25 LC 112 3268
House Resolution 568
By: Representatives Panitch of the 51
st
, Roberts of the 52
nd
, Tran of the 80
th
, Hagan of the
156
th
, Cummings of the 39
th
, and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival for 25 years of artistic and cultural excellence;
1
and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) is the largest film festival in Atlanta3
and the State of Georgia and is one of the most prestigious Jewish film festivals in the world,4
attracting tens of thousands of attendees annually; and5
WHEREAS, since its founding in 2000 by the Atlanta Regional Office of the American6
Jewish Committee (AJC), AJFF has entertained, educated, and engaged diverse audiences7
through Jewish storytelling, inspiring greater social and cultural understanding across8
communities; and9
WHEREAS, AJFF continues to partner with religious, ethnic, cultural, and educational10
organizations—including public and private schools, colleges, and universities—to foster11
deeper dialogue and strengthen bonds between communities; and12
WHEREAS, AJFF is recognized as one of Georgia's most significant cultural events, ranking13
among the highest-attended film festivals worldwide, growing from its inaugural audience14
of 1,900 filmgoers to a record-breaking annual attendance of more than 40,000; and15
H. R. 568
- 1 - 25 LC 112 3268
WHEREAS, the 25th Anniversary Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, taking place February 19
16
to March 16, 2025, features 88 theatrical screenings of 64 films from 22 countries across17
multiple metro Atlanta venues, along with a 10-day streaming window offering 32 titles for18
statewide streaming throughout Georgia; and19
WHEREAS, during its 10th anniversary, AJFF expanded its cultural footprint by presenting20
a landmark concert of iconic Jewish film scores in partnership with Turner Classic Movies21
and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; and22
WHEREAS, in 2015, AJFF made history by becoming the largest Jewish film festival in the23
world, reinforcing Georgia's reputation as a vibrant hub for film and the arts; and24
WHEREAS, as part of its 25th anniversary milestone, AJFF hosted a Field Trip Screening25
event of Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire, welcoming more than 500 students from public and26
private schools across metro Atlanta, with a post-film Q&A featuring the filmmaker to27
engage young audiences in the lessons of Holocaust history and human rights; and28
WHEREAS, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, AJFF has launched the Kenny Blank29
Vision Initiative, a $2.5 million capital campaign aimed at transforming the organization into30
a year-round Jewish cultural institution by expanding programs in community relations,31
education, direct filmmaker support, accessibility, and innovation; and32
WHEREAS, the 25th anniversary of AJFF marks a pivotal moment in its evolution,33
transitioning from a once-a-year festival into a global leader in Jewish arts and culture34
dedicated to fostering creative expression and connecting diverse audiences through the35
power of film.36
H. R. 568
- 2 - 25 LC 112 3268
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
37
the members of this body commend the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival for 25 years of artistic38
excellence, cultural impact, and commitment to strengthening the Atlanta community39
through film and dialogue.40
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized41
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the42
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival.43
H. R. 568
- 3 -