AJFF, Atlanta Symphony Illuminated Hearts and Screens

Why was this symphony different from all other symphonies? It was the gala celebration of the 25th year of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) showcasing soundtracks, images and emotions of Jewish-related or themed movies.

Presented in partnership with “Turner Classic Movies,” Ben Mankiewicz came in from the West Coast to host the Oct. 20 event, as did guest conductor Stuart Chafetz. Mankiewicz is a film critic, television journalist, and host for “Turner Classic Movies.” The AJFF is the city’s largest film festival and one of the preeminent Jewish film festivals worldwide.

During the program, Mankiewicz commented on his alliance with the AJFF and Atlanta over the years and his quest “to find a good bagel and scoop” here. He introduced each segment by providing context like Edward G. Robinson’s role in “The Ten Commandments,” the excruciating heartbreak of “Sophie’s Choice,” and the notion that “Don’t Let It Rain on My Parade” was a song of resistance.

As a special perk, four acclaimed vocalists along with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) were accompanied by The Temple Singers and The Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir, showing connection, interfaith spirit, and the unifying potential found in the arts. AJFF Executive and Artistic Director Kenny Blank told the AJT, “I’m thrilled that this 25th year is the culmination of music, film, and theatre. It’s a proud moment especially for all the supporters.”

Steve Labovitz, one of the original festival founders in 2000 through the American Jewish Committee, added, “The 25-year mark is significant because it shows the strength of the AJFF and the people behind it. It is now year-round using education and cultural events that continue to grow and build bridges of understanding and emphasizing ‘We are Jews’ as part of the conversation.” The festival now acts as an independent nonprofit.

A small VIP reception started at 6:30 p.m. in the Robert Shaw Room. The program began at 8 p.m. and flowed seamlessly with the performance of 12 numbers, starting with “Fiddler on the Roof’s” “Tradition” (1971) and ending with “The Prince of Egypt’s” “When You Believe” (1998).

Marvin Hamlisch, Jerry Bock, Elmer Bernstein, Jule Styne, John Williams, John Morris (for the Mel Brooks segments), and Hans Zimmerman were among the composers represented. The stage came especially alive when massive screens featured Barbra Streisand (“Funny Girl” and “Don’t Let it Rain on My Parade”), and the familiar runners from “Chariots of Fire” (“Vangelis”) matching with the song. For her segment, Streisand recorded a personal “Mazel Tov” message for the Atlanta audience. Accomplished vocalists Deb Bowman, Leigh Ellen Jones, and Hannah Klein, with Broadway-quality projection, trilled through songs like “Cabaret” and “Somewhere Out There,” performing both solo and in groups. Musician Lauren Roth performed the theme from “Schindler’s List” with a violin solo to capture its pathos.

The company in its entirety “brought down the house” with the finale, “When You Believe,” alongside star Brad Raymond, who earlier interpreted a resounding “If I Were a Rich Man.” “The Ten Commandments Suite” (1956), the oldest feature, held a dramatic moment etched in its unique time and place.

Clad in a stylish tan jacket, maestro Chafetz smiled widely and did justice to his dancing baton. The Temple Choir and Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir, who appeared together previously at local tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lined the back few rows behind the musicians and performed in three segments, including the “Fiddler” opening and grand finale. Their sound filled the multilevel hall.

Immediate Past President Dina Gerson told the AJT, “I’m kvelling that we are still celebrating after 25 years. What an epic event tonight has been!”

The 26th annual AJFF dates are Feb. 18 to March 15.