the Film Review Committee, noted, “We are thrilled to present films to the community that bring people together for amazing discussions.”
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Katz noted, “Also it’s great to have our restaurant partners back with this 800-plus turnout. There is also enthusiasm post-COVID and being just before Valentine’s Day.”
Cousins Katz and Blum joked that they are indeed “related to each other, and dozens of others there.”
Georgia Congresswoman Esther Panitch was looking forward to Governor Kemp’s entrance.
Clad in pink, Georgia Congresswoman Esther Panitch was working the crowd in celebration of passing HB 30, colloquially known as the Antisemitism Bill.
She said, “I’m grateful for the tremendous support from the community, and our amazing ally, Governor Brian Kemp, who will arrive soon.”
Long time AJFF supporter (like offering free parking on-site), Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul, chatted with Sandy…
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