AJFF Opening Gala Outdoes Previous Year
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AJFF Opening Gala Outdoes Previous Year

Gov. Brian Kemp. Kenny Blank, and Holly Firfer were among the “stars” on hand to address the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival crowd.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe February 28, 2024, 10:18 am Edit

After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.

  • Governor Brian Kemp touted the cultural role the AJFF brings to Georgia as one of the biggest film festivals in the U.S.
    Governor Brian Kemp touted the cultural role the AJFF brings to Georgia as one of the biggest film festivals in the U.S.
  • AJFF Executive and Artistic Director Kenny Blank (right) concurred with event co-chair Martha Jo Katz about how far the festival has progressed in almost 25 years // All Photos by Howard Mendel
    AJFF Executive and Artistic Director Kenny Blank (right) concurred with event co-chair Martha Jo Katz about how far the festival has progressed in almost 25 years // All Photos by Howard Mendel
  • 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.
    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.
  • Lisa Lack and Leslie Gordon from The Breman Museum, chat with sponsor Ed Mendel and Dale DeSena (right).
    Lisa Lack and Leslie Gordon from The Breman Museum, chat with sponsor Ed Mendel and Dale DeSena (right).
  • Holly Firfer, who introduced “Irina’s Vow,” chatted with Greg Kaufman, and Ryan Posner. Kaufman got his satin jacket in Las Vegas for the event.
    Holly Firfer, who introduced “Irina’s Vow,” chatted with Greg Kaufman, and Ryan Posner. Kaufman got his satin jacket in Las Vegas for the event.
  • Ted Blum, Leah Blum, event co-chair, walked the red carpet with aunt, Judy Landy.
    Ted Blum, Leah Blum, event co-chair, walked the red carpet with aunt, Judy Landy.
  • Having recently opened in Dunwoody, the Message in a Bottle crew served grouper ceviche while giving back to the community. Owner David Abes is pictured on the right.
    Having recently opened in Dunwoody, the Message in a Bottle crew served grouper ceviche while giving back to the community. Owner David Abes is pictured on the right.
  • Film fan Eric Miller sampled a smoked beet shot from The General Muir.
    Film fan Eric Miller sampled a smoked beet shot from The General Muir.
  • Georgia Congresswoman Esther Panitch was looking forward to Governor Kemp’s entrance.
    Georgia Congresswoman Esther Panitch was looking forward to Governor Kemp’s entrance.

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.”

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 Springs City Council mebers John Paulson (District 1) and Melissa Mulas (District 3).

Paul Root Wolpe stated that he was looking forward to “The Future,” a chamber piece intertwining politics and technology in a psychological drama, where an Israeli squares off with a Palestinian assassin. Others, like Producer Level sponsor Ed Mendel, were anticipating good things from the documentary celebrating the life of Gene Wilder.

Food partners were Alma Cocina Buckhead, C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar, Ecco Buckhead, Il Giallo Osteria and Bar, Imperial Fez, Message in a Bottle, The General Muir, City Bar, and The Select. Longtime community partner, David Abes, who recently opened Message in a Bottle in Dunwoody, served shot glasses of grouper ceviche with Aji Amarillo aioli, topped with shredded crispy tortillas.

He commented, “We have always been driven to give back to the community. Here, tonight, in Sandy Springs, just a hop from Dunwoody, makes perfect sense.”

Having recently opened in Dunwoody, the Message in a Bottle crew served grouper ceviche while giving back to the community. Owner David Abes is pictured on the right.

Another popular station was The General Muir, which served chilled smoked beet shots, herb oil, and a mini potato and onion knish with crème fraiche. A dessert table was accented with fresh strawberries, offerings from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and a variety of cookies and chocolaty treats. Among such hearty appetites, a few places ran out of food early.

Gathering in the theatre for show time, Blank partnered with Dov Wilker, executive director of the American Jewish Committee, appearing in a video about their forged partnership with keeping the community informed and engaging public officials, “especially during difficult times and utilizing their professional teams to unite for common missions.”

Lisa Lack and Leslie Gordon from The Breman Museum, chat with sponsor Ed Mendel and Dale DeSena (right).

Dina Gerson, president of the AJFF Board of Directors, gave her best “shout out” to Coca-Cola for its steadfast partnership and for sponsoring that night’s film. All eyes awaited Governor Kemp who received a standing ovation before he praised the AJFF for being one of the world’s biggest with the “richness in culture that it brings.”

He spoke of his family’s recent visit to Israel before Oct. 7, saying, “It’s hard to fathom what happened just months after our visit.” He commended Panitch and State Rep. John Carson for taking action to get the Antisemitism Bill signed into law, and concluded, “Hate has no place in Georgia.”

Holly Firfer, star and longtime CNN professional, introduced the feature film, “Irina’s Vow,” by saluting “The Righteous Among Nations where non-Jews perform selfless acts and take risks rejecting the path of indifference. This saga beckons us to heed the lessons of history. We all hold the power to help shape the world.”

After the movie, Irina’s daughter and the actress who portrayed Irina, appeared on stage.

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