Film and Food Get Creative

What better combination than Jews, food and film? Bustling scenes of Sandra and Clive Bank, owners of Added Touch Catering, schlepping, pouring, arranging, dipping, and refilling won’t be as vivid with the 2021 reimagined Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. They are, however, behind the scenes planning and executing a newly fashioned partnership with the festival’s events. The AJFF will also “produce” Festival in a Box for opening night.

On Jan. 25, AJFF Zoomed the First Look Insider Preview Virtual Cinema, a free event explaining this year’s hybrid format and upcoming movie lineup. That night, Added Touch offered a winter-inspired meal with several choices.

Added Touch Catering will offer boxed food options for opening and closing night films.

The AJFF’s virtual home movie options (smart TV, tablet, mobile device, home theater) span 12 days, starting Feb. 17, and offers world class films – narratives, shorts and documentaries. Closing night is Feb. 28, with an awards show March 10.

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Those purchasing a ticket to the events will have the option to purchase a gourmet meal that can be picked up or delivered (within a limited radius at an additional charge).

Food on opening night features Party-in-a-Box with choice of hummus, meat or vegetarian charcuterie board, and dessert. Early birds get a bottle of wine. Each box serves two people for $45. Orders should be placed by Feb 15 for pickup or delivery on Feb 17, opening night. The film is “Kiss Me Kosher” streaming at 7 p.m.

Closing night, “Jew-lish-ous” menu with a modern take on classics: Reuben egg roll, salmon patty, chopped liver, latkes, Israeli salad, pickles, raspberry hamantashen and mandel bread.  A box serving two people is $48. Orders must be placed by Feb. 25 for delivery or pickup of the Feb. 28 movie night. The film is “Howie Mandel: But, Enough About Me” streaming at 7 pm.

Sandra Bank cited the company’s history with the AJFF. “We go back many years with the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. I’ve always believed in the concept, and it helps that Clive is such an avid movie addict! Like everyone, AJFF has had to pivot, and we’ve some up with some new ideas. We have normally been a generous sponsor of the opening night. COVID-19 has not made that a viable possibility.

“We, ourselves, are very strict in our kitchen. All deliveries and staff enter and exit from the same door, temperatures registered, etc. It’s a new world. Hopefully 2022 will be back to ‘the new normal’ whatever that may be.”

Not part of Added Touch, the AJFF offers Festival in A Box, a special opportunity for opening night ticketholders who will receive a box full of fun comfort items needed to create the perfect stay-at-home viewing experience, including snacks, cozy layers, and more supported by the Sandy Springs Arts Foundation. The full contents will be a surprise!

For details on tickets and food, visit AJFF at www.ajff.org.